The Mt. Baldy 5000
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The Mt. Baldy 5000 - July 11, 2026
The Mt. Baldy 5000 is a mountain 5k held on the slopes of the Mt. Baldy Resort. The course begins at the bottom of the Mt. Baldy ski lifts (elevation 6,400 feet) and gains roughly 1,500 feet in elevation over the route. Runners start in the lifts parking lot, follow a short road section, then turn right onto the Manker Trail where the climb becomes steep. The climb continues as a steady ascent for about 2.2 miles to the Notch, then proceeds another quarter mile to the Mt. Baldy reservoir. Participants loop the reservoir and descend for a final quarter mile to the finish near the Top of the Notch.
Finish-line amenities at the Top of the Notch include a BBQ dinner, a bar, and live music. Every athlete who finishes receives a Mt. Baldy 5000 technical trucker hat. Friends and family may reach the top by taking the resort lift; lift tickets can be purchased in advance or on race day, and the ride takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Riders must meet the resort height requirement of 40 inches and dogs are not allowed.
Logistics note: use 8401 Mt. Baldy Road for GPS to reach the starting line and park in the lifts parking lots. Cell coverage is limited and there is no fuel available once inside the mountain road; electric vehicle range can be reduced by the ten mile climb to the resort. A small bag transport is provided from a Uhaul near the start but space is limited and large bags are not accepted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
