West Elk Challenge

West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon

The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-point trail race through the North Fork Valley in western Colorado during peak fall color. The event offers two course options:

• Marathon approximately 26.2 miles
• 30K approximately 30 km (18.5 miles)

The full course starts at Crawford State Park and follows paved and gravel roads through farms and ranches at the base of Needle Rock before entering the Gunnison National Forest. Runners move onto singletrack and climb the slopes of Mt. Lamborn, gaining over 4,000 feet to reach Inter-Ocean Pass at about 9,762 feet. The route then descends through spruce, aspen, and oak, passes Lone Cabin Reservoir, and finishes in the town of Paonia along the North Fork of the Gunnison River.

Most of the course is on gravel roads and singletrack, with only a few paved miles at the beginning and end. The 30K begins near the US Forest Service boundary and joins the marathon route on the climb over Inter-Ocean Pass. The race includes five aid stations located near miles 7, 11, 15, 19, and 22 that provide water, snacks, first aid supplies, and volunteers. A free pre race shuttle serves Paonia and the start areas; 30K participants must use shuttle transport to their start. Proceeds support the Nature Connection Scholarship Fund. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.