High Desert Ultra 50K
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
High Desert Ultra 50K
The High Desert Ultra takes place in Ridgecrest, California on December 5, 2026. The event offers multiple distances:
- 50K
- 30K
- 10K (introduced in 2025)
Courses traverse rolling desert terrain on jeep roads, single track trails, and sandy washes. Start and finish are located in front of the Cerro Coso College gym at 3000 S. College Heights Blvd. Courses are marked with ribbons, chalk, and signs, and an interactive map with a downloadable .gpx file is available.
Organizers provide nine aid stations stocked with water, GU electrolyte drink and gels, cookies, and similar items. Participants are advised to carry a water bottle between aid stations. Ibuprofen will not be provided. There are cutoff points on course at Gracie's aid station (located 24.8 miles on the 50K, 15.1 miles on the 30K) and at the finish; runners arriving after cutoffs will be transported back to the finish area. Bathrooms and showers are available in the gym on race day.
Entry rules include minimum ages of 17 for the 50K and 16 for the 30K, nonrefundable fees, and a deferral credit policy based on withdrawal date. No pets are allowed on course or in the start/finish area. Early starters for the 50K and 30K may check in for an early start but will not be eligible for awards. Crews can access the Wagon Wheel aid station via paved roads. Camping on college property is not permitted; dispersed camping on nearby BLM lands is allowed. Participants should respect other public land users and carry out trash. If showing signs of illness related to Covid 19 or other illness, individuals are asked to stay home; masks are optional. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
