Three loops through Cuyamaca Rancho and the Anza Borrego Desert
Other trail races within 149 miles
A 101-kilometer, three-loop race through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, about one hour east of San Diego. Loop 1 (32 miles) is the longest and most demanding, traversing the western side of the park through oak woodlands and pine forests before summiting Cuyamaca Peak at 6,512 feet. Loop 2 (13 miles) cuts through the park's southeastern corner near Oakzanita Peak. Loop 3 (18 miles) heads north through meadows and around Lake Cuyamaca, briefly entering Anza Borrego Desert State Park along the Pacific Crest Trail with sweeping desert views before returning south to the finish. The three-loop design means runners pass through the start/finish crew zone twice mid-race. 8,800 feet of climbing, a 19-hour cutoff, and a 50K qualifier requirement keep the 250-person field experienced.
Some ultra experience recommended
Descanso, CA, United StatesOctober 03, 2026
Must complete a 50K race or longer within the qualification window
All entrants must have completed a verifiable 50K or longer trail race in the current year or the prior calendar year. Pending qualifiers allowed at registration with notification to race director upon completion.
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Camp Cuyamaca (Start) Start | 0.0 | 4,098 ft |
Merrigan Aid Station Aid Station | 8.4 | 3,415 ft |
Green Valley Aid Station | 14.2 | 3,980 ft |
Cuyamaca Peak Aid Station | 23.2 | 6,476 ft |
Paso Picacho Aid Station | 28.2 | 4,890 ft |
Camp Cuyamaca (End Loop 1 / Start Loop 2) Aid Station | 31.8 | 4,080 ft |
East Mesa Trailhead Aid Station | 39.8 | 3,930 ft |
Camp Cuyamaca (End Loop 2 / Start Loop 3) Aid Station | 44.6 | 4,080 ft |
Sunrise Aid Station | 51.4 | 5,058 ft |
Pedro Fages Aid Station | 56.0 | 4,680 ft |
Camp Cuyamaca (Finish) Finish | 62.8 | 4,080 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Dogs are not allowed on state park trails. Race organizers ask that runners and crews not bring dogs to the race. Aid station captains have authority to ask you to control or remove your dog, and non-compliance may result in disqualification.
Car camping permitted at Camp Cuyamaca start/finish. Tent camping not allowed at start/finish area. Bunk beds available in the Camp Cuyamaca dorms at $53/person/night — reserve through Ultrasignup when registering. Additional camping at Paso Picacho and Green Valley campgrounds within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Lake Cuyamaca Resort nearby.
October in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park brings mild conditions at higher elevations — daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F with clear skies typical. The Anza Borrego desert section on Loop 3 can be warmer and more exposed. Nights cool significantly to the 40s–50s°F at the 4,000+ ft start/finish, and strong winds are common on the desert ridgelines. Runners should carry a wind layer for the Loop 3 night sections. Thunderstorms are rare in early October but conditions can shift quickly.
October daytime temps can reach the low 80s°F, especially in exposed sections and the Anza Borrego desert on Loop 3.
Strong winds common at night in the Anza Borrego desert section and along PCT ridgelines during Loop 3.
Nighttime temperatures at 4,000–6,500 ft can drop into the 40s°F; mandatory night layers recommended.
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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