West Elk Challenge
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon
The West Elk Challenge is a point to point trail event in Western Colorado’s North Fork Valley on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The event offers two course distances and travels from the base of the West Elk Mountains into the Town of Paonia.
Two course options are available:
- Marathon (26.2 miles) starting at Crawford State Park
- 30K (about 18 miles) starting near Needle Rock
Both routes climb to Inter-Ocean Pass (9,762 ft) with more than 4,000 feet of total ascent, then descend into Paonia. Most of the route is on gravel roads and singletrack forest trails, with a few paved miles at the beginning and end. Participants pass through aspen, spruce, and oak forest and near Lone Cabin Reservoir.
The course includes five staffed aid stations at roughly miles 7, 11, 15 (summit), 19, and 22, each offering water, snacks, and first aid supplies. West Elk Mountain Rescue will provide support on course. Shuttle buses operate between Paonia Town Park Teen Center and Crawford State Park to move participants and reduce congestion.
The event is organized by The Nature Connection and proceeds fund summer camp scholarships; the stated fundraising goal for the race is $25,000. The Nature Connection operates under permit from the USDA Forest Service and the Gunnison National Forest. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.