California's highest ultra — 32 miles through alpine lakes and a 11,053ft summit
Other trail races within 140 miles
A high-altitude single-loop course through the Eastern Sierra's Lakes Basin, starting and finishing at the Village at Mammoth Mountain. The 32-mile route meanders past seven spectacular alpine lakes on a mix of buttery singletrack, rocky technical trail, and soft pumice before summiting Mammoth Mountain via the iconic Dragon's Back Trail at 11,053 feet. With an average elevation above 9,100 feet and 7,000 feet of vertical gain, this is California's highest ultramarathon. Generous 12-hour cutoffs and 6 well-stocked aid stations make it accessible to a wide range of abilities — the race drew 671 starters in 2025, billing itself as the largest 50K in America.
Some ultra experience recommended
Mammoth Lakes, CA, United StatesSeptember 26, 2026
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Start, Village Plaza Start | 0.0 | 8,071 ft |
A1: Twin Lakes Aid Station | 5.2 | 8,566 ft |
A2: Duck Pass TH Aid Station | 8.8 | 9,117 ft |
A3: Horseshoe Lake Aid Station | 13.8 | 8,980 ft |
A4: Summit Aid Station | 18.3 | 10,984 ft |
A5: Main Lodge Aid Station | 22.0 | 8,914 ft |
A6: Canyon Lodge Aid Station | 29.0 | 8,330 ft |
Finish, Village Plaza Finish | 31.7 | 8,074 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Average elevation above 9,100ft with a 11,053ft summit — significant altitude stress for those not acclimatized
Afternoon thunderstorms possible in the Sierra Nevada in September; exposed ridgelines near summit
Night temperatures at elevation can drop near freezing; 12-hour cutoff means late finishers may run in the dark and cold
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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