Run, walk, and hike your way through the fall foliage of the West Elk Mountains!
The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-point trail marathon through the heart of the West Elk Mountain range during the peak of fall colors.
The race starts on the shores of Crawford Reservoir State Park and travels on gravel roads through the farms and ranches at the base of the iconic Needle Rock. Soon thereafter, the trail enters the Gunnison National Forest and begins climbing the singletrack through golden aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn. After about 5 miles of climbing, runners top the 9,762 foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass, and descend through spruce, aspen and oak, past Lone Cabin Reservoir to the town of Paonia and end along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The race is on single-track trails for over half of the course!
NEW in 2025: 30K option! The race will start at the USFS boundary (around mile 8 for the full marathoners) and follow the same course up and over Inter-Ocean Pass and down into the town of Paonia. Limited to 50 participants.
Free shuttle is provided pre-race from Paonia to the starting line at Crawford State Park. As well, shuttles will be provided back to Crawford State Park for those runners who choose to drive to the start line (please note that a $10 park fee is required if you drive yourself to the start line).
This challenge is a fundraiser for the Nature Connection’s Scholarship Fund, whose mission is to break down barriers to get kids and families outside.
Countdown to event
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Trail Marathon
Price changes in 12 days 13 hours-
-
Register for Trail Marathon$103.63
Early Bird Pricing
Now registering Jan 27 – May 31 -
$119.68
Standard Pricing
Jun 1 – Aug 31 -
$146.43
Last Minute Pricing
Sep 1 – Oct 2 -
$162.48
Day Before/Day Of Pricing
Oct 3 – Oct 3
-
30K Option
Price changes in 12 days 13 hours-
NEW in 2025: 30K option! The race will start at the USFS boundary (around mile 8 for the full marathoners) and follow the same course up and over Inter-Ocean Pass and down into the town of Paonia. LIMITED TO 50 PARTICIPANTS.
-
Register for 30K Option$103.63
Early Bird Pricing
Now registering Jan 27 – May 31 -
$119.68
Standard Pricing
Jun 1 – Aug 31 -
$125.03
Last Minute Pricing
Sep 1 – Oct 2 -
$162.48
Day Before/Day Of
Oct 3 – Oct 4 -
ClosedOct 4 – Oct 3
-
| Race Day Packet Pickup at Crawford State Park, Iron Creek Campground | 7:00-8:00 AM |
Bus Shuttle departs from Paonia K8 | 6:45 AM |
Bus Shuttle arrives at Crawford State Park Starting Line | 7:30 AM |
Race Start Time | 8:00 AM |
Cut off time: need to be at mile 11 aid station | 11:30 AM |
Awards | 2:30 PM |
Shuttle back to Crawford State Park | 3:00 PM |
| Post-race Party begins at Chrysalis/Paonia United Brewing | 3:30 PM |
Shuttle back to Crawford State Park | 4:30 PM |
Post Race Race Party Begins at 3:30 at Chrysalis/Paonia United Brewing. All participants will receive a token for 1 free beverage. This party is a benefit for West Elk Mountain Rescue who will be sweeping the course and hosting the remote aid station.
Parking & Transportation
A free shuttle provided from Paonia K8 School to the race start line at Crawford State Park. If you opt to drive yourself to the starting line, it is important to note that the Crawford State Park will charge you a $10 pass fee. You can avoid this fee by taking the free shuttle provided.
If you do decide to drive yourself to the start line (and pay the $10 park pass fee), there will be shuttles from the finish line to bring you back to your vehicle, departing at 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
Pre-Race Dinner & Bib Pick-Up
Packets can be picked up Friday, October 3rd from 4-8pm at the The Hearth, 138 Grand Ave, Paonia, CO 81428
A local Farm to Table dinner will be provided by the Learning Council for $25, serving starting at 6pm. Dinner is hosted at the same location as packet pick-up. Add this to your order during registration, or come back after you've registered and visit our STORE (toolbar on the right) to add it to your registration.
Contact information
- Event contact
- The Nature Connection
- Phone
- 970-872-5910
- Website
- Visit website
