High-alpine vert-fest circling Mount White to 13,100 feet above the Sawatch Range
Other trail races within 42 miles
A high-alpine 33-mile lollipop course starting at the base of 14,197-foot Mount Princeton and climbing deep into the Sawatch Range. Runners ascend through ponderosa and aspen forests on the Colorado Trail before reaching a sweeping alpine plateau between Mount White and Mount Antero at 13,100 feet. The course completely circumnavigates 13,667-foot Mount White through two stunning canyon systems — Browns Creek and Little Browns — before descending back to the Arkansas Valley. Day 2 of the Sawatch 50/50 back-to-back challenge and a High Lonesome 100 qualifier when combined with the West Line Winder 50k.
Some ultra experience recommended
Buena Vista, CO, United StatesSeptember 27, 2026
Sawatch Ascent 50K is a lollipop trail race in Buena Vista, CO, United States, held on September 27, 2026. The course covers 33 miles, climbs 7,000 ft, and has an 11h cutoff.
Moderate trail conditions with some technical sections
| Location | Mile | Elevation | Cutoff | Crew | Drop bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start Start | 0.0 | 8,563 ft | — | Crew | |
Raspberry 1 Aid Station | 7.3 | 8,957 ft | — | Drop Bags | |
Skyline Aid Station | 18.0 | 13,028 ft | — | ||
Raspberry 2 Aid Station | 25.7 | 8,957 ft | — | Crew | Drop Bags |
Finish Finish | 33.0 | 8,563 ft | 11h6:30 PM | Crew |
Aid station details for this race are still being filled in. Cutoffs and access rules come from the race’s own published information and can change — check the official race details before planning around them.
Sign in for race-day weather at every station, points of interest, segment-by-segment analysis, pacing, and to save this race to your calendar.
Dogs must remain leashed at all times and stay at least 100 feet from trails and aid stations. Runners may not run with dogs.
Camping available at the Sawatch Ascent start/finish area in Nathrop. Reservations required for runners ($30); free for volunteers. Opens Friday at 1pm, closes Sunday at 7pm. No fires, food must be stored in vehicles (bears active). Dogs allowed only in RVs, camper trailers, or conditioned vans.
September in Nathrop delivers classic high-altitude Colorado conditions. Early morning starts at 8,150 feet are cool (40–50°F). Temperatures warm in the lower valleys but drop sharply near the 13,100-foot high point, where wind and cold are common. Above treeline, afternoon thunderstorms are possible, though less frequent by late September. Runners should carry a windproof shell and be prepared for a 30–40°F swing between the start and the alpine plateau.
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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