Course Overview
The Ram Party 50K starts and finishes at Buffalo Lodge in Colorado Springs, taking runners on an out-and-back journey that climbs over 4,400 feet up Rampart Range Road. The course begins with a scenic route through Garden of the Gods before hitting the main climb—a sustained grind up the forest road that tops out around 8,700 feet elevation. From there, it's a turnaround and descent back to the lodge. Expect long stretches on wide forest roads with views of Pikes Peak and the front range, plus some single track sections mixed in. The elevation gain is front-loaded, making this more about grinding the climb than technical trail running. Seven aid stations keep you supplied along the roughly 30-mile route, though two are water-only. May weather at altitude can be variable, so layers are recommended despite the spring timing. This suits runners comfortable with sustained road climbing and those who don't mind trading technical terrain for elevation gain and mountain views. If you prefer varied terrain or dislike long road sections, the format might not appeal. The out-and-back setup means you'll see other runners throughout the day, which can help with motivation during the tougher climbing sections.