A high-altitude crossing of the San Juans from Ouray to Telluride over 13,114-foot Imogene Pass
Other trail races within 52 miles
A 17.1-mile point-to-point mountain race connecting the historic mining towns of Ouray and Telluride via 13,114-foot Imogene Pass in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. The course follows old Camp Bird and Tomboy mining roads, climbing 5,300 feet to one of the highest motorized road crossings in the US before descending into Telluride. Held on the first Saturday after Labor Day, the race is defined by its dramatic altitude and notoriously variable September weather — runners have encountered everything from perfect sunshine to blizzards with whiteout conditions at the summit.
Experienced ultrarunners
Ouray, CO, United StatesSeptember 12, 2026
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Start Start | 0.0 | 7,808 ft |
Canyon Creek Aid Station | 2.3 | 8,520 ft |
Lower Camp Bird Aid Station | 5.1 | 9,767 ft |
Upper Camp Bird Aid Station | 7.6 | 11,234 ft |
Imogene Pass Summit Aid Station | 10.1 | 13,120 ft |
Tomboy Aid Station | 12.0 | 11,529 ft |
Social Tunnel Aid Station | 14.3 | 10,486 ft |
Finish Finish | 17.1 | 8,819 ft |
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Early September in Colorado's San Juan Mountains brings famously variable conditions. Start temperatures in Ouray typically range from the mid-30s to low 50s°F. At 13,114-foot Imogene Pass, temperatures are often at or below freezing at the 7:30 AM start, with strong winds and possible snow. Afternoon thunderstorms are typical of the season, and fast-moving cold fronts have transformed clear mornings into whiteout conditions mid-race. Racers have experienced sun, rain, snow, and near-whiteout conditions in the same event across the 50+ year history.
Summit reaches 13,114 ft; significant portions of the course above 11,000 ft — altitude acclimatization is important
Early September San Juan weather is notoriously unpredictable; race has seen clear skies and blizzards in the same event
Summit temperatures can drop to freezing or below even on mild mornings in Ouray; wind chill can be severe above treeline
Exposed ridgelines and summit terrain heighten lightning risk during afternoon storm buildup typical of late summer
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