Cirque Series - Alta

Cirque Series - Alta

Cirque Series Alta is a mountain trail race in Alta, Utah held on August 15, 2026. The course is 7.1 miles with 2,545 feet of elevation gain and is capped at 500 runners. The route runs clockwise and begins at the base of Goldminer's Daughter (elevation 8,650 ft).

The course follows a service road and the Albion Meadows Trail through subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and aspen forest. Runners pass an old ski lift chair and Snake Pit creek, then exit to Albion Meadows with views of Devils Castle. A narrow single track leads to Alf's mid mountain restaurant (elevation 9,200 ft). The route continues under the Sugarloaf lift line, through the Keyhole and a high alpine meadow, and climbs to the top of Collins (elevation 10,400 ft) where an aid station is located.

The route crosses the East Baldy Traverse toward Sugarloaf Pass (elevation 10,500 ft) and ascends the ridge to Mt. Baldy summit (elevation 11,068 ft). A very steep section with loose rock may require using hands to ascend. The northwest ridge descent can be snowy; caution is advised. Runners then pass Wildcat Lift (9,780 ft), follow a service road past Watson Shelter (9,280 ft) where another aid station sits, and return to the start near the Collins Lift (8,530 ft). The course lies within the Salt Lake Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Safety procedures include orange flagging to mark the route, a strict cut-off at Alf's Lodge (30 minutes for the first 1.7 miles and 700 feet of gain), and protocols for shouting "rock" if a loose rock is dislodged. The course is subject to change. Each competitor receives a running hat, logoed bib and medal, a swag bag, and race photos. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.