Second-highest average elevation 50-miler in the US, threading South Park's remote alpine terrain
Other trail races within 34 miles
One of Colorado's most altitude-committed 50-milers, this 52.5-mile lollipop course averages 10,662 feet of elevation—second highest in the US behind San Juan Solstice—threading through the remote South Park Valley at the feet of Sheep Mountain and Sheep Ridge. The August race puts runners squarely in monsoon season, with afternoon thunderstorms, hail, and sharp temperature swings a constant possibility. A mix of USFS fire roads and technical singletrack winds past well-stocked hub aid stations, with crew access at three locations and pacer pick-up available after mile 36. A unique mid-race drop-down option lets runners step down to the 50k or Heavy Half distances at designated aid stations.
Experienced ultrarunners
Fairplay, CO, United StatesAugust 07, 2027
Sheep Mountain Trail Runs 50 Mile is a loop trail race in Fairplay, CO, United States, held on August 07, 2027. The course covers 52.5 miles, climbs 8,530 ft, and has a 16h cutoff.
| Location | Mile | Elevation | Cutoff | Crew | Pacers | Drop bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start Start | 0.0 | 9,918 ft | — | |||
Horseshoe 1 Aid Station | 7.1 | 10,571 ft | — | Drop Bags | ||
Browns Pass 1 Aid Station | 13.9 | 11,421 ft | 5h11:00 AM | |||
Twelve Mile Aid Station | 19.3 | 10,089 ft | — | |||
Watrous Aid Station | 22.1 | 10,499 ft | — | Drop Bags | ||
Round Hill Aid Station | 26.6 | 9,816 ft | 8h2:00 PM | Crew | Drop Bags | |
Browns Pass 2 Aid Station | 33.5 | 11,421 ft | — | |||
Pasture Aid Station | 36.0 | 10,112 ft | 11h5:00 PM | Crew | Pacers | Drop Bags |
Horseshoe 2 Aid Station | 45.4 | 10,571 ft | 14h8:00 PM | Crew | Pacers | Drop Bags |
Fox Tail Aid Station | 48.4 | 10,220 ft | — | |||
Finish Finish | 52.5 | 9,921 ft | 16h10:00 PM |
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.
HPRS-hosted camping at the race venue. Tent camping requires reservation through RunSignUp. Camper vans, rooftop tents, trailers, and vehicle sleeping are free. Nearby alternatives include USFS dispersed camping, local motels/hotels, Air BnBs, and an RV park. The Elf-Haus Air BnB offers 10% off when mentioning HPRS.
Entire course runs above 9,900 feet, averaging 10,662 feet. Acclimatization before race day is strongly recommended.
August is peak monsoon season in Colorado. Afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, and hail are common on open South Park terrain.
Average high 70°F / low 43°F, but rain, snow, wind, and rapid temperature swings are all possible on the same day.
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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