West Elk Challenge

The West Elk Challenge is a scenic point-to-point trail marathon held in the North Fork Valley of Colorado, showcasing the peak fall colors. The 26.2-mile course starts at Crawford Reservoir State Park, traversing gravel roads through farms near Needle Rock, then climbing singletrack trails on Mt. Lamborn to the 9,762-foot Inter-Ocean Pass.

Runners descend through diverse forests and past Lone Cabin Reservoir, finishing in Paonia along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Over half the route is on single-track trails. A new 30K option is available, starting near the USFS boundary.

The event features aid stations, shuttle service, and a post-race party, supporting the Nature Connection’s Scholarship Fund to promote outdoor access for families. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.