Course Overview
The Snow Mountain Ranch 50K takes place in September at the YMCA of the Rockies near Granby, Colorado. This is a three-loop format covering roughly 31 miles, with each 10.4-mile loop gaining about 1,400 feet of elevation for a total of 4,236 feet of climbing. The course runs entirely on dirt trails and reaches a maximum elevation of 9,844 feet. Each loop features a sustained climb from miles 3-6, which becomes a significant mental and physical challenge as fatigue builds through the day. The route moves through high-altitude terrain with three aid stations per loop, and runners must start their final loop by the 6-hour mark to finish within the 8.5-hour cutoff. September weather at this elevation can be unpredictable, so layers are typically necessary for the early morning start. This race suits runners comfortable with sustained climbing at altitude and the mental demands of repetitive loops. The relatively short loops mean you'll see the start/finish area frequently, which some find motivating and others find taxing. If you struggle with altitude or prefer varied scenery throughout a long race, this might not be your best fit. Pacers are allowed on the final loop only, starting around mile 21.