Event Description

Run, walk, and hike your way through the fall foliage of the West Elk Mountains! 

The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-pount trail marathon through the heart of the West Elk Mountain range during the peak of fall colors. 

The race starts on the shores of Crawford Reservoir State Park and travels on gravel roads through the farms and ranches at the base of the iconic Needle Rock. Soon thereafter, the trail enters the Gunnison National Forest and begins climbing the singletrack through golden aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn. After about 5 miles of climbing, runners top the 9,762 foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass, and descend through spruce, aspen and oak, past Lone Cabin Reservoir to the town of Paonia and end along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The race is on single-track trails for over half of the course!

Post-race festivities include food trucks and beer at the Paonia River Park. Free shuttle is provided pre-race from Paonia to the starting line at Crawford State Park. As well, shuttles will be provided back to Crawford State Park for those runners who choose to drive to the start line (please note that a $10 park fee is required if you drive yourself to the start line).

This challenge is a fundraiser for the Nature Connection’s Scholarship Fund, whose mission is to break down barriers to get kids and families outside.