Course Overview
The Devil on the Divide 50K is a point-to-point trail race that starts at Jones Pass and finishes in Empire, Colorado, each September. This is high-altitude mountain running at its most demanding, with over 6,500 feet of climbing and a peak elevation above 13,000 feet on nearly 31 miles of primarily singletrack dirt trail. The course traverses the Continental Divide through Clear Creek County's remote backcountry, moving through alpine terrain where thin air and exposed ridgelines define much of the experience. Runners face significant elevation changes across varied mountain landscapes, with aid stations spaced roughly every 4-5 miles including key stops at Herman Gulch and Bard Creek. The remoteness is real—crews and spectators can only access Herman Gulch and the finish line, leaving long stretches where it's just you and the mountains. This race requires prior ultra experience and isn't shy about it. Runners comfortable with technical mountain terrain, sustained climbing at altitude, and self-reliance in remote conditions will find what they're looking for. Those newer to high-altitude racing or seeking a gentler introduction to mountain ultras should look elsewhere—the combination of elevation, exposure, and distance makes this a serious undertaking.