Sawatch Ascent
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Sawatch Ascent 50k : Nathrop, Colorado
The Sawatch Ascent 50k is a high alpine trail race organized by Freestone Endurance in Nathrop, Colorado. The course uses 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 route begins and ends at the base of Mount Princeton in a broad field overlooking the Arkansas River valley. Early miles follow Chalk Creek Canyon and the Colorado Trail on singletrack through ponderosa and aspen stands. The course climbs to a high point around 13,100 ft and traverses two distinct drainages: a wide valley and a narrow granite gorge. Runners circumnavigate the massif of Mount White and cross a high alpine plateau between Mounts White and Antero before dropping into Little Browns Canyon and returning to the Colorado Trail toward the finish. The course lists roughly 7,000 ft of vertical gain and a multihour completion window.
The event is presented by a race organization known for other mountain events and emphasizes community, land stewardship, and progressive DEI policies. An optional combined challenge called 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.
