Sawatch Ascent
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Sawatch Ascent 50k
The Sawatch Ascent 50k is a high alpine trail race held in Nathrop, Colorado on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Organized by Freestone Endurance, the event uses trails in San Isabel National Forest, Chaffee County, and Colorado State Trust lands and is permitted by the United States Forest Service, Chaffee County, and the Colorado State Land Board.
The course starts and finishes at the base of Mount Princeton and follows Chalk Creek Canyon onto the Colorado Trail. Early miles pass through ponderosa and aspen forest before sustained climbing begins. Runners circumnavigate Mount White, travel between Browns Creek Canyon and Little Browns Canyon, cross a high alpine plateau between Mounts White and Antero, then descend back to the Colorado Trail. The route reaches elevations above 13,000 feet and includes roughly 7,000 feet of vertical gain. The published schedule allows an 11 hour limit for completing the course.
The event is described as community focused and emphasizes conservation, stewardship, and progressive diversity, equity, and inclusion practices by its organizer. An additional weekend option, the Sawatch 50/50, pairs this race with the West Line Winder over the same weekend. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
