Course Overview
The Ram Party 55 Mile starts and finishes at Buffalo Lodge in Colorado Springs, taking runners on a challenging loop that combines road climbing with reservoir trails. The course heads through Garden of the Gods before tackling the sustained climb up Rampart Range Road, topping out near 9,500 feet elevation with roughly 7,000 feet of total gain. Most of the climbing happens on the wide Rampart Range Road, offering steady grades rather than steep technical sections. After reaching the high point, the route loops around Rampart Reservoir on forest roads and singletrack before returning via the same descent. Runners hit Rainbow Gulch twice — once at mile 19.5 and again at mile 34.5, where pacers are allowed for the final push. The course moves between exposed road climbing with Front Range views and more sheltered reservoir trails, though weather can shift dramatically between the 5,000-foot start and the nearly 9,500-foot high point. This race suits runners comfortable with long road climbs and variable mountain weather conditions. The 17-hour cutoff provides reasonable time for the distance, but the sustained climbing and potential for cooler temperatures or weather changes at elevation require solid preparation. Runners who prefer technical trail challenges might find the extensive road sections less engaging, while those who enjoy grinding out consistent elevation gain will appreciate the straightforward nature of the climbing.