Course Overview
The Snow Mountain Ranch 5K covers roughly 3.3 miles on dirt trails at the YMCA of the Rockies in Granby, Colorado, starting at 9:00 AM in mid-September. Despite the "5K" name, this is closer to a 10K distance with a 5-hour time limit, featuring an out-and-back route that reaches a maximum elevation of 8,844 feet. The course includes two significant climbs between miles 1-2 and 3-4, gaining about 450 feet total over rolling terrain. Runners will find the route stays entirely on dirt trails through high-altitude terrain. September conditions at this elevation can vary significantly, so be prepared for potential weather changes throughout the morning. This works well for runners comfortable with moderate climbing at altitude who don't mind a longer-than-expected "5K." The generous time limit makes it accessible for those wanting to experience high-altitude trail running without committing to the longer distances offered at this festival, though the elevation and actual distance make it more challenging than a typical 5K.