Sangre de Cristo Trail Festival

Sangre de Cristo Trail Festival

The Sangre de Cristo Trail Festival is a multi distance trail and ultramarathon event held on the Rainbow Trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The 2026 running takes place on September 26 and 27, with a combined runner capacity of 350 and time limits that vary by distance.

Distances offered include:

• 100-Mile
• 100k
• 50-Mile
• 50k
• 27k
• 8-Mile

Start and finish are at Greenhorn / Music Meadows Ranch near the Grape Creek Trailhead in Westcliffe, Colorado. The 100 mile distance has an overall cut off of 38 hours. Mid race drop down options are available for several distances at designated points; drop downs require checking in at the specified locations and do not qualify for refunds or credits.

Support and logistics: the event provides well stocked aid stations, gender specific race shirts, and finisher medals. Drop bags are allowed at Music Meadows and at specific aid stations such as Horn Creek and Venable. Camping is permitted with limits on trailer length and tent space reservation requirements; sleeping in vehicles on site is allowed without charge. Crew and pacer access is restricted by distance and permit conditions; pacers are not allowed for the 8 Mile, 27k, or 50k distances.

Participant requirements include a volunteer service rule for 100 mile entrants of eight hours of certified trail or race volunteer work within a specified window, or an option to pay a buy out fee. The event operates under permits from the U.S. Forest Service, San Isabel National Forest San Carlos Ranger District, and private land owners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.