Course Overview
The Pikes Peak Ultra 30K covers roughly 18.6 miles with 4,177 feet of elevation gain, starting at Bear Creek Regional Park in Colorado Springs. This July race sends runners up High Drive into Cheyenne Canon, where you'll traverse the Seven Bridges Trail before climbing toward Pipeline Trail. Much of the course runs on crushed granite trails that are characteristic of the Colorado Springs area. The route winds through canyon terrain and forest sections, with stretches along parts of the Ring the Peak Trail offering views of Pikes Peak itself. Expect a mix of shaded canyon running early on, followed by more exposed sections as you gain elevation. The high point sits at 8,240 feet, so runners coming from sea level should plan for the altitude adjustment. Runners who handle sustained climbing well and don't mind some exposure will find this course manageable, though the elevation gain is steady rather than concentrated in a few big climbs. The 6:30 AM start time helps beat some of the summer heat, but July in Colorado can still bring afternoon thunderstorms and temperature swings. This works well as a stepping stone for runners considering longer distances in the series, or as a solid challenge for those looking to test themselves on Colorado's granite trails.