Course Overview
The Royal Gorge Groove 5K is a 3.1-mile trail run taking place in April near Cañon City, Colorado. Starting at 9:00 AM from the Royal Gorge Ranch & Resort, this shorter distance offers about 300 feet of climbing with a high point around 6,360 feet elevation. The course provides a taste of the Royal Gorge area's terrain without the commitment of the longer distances. Expect relatively modest elevation gain spread across the route, with the trail likely offering glimpses of the surrounding Colorado landscape. April weather can be unpredictable in this part of Colorado — while snow is uncommon, temperatures will likely be cool, so dress accordingly. This distance works well for runners looking for a shorter trail experience or those wanting to test their legs on Colorado terrain without a major climbing challenge. The 10-hour cutoff gives even slower runners plenty of time to enjoy the course and finish comfortably.