Course Overview
The Ram Party 24K offers a 15-mile out-and-back challenge from Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort in Colorado Springs, with a 7:00 AM start and an 11-hour time limit. This course climbs roughly 2,800 feet as it follows the same route as the longer distances, heading through Garden of the Gods before tackling the steady ascent up Rampart Range Road. The route moves from the familiar red rock formations near the start into more remote terrain as you climb toward the turnaround point. Much of the climbing happens on forest roads with wide-open views, reaching elevations where temperatures can drop significantly compared to the start line. The return journey reverses the route, offering a mostly downhill finish back to Buffalo Lodge. Runners comfortable with sustained road climbing and variable mountain weather will find this race manageable, while those preferring technical singletrack might feel less engaged. The May timing means snow is possible at higher elevations, and the 9,000+ foot altitude can catch Front Range runners off guard if they're not accustomed to the thinner air.