Winter Solstice Vertical Challenge
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event overview
The Winter Solstice Vertical Challenge returns for its 5th year on December 20, 2025. The event is a fatass-style run and hike held at the Mt. Walker trailhead in Quilcene, WA, inside the Olympic National Forest. Aid is provided at the trailhead and race nutrition is donated by Skratch Labs. A photographer will be on course. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash and cleaned up after. After event costs are covered, proceeds will go to the Washington Trail Association. Organizers seek volunteers for morning setup and evening breakdown. Registration is managed through UltraSignup.
Course and distances
The published course is 2 miles one way on trails around Mount Walker.
- 2 miles one way
- 4 miles round trip
- Repeats add 4 miles per lap
The course has about 2,100 feet of elevation gain, with a minimum elevation of 784 feet and a maximum elevation of 2,797 feet. A link to detailed route information on the Mount Walker trail is provided by the Washington Trails Association. Photos from the 2024 event are available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
