Thunder Mountain 50K Trail Challenge

Kit Carson, United States • 8 Aug 2026

Thunder Mountain Trail Challenge

The Thunder Mountain Trail Challenge is a trail running event near Kit Carson, California, in the High Sierra. The course is set around the Lake Tahoe Basin and uses the Horse Canyon Trail Junction as a key location.

Distances offered include:

  • 50K
  • 21 Miler
  • 10.5 Miler
  • 5.6 Miler

The route for the main event is three loops that descend to the bottom of Thunder Mountain and cross multiple alpine vistas. The course description notes 7,700 feet of trail elevation and an elevation around 7,400 feet above sea level. Course markings include ribbons, signs and gypsum.

On-site logistics include bib pick-up and registration on race day, and race day registration is available. Aid stations are provided along the courses. All finishers receive a commemorative medal. Detailed course maps are provided for each distance and a fuller course description is available from the event organizer.

The event description characterizes the terrain as an alpine trail running experience and advises appropriate dress for endurance running. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
50k
21 mi
21 Miler
11 mi
10.5 Miler
6 mi
5.6 Miler
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Trail races from 5K to 50K around Jenkinson Lake on May 9, 2026, with a 100 runner daily cap. Parking and registration are at the Scales Parking Lot; most distances finish at the Waterfall Trailhead and a $5 day use fee applies.

A 200 mile trail race around Lake Tahoe on sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail, featuring lake views, aspen meadows, rock gardens, small alpine lakes and long ridgelines. The event dates are June 12–16, 2026.

A 100-kilometer ultramarathon near Lake Tahoe with 11,500 feet of climbing and over 23,000 feet of elevation change on mostly singletrack. The course reaches about 9,800 feet and passes Star Lake.

A multi-distance trail event on August 22, 2026 around Jenkinson Lake with a 100-runner daily cap, starts at Scales Parking Lot and most races finish at the Waterfall Trailhead, with aid stations and a $5 day use parking fee.

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