Pincushion Hill Climb
Friant, United States • 12 Sep 2026
Pincushion Hill Climb
The Pincushion Hill Climb is a chip timed hill climb held at the South Finegold picnic area in Friant, California, at the end of Sky Harbor Road. The course starts at the San Joaquin River Trailhead in the South Finegold picnic area (Millerton Lake SRA) and finishes at the top of Pincushion Mountain. The main climb covers 1 mile of continuous ascent.
The event includes individual and team categories. Top three male and female finishers receive special prizes, and age group winners receive awards. All finishers receive a custom finisher award; event shirts are available for an additional fee.
A Mountain Goat edition runs alongside the main event. A participant’s first ascent is timed for the regular results. After that first run, participants have up to four hours in total to complete as many additional trips to Pincushion Peak as they can. At least two completed trips to the top are required to be considered a Mountain Goat. The first descent must follow the longer return route of just over 1.5 miles; subsequent descents may follow the ascent route. Mountain Goat finishers receive a special award and the top male and female Mountain Goat finishers receive additional awards.
If the event is canceled because of California State Parks closures or wildfire restrictions imposed by county or state authorities, registered participants will be moved to a virtual race and event packets will be mailed with no refunds offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.