Course Overview
The Pikes Peak Ultra 50 Miler takes place in July around Colorado Springs, combining high-altitude running with nearly 12,000 feet of climbing. The course starts at Bear Creek Regional Park and winds through Cheyenne Canyon's Seven Bridges Trail before tackling the Pipeline Trail and eventually summiting Mt. Rosa at 11,893 feet. Much of the route follows crushed granite trails characteristic of the Colorado Springs trail system. Expect dramatic elevation changes as you move from canyon environments up to exposed alpine terrain. The course includes sections along the Ring the Peak Trail with views of Pikes Peak itself, though much of the climbing happens on more sheltered forest trails before opening onto ridgelines. At altitude, weather can shift quickly, and the thin air becomes a factor well before the highest points. Aid stations are positioned roughly every 5-7 miles, with drop bag access limited to three locations. This race suits runners comfortable with sustained climbing and high-altitude conditions. The elevation gain is relentless rather than punchy, requiring steady pacing and respect for the altitude. Runners who struggle with thin air or prefer rolling terrain might find this more challenging than the mileage suggests.