101 miles along the remote Rainbow Trail at altitude — with a 25% finish rate
Other trail races within 72 miles
The Sangre de Cristo 100 Mile is one of Colorado's most remote and demanding trail ultras, following the Rainbow Trail along the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness boundary for 101 miles. Starting from Music Meadows Ranch at over 9,000 feet, runners navigate nearly 19,000 feet of climbing while never dropping below that altitude, with the high point at 11,421 feet on Music Pass. The race has a notoriously low finish rate — around 25% — reflecting the combination of altitude, mileage, September mountain weather, and a course that demands consistent execution over 38 hours. The 100-mile field is deliberately capped at 50 runners. Crew vehicles can access Horn Creek and Venable trailheads with a vehicle placard; pacers join from mile 50.
Recommended for seasoned ultrarunners
Westcliffe, CO, United StatesSeptember 26, 2026
8 hours of trail construction/maintenance or race volunteering (at any official ultramarathon, not just HPRS). Service must be certified by a representative of the organization. Window: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026. Form must be submitted by September 1, 2026. Buy-out option: $150 one-time donation to Altitude Community Fitness.
Qualifying period: September 01, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Submission deadline: September 01, 2026
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Start Start | 0.0 | 9,213 ft |
Music Pass Landmark | 4.3 | 11,401 ft |
Music Meadows 1 Aid Station | 8.6 | 9,216 ft |
Colony Creek 1 Aid Station | 15.2 | 9,918 ft |
Horn Creek 1 Aid Station | 24.0 | 9,170 ft |
Venable 1 Aid Station | 29.6 | 9,072 ft |
Horn Creek 2 Aid Station | 35.3 | 9,170 ft |
Colony Creek 2 Aid Station | 44.0 | 9,918 ft |
Music Meadows 2 Aid Station | 50.6 | 9,216 ft |
Colony Creek 3 Aid Station | 57.2 | 9,918 ft |
Horn Creek 3 Aid Station | 66.1 | 9,170 ft |
Venable 2 Aid Station | 71.6 | 9,072 ft |
Horn Creek 4 Aid Station | 77.3 | 9,170 ft |
Colony Creek 4 Aid Station | 86.0 | 9,918 ft |
Music Meadows 3 Aid Station | 92.6 | 9,216 ft |
Music Pass 2 Landmark | 96.9 | 11,401 ft |
Finish Finish | 101.3 | 9,213 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Tent camping, camper vans, rooftop tents, and limited space for camping trailers (under 12 feet in length) available at the start/finish area at Greenhorn/Music Meadows Ranch. Vehicle sleeping is free of charge. Tent camping requires a reserved space (purchase via RunSignUp). Nearby lodging in Westcliffe & Silvercliff (15 min), Walsenburg (1h 20m), Salida (1h 25m), and Pueblo (1h 30m).
The entire 101-mile course runs above 9,000 ft with a high point of 11,421 ft at Music Pass — acclimatization is essential
Late September in the Colorado Rockies is highly unpredictable — rain, snow, hail, and thunderstorms are all possible
Average overnight low around 35°F; runners on the 38-hour course face extended cold exposure through two nights
Afternoon thunderstorms common on exposed alpine terrain and ridgelines above treeline
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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