From Marathons to Mountain Biking: Six Epic Greater Zion Events in October

As autumn breezes into Southwest Utah, the lower temperatures transform Greater Zion into a stage for high-adrenaline exploits and professional competition. With cooler temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and a packed event calendar, this is one of the best times of the year to visit.

From roaring off-road vehicles to the precision of pro golfers, here are six Greater Zion events that you’ll want on your October itinerary.

1. Trail Hero

📅 September 29 – October 4, 2025 | Hurricane, Utah

Buckle up! October kicks off with The Monster Energy Trail Hero Powered by Greater Zion. This off-roading event is as much about community as it is about adventure. But Trail Hero is more than horsepower; it’s heart. According to Rich Klein, President of The Trail Hero, this event “focuses on how to help support the needs of our Veterans and giving disabled veterans, special needs children, and special needs adults access to public lands.” 

Adding to the excitement, The Trail Hero Music Fest returns October 2 – 4 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Hurricane, Utah. Nightly concerts begin at 7 PM, and country star Rodney Atkins headlines on Saturday night. Trail Hero is about off roading by day and enjoying live music at night.

2. St. George Marathon

📅 October 4, 2025 | St. George, Utah

One of the most beloved marathons in the country, the St. George Marathon attracts thousands of runners every October. Rated by Runner’s World as a “Marathon to Build a Vacation Around,”  and USA Today Top 10 Readers’ Choice Award as the “3rd Best Marathon in the Nation.” This race begins in the high mountains of Pine Valley and winds downhill into the heart of St. George. 

Even if you’re not chasing a record, the electric atmosphere, supportive crowds, and perfect fall running weather make it an unforgettable experience. Spectators can line the streets to cheer on the participants. The finish-line festival is a celebration you don’t want to miss.

3. Huntsman World Senior Games

📅 October 6 – 18, 2025 | Greater Zion

The world’s largest multi-sport event for athletes 50 and older calls Greater Zion home each fall. With competitors traveling from over 30 countries, the Huntsman World Senior Games brings together more than 11,000 participants across 40+ sports, from archery and swimming to soccer and even square dancing. The Opening Ceremonies on October 4th are a can’t-miss spectacle, filled with pageantry, music, and fireworks. Beyond the competition, the games promote health and friendship, while showcasing the this Greater Zion event in a stunning natural arena.

4. Red Bull Rampage

📅 October 16 & 18, 2025 | Virgin, Utah

If adrenaline is your thing, mark your calendar for Red Bull Rampage, the Super Bowl of freeride mountain biking. The event is so legendary that fans from across the globe travel here to watch athletes redefine gravity. 

Set against the rugged cliffs and mesas of Virgin, Utah, this event pushes the limits of what’s possible on two wheels. Riders carve, flip, and drop down some of the most extreme terrain on Earth. The world’s top females will compete on October 16th, followed by the males on October 18th. Only the bravest walk away with the coveted Rampage trophy. 

5. Bank of Utah Championship (PGA Tour)

📅 October 23 – 26, 2025 | Ivins, Utah

Golf fans, get ready — the PGA Tour is back in Greater Zion for its second year! After making history in 2024 as the first PGA Tour event in Utah in nearly six decades, The Bank of Utah Championship (formally the Black Desert Championship) returns to Black Desert Resort. 

The par-72 course, co-designed by Phil Smith and the late Tom Weiskopf (his final masterpiece before being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame), winds dramatically through ancient lava flows and desert cliffs. The result? One of the most scenic and distinctive courses in the PGA Tour lineup. From lifelong golfers to fans who enjoy a world-class sporting event, the Bank of Utah Championship is an experience you will want to witness.

6. 2025 USPSA Nationals

📅October 24 – 26, 2025 (pre-match October 22 – 23, 2025) | Hurricane, UT

The USPSA Nationals return to Southwest Utah, bringing together some of the best shooters in the country for a week of skill, speed, and precision. This premier competition challenges participants across various stages, each designed to test accuracy and focus in exciting ways. Competitors and spectators alike will enjoy the impressive skills and the strong sense of camaraderie that make this Greater Zion event truly special.

Plan Your October Adventure

With sunny days, cool evenings, and landscapes painted in coal black, burnt orange, and golden yellow, October is the perfect time to attend a Greater Zion event. Whether you’re here to cheer on world-class athletes or soak up the awe-inspiring vistas, there’s something unforgettable waiting for you. Start planning your trip today with a visitor guide. 

For more details about notable events in Greater Zion, check out our calendar or contact local event organizers using one of the links above.