West Elk Challenge
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West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon
The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-point trail race through Western Colorado’s North Fork Valley held in early October during peak fall color. The event offers two distances and finishes in the Town of Paonia. All proceeds fund scholarships for The Nature Connection’s summer camps, with a fundraising goal of $25,000 for camp scholarships.
The full course climbs over 4,000 feet on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn to Inter-Ocean Pass at about 9,762 ft, then descends through spruce, aspen, and oak forests past Lone Cabin Reservoir into Paonia. Except for a few paved miles at the beginning and end, the route is on gravel roads and singletrack forest trails in the Gunnison National Forest. Weather can be variable in October and participants are responsible for being properly prepared for mountain conditions.
Aid stations are located at roughly miles 7, 11, 15 (summit), 19, and 22 and provide water, snacks, first aid supplies, and volunteers. West Elk Mountain Rescue provides support for the event. Shuttle service is offered between Paonia and the Crawford area to reduce congestion and avoid state park day-use fees. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Marathon (26.2 miles) starts at Crawford State Park
- 30K (about 18 miles) starts near Needle Rock