
Rock River Canyon

- Date
- Jun 26, 2027
- Distances
- 50K · 27K
The Rock River Canyon 50K is a magnificent route through high country and remote river valleys south of Munising. The course begins at the Valley Spur Lodge south of Munising and follows a rarely followed section of the North Country Trail to AuTrain and then on to the Rock River Canyon Wilderness. Runners then turn back for an eastward retrace back to Valley Spur. Single track comprises 26 miles of the route while dirt forest road makes up the remaining 5.
Runners who want to immerse themselves in the wild backcountry of the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Zen quality single track have now found their experience. With 4390 ft of elevation change over 31 miles runners will enjoy frequent but not overwhelming ascents and descents. I would describe it as highly runable and even a fast course for the experienced ultra runner. It's moderate, non-technical terrain make it an ideal step up for the marathoner wishing to try their first ultra.
Good to know
Valley Spur Lodge Friday, June 25 5:00pm-8:00pm Saturday, June 26 7:00am-8:45am
15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Nearest Airport: Marquette, MI (also known as KI Sawyer International) one hour drive time. Host Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Lakeview, Munising, MI (overlooking Lake Superior). Reservations recommended: 906.387.4800 Chamber of Commerce: 906.387.2138 Chamber of Commerce Website: www.algercounty.org The drive from Detroit Metro to Munising is at least seven (7) hours.
Dogs are allowed in the start/finish area but not on the race course. Please pick up animal waste.
Pick your distance
The numbers for each course, straight from the race page. Compare them side by side below.
- 50K Men's
- 4:12:09 | Alex Dennis (2021)
- 27K Men's
- 2:28:33 | Ryan Smith (2025)
- 2026
- Results |
- 2025
- Results |
- Women's
- 4:59:17 | Rachel Gibson (2021)
Compare the distances
| 50K | 27K | |
|---|---|---|
| 50K Men's | 4:12:09 | Alex Dennis (2021) | – |
| 27K Men's | 2:28:33 | Ryan Smith (2025) | – |
| 2026 | Results | | – |
| 2025 | Results | | – |
| Women's | 4:59:17 | Rachel Gibson (2021) | 3:03:44 | Chelsey Attebery (2024) |
Course & location
Rock River Canyon Wilderness, Munising, MI




