Trail Marathon
October 3rd, 2026
The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-point trail marathon (with a 30K option) through Western Colorado’s North Fork Valley at peak fall colors. But it’s also something bigger: 100% of proceeds fund scholarships for Nature Connection’s summer camps.
This race is built around a simple idea: courage grows through challenge — especially when it’s supported.
When you choose to challenge yourself to run, hike or walk across the West Elk Mountains, you’re building your own strength, wellness, and courage. Outdoor experiences have the power to do that — especially for kids. You’re not just testing yourself — you’re helping remove financial and social barriers so more local kids can build confidence, curiosity, and belonging in the outdoors
Why this race matters? Our mission is to break down barriers to getting outside for kids and families. Every year, we receive scholarship requests from families who can’t afford to send their kids to camp. Our goal for this race is to raise $25,000 for camp scholarships so that – no child is left inside this summer!
Marathon and 30K Options
Two distances. One summit. One finish line in Paonia.
-
Marathon (26.2): Starts at Crawford State Park
-
30K (18 mi): Starts near Needle Rock (this is the ~mile 7 aid station for the marathon)
Both routes climb to Inter-Ocean Pass and descend into Paonia. If you’re worried about the cutoff time or plan to hike significant portions, we strongly recommend registering for the 30K.
2026 Registration is now open!
Early Bird PricingREGISTER TODAY!
Standard PricingSTILL AFFORDABLE
Last Minute PricingLast Minute Pricing
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This 26.2 mile point-to-point backcountry trail race climbs over 4,000 feet in elevation on the iconic slopes of Mt. Lamborn to the remote Interocean Pass (9,762 ft) in the Gunnison National Forest. The course was designed by local ultrarunners and with the exception of a few paved miles at the beginning and end of the race, is entirely on gravel roads and singletrack forest trails, making it a one-of-a-kind backcountry race! If you love running on National Forest trails and through challenging terrain, you will be rewarded with excellent views while being surrounded by brilliant fall foliage.
Weather in early October can be unpredictable, yet often is the peak of fall color. Aid stations with water, snacks, first aid, and volunteers will make this race accessible to trail runners and distance hikers of many abilities, however it is the responsibility of the participants to be properly prepared for this strenuous mountain challenge. We will implement a “cut off time” of 11:30 at the mile 11 aid station. This is to ensure all participants are out of the backcountry by sunset. Participants cannot start early. If you anticipate a 20 minute/mile or slower, you should sign up for the 30K. Ultimately, each participant is responsible for their own safety.
Marathon runners start at Crawford State Park and travel on paved and gravel roads through the farms and ranches at the base of Needle Rock. The 30K will start at Needle Rock at the end of the county road. Runners on both courses will enter the Gunnison National Forest as the trail turns to singletrack and climb through aspen forests on Mt. Lamborn to the top of the Inter-Ocean Pass. They will next descend through the spruce, aspen and oak past Lone Cabin Reservoir and emerge onto paved road as they head into the Town of Paonia.
We will have five aid stations at roughly miles 7, 11, 15 (summit of Inter-Ocean Pass), 19, 22. Each will have support personnel, water, snacks, and first aid supplies. West Elk Mountain Rescue will be supporting the race.
RACE INFO & SCHEDULE
Packets can be picked up Friday, October 2nd from 4-8pm at Paonia Town Park Teen Center (next to Paonia Skatepark)
OR Saturday morning from 7-8am before the race begins at the Crawford State Park starting line.
Things to do in the Valley
TRAVEL & LODGING
You’ll want to make a long-weekend out of this event and enjoy all the beauty and activities the North Fork Valley in Western Colorado has to offer. When you’re not racing (or while you are racing and your family and friends need something to do!) visit the nearby North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, pick fresh fruit at one of the many organic orchards, hike or mountain bike the trails of Jumbo Mountain, sip wine at the stunning wineries, check out the local art galleries, or stand-up paddle board down the Gunnison River.
Approximate drive times:
- Hotchkiss to Crawford State Park: 20 minutes
- Paonia to Crawford State Park: 30 minutes
- Hotchkiss to Paonia: 15 minutes
Camping Options:
- Crawford State Park -Iron Creek- Special accommodation for trail marathon! CPW will make 45 Walk-In Sites for tents and RVs available at Iron Creek Campground. First Come-First Serve and must arrive/check in by 4pm on Friday 10/2/26
- Crawford State Park – Clear Fork – Reservations Open April 2nd, 2026
- Big B’s Delicious Orchards, Paonia
See more travel & lodging information
LOCAL WEATHER
Colorado fall weather in the mountains can change quickly. Participants should be prepared for all weather conditions.
Hotchkiss, CO
61°
Feels like: 59°FClear
7:11 am6:46 pm MDT
Wind: 6mph E
Humidity: 47%
Pressure: 29.99"Hg
UV index: 0
WedThuFriSatSun
81°F / 52°F
81°F / 54°F
81°F / 54°F
75°F / 54°F
66°F / 54°F
81°F / 54°F
81°F / 54°F
75°F / 54°F
66°F / 54°F
The Nature Connections is an equal opportunity service provider and employer and operates under permit from the USDA Forest Service, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests.
