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© 2026 Trailrace.co. All rights reserved.

Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

Devil on the Divide 50K

  1. 2026 Edition

One of the most beautiful and challenging trail races in Colorado

Directions
Registration OpensFebruary 01, 2026
DeadlineSeptember 08, 2026
Find a Qualifier
Register

Frequently asked questions

When is Devil on the Divide 50K?

Devil on the Divide 50K takes place on September 12, 2026 in Empire, CO.

How long is Devil on the Divide 50K?

Devil on the Divide 50K is 29.7 miles with 7,360 ft of elevation gain.

Does Devil on the Divide 50K have a lottery?

No — Devil on the Divide 50K uses open registration; no lottery is required.

Is crew allowed at Devil on the Divide 50K?

Yes, crew is allowed at Devil on the Divide 50K. Sign in to Trailrace to see crew access for each aid station.

Are pacers allowed at Devil on the Divide 50K?

No, pacers are not allowed at Devil on the Divide 50K.

Are drop bags allowed at Devil on the Divide 50K?

Yes, Devil on the Divide 50K allows drop bags.

How many aid stations does Devil on the Divide 50K have?

Devil on the Divide 50K has 5 aid stations along the course.

What is the cutoff time for Devil on the Divide 50K?

The overall cutoff for Devil on the Divide 50K is 11h. Per-aid-station cutoffs are available to signed-in Trailrace members.

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All trail races in Colorado→
September 12, 2026
Saturday 7:00am MDT start
Empire, CO
United States
29.7 miles
Point to Point Course
7,360 ft
Elevation Gain
32°F – 69°FTemp Range
40% – 43%Cloud Cover
0% (0.11 in)Precipitation
9 mph – 10 mphWind Speed
53% – 59%Humidity
5:41 AMSunrise
6:18 PMSunset
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
Qualifier
Distance qualifier required (50K)
Challenging
Some ultra experience recommended
Fills Up Fast
High demand — register as soon as possible
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebook
2014
Established
350
Field Size
85%
Finish Rate
4:19 M / 5:10 W
Course Record

What Makes It Great

The flagship event is a point-to-point course that climbs 6,500 feet, reaches a high point of 13,200 feet along the Continental Divide, and keeps 80 percent of its miles above 10,000 feet - making it the highest 50K in Colorado and likely the highest in the United States. The entire course is on dirt, with the majority on singletrack trail. The race requires prior ultra experience to register, and cuts close to 350 participants total across both distances. It has developed a tight-knit community of repeat runners and long-tenured volunteers, and the 2025 edition sold out entirely. It's held each September to take advantage of Colorado's late-summer alpine window before early-season snow arrives.

Difficulty

Intermediate
4/10

Some ultra experience recommended

Technical Terrain
Steep Climbing
Technical Descent
High Altitude

Race Highlights

Highest in the Country
The highest 50K in the United States, topping out at 13,200 feet on the Continental Divide with 80% of the course above 10,000 feet
A Race That Sells Itself
Consistently sells out, with a loyal community of returning runners and volunteers who have been with the race since its founding in 2014
Alpine Timing
Late September puts runners in Colorado's prime high-country window - stunning fall conditions, but with real consequences if weather turns

Devil on the Divide 50K

Empire, CO, United StatesSeptember 12, 2026

September 12, 2026
Course map for Devil on the Divide 50K
DistDistance29.7 mi
GainElevation Gain7,360 ft
LimitCutoff11 h
Terrain Technical Terrain
Steep ClimbingTechnical DescentHigh Altitude

Entry Timeline

Registration OpensFebruary 01, 2026
Registration DeadlineSeptember 08, 2026
Race DaySeptember 12, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

Requiredfor race entry

Must complete a 50K race or longer within the qualification window

Must have previous ultra experience. High altitude experience recommended.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.

Terrain

Technical Difficulty7/10

Challenging terrain with rocks, roots, and steep grades

29.7 mi
Distance
Point to Point
Route
11h
Cutoff Time
11,325 ft
Average Elevation
7,360 ft
Total Ascent
9,100 ft
Total Descent
13,235 ft
High Point
8,576 ft
Low Point
Course map
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations

LocationMileElevation
Start
Start
0.010,325 ft
Mile 4
Aid Station
4.112,247 ft
Herman Gulch - Mile 14
Aid Station
14.110,325 ft
Mile 17
Aid Station
16.711,699 ft
Mile 21
Aid Station
21.111,850 ft
Bard Creek - Mile 25.5
Aid Station
24.910,246 ft
Finish
Finish
29.78,586 ft

Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.

Dogs Allowed

No dogs on course.

On-Site Camping Available

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

No Pacers Allowed

Crew Rules

No crew rules specified

Daylight
12h 37m
5:41 AM6:18 PM
60°F / 38°F
Temperature Hi/Lo
0% (0.09 in)
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
56%
Humidity
41%
Cloud Cover
Based on historical averages for September 12

Weather can be a major factor. Dress accordingly. Be prepared for rain, lighting, hail, snow and freezing temperatures.

Lightning/Thunderstorm Risk
High Altitude
Rapid Weather Changes

Gear Rules

Trekking poles allowed

Required Gear

  • 24oz water capacity (minimum)
  • Emergency blanket
  • Whistle

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Featured Videos

Colorado's Toughest 50k ULTRA // Devil on the Divide Trail Race
Colorado's Toughest 50k ULTRA // Devil on the Divide Trail Race
See Chad Run•2023

Race Reports

Devil on the Divide 50K
By Ben Conners • 2021

Reviews

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Register•September 12, 2026