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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

North Fork 50K

Basic Listing
  1. Aravaipa Running
  2. 2026 Edition

Singletrack 50K through pine forest, wildfire burn terrain, and granite formations near Denver

Directions
DeadlineMay 26, 2026
This event took place on May 30, 2026

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Other trail races within 34 miles

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Qualifier Req

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7,360 ft gain
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All trail races in Colorado→
May 30, 2026
Saturday 7:00am MDT start
Buffalo Creek, CO
United States
30.8 miles
Loop Course
3,820 ft
Elevation Gain
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Beginner Friendly
Suitable for first-timers
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebook
3:42 M / 4:28 W
Course Record

What Makes It Great

A 50K loop through the Pike National Forest just southwest of Denver, sharing much of the same character as its 50-mile sibling. The course runs entirely on soft-surface singletrack through ponderosa pine forest, open 1996 wildfire burn terrain with panoramic views, and past striking granite rock formations. Approachable elevation gain and a 13-hour cutoff make this an excellent mountain 50K for runners moving up in distance.

Difficulty

Entry-Level
3/10

Suitable for first-timers

Technical Terrain
Steep Climbing
High Altitude
Variable Weather
Sun Exposure

Race Highlights

100% soft-surface singletrack
31 miles entirely on singletrack trail through Pike National Forest — no pavement anywhere
1996 wildfire burn terrain
Traverses the open, exposed terrain of the 1996 Buffalo Creek fire with wide-open Front Range views
Granite rock formations
Winds through striking granite formations in the Buffalo Creek area of the Front Range foothills
Community fundraiser
A portion of proceeds supports the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department serving the local Buffalo Creek community

Finish Awards

Finisher Award
All finishers completing their registered course receive a commemorative award.
Top 3 Overall Award
Special awards given to the top 3 male and female finishers in each distance.

North Fork 50K

Buffalo Creek, CO, United StatesMay 30, 2026

May 30, 2026
Course map for North Fork 50K
DistDistance30.8 mi
GainElevation Gain3,820 ft
LimitCutoff13 h
Steep ClimbingHigh AltitudeVariable WeatherSun Exposure

Entry Timeline

Registration DeadlineMay 26, 2026
Race DayMay 30, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

This event does not require a qualifier for entry.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.
30.8 mi
Distance
Loop
Route
13h
Cutoff Time
7,484 ft
Average Elevation
3,820 ft
Total Ascent
3,510 ft
Total Descent
8,153 ft
High Point
6,690 ft
Low Point
Course map
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations

LocationMileElevation
Start
Start
0.06,693 ft
Colorado Trail Aid
Aid Station
4.87,717 ft
Shinglemill Aid
Aid Station
7.97,694 ft
Tramway Aid
Aid Station
13.27,372 ft
Buffalo Aid
Aid Station
19.07,362 ft
Homestead Aid
Aid Station
24.27,753 ft
Finish
Finish
30.86,693 ft

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

No on-site camping available

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

No Pacers Allowed

Crew Rules

  • Shinglemill aid station: crew access allowed. Limited parking — no parking on Redskin Creek Rd.
  • Buffalo Creek aid station: crew access allowed. Limited parking; additional parking areas available further up Redskin Creek Rd.
  • Crew support outside designated aid stations may result in penalties up to and including disqualification.
Weather

Late May in the Buffalo Creek area brings mild but unpredictable mountain weather. Morning start temperatures typically range from the mid 40s to upper 50s°F (7–15°C), warming to the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) by midday. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Colorado mountains — runners on exposed burn sections should watch for building clouds. High UV at altitude is a consistent factor even on overcast days.

High UV Exposure

Gear Rules

Required Gear

No required gear specified

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Videos & Race Reports

No videos or race reports available for this event yet.

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Register•May 30, 2026