Course Overview
The Above the Clouds Ultra 10K in early October takes runners through a loop of roughly 7 miles with 1,126 feet of climbing around Woodland Park, Colorado. The course starts at Merit Academy and heads up Lovell Gulch before looping back, offering a taste of the area's singletrack and forest roads at around 8,500 feet elevation. Expect a mix of terrain as you climb through gulches and traverse ridgelines with periodic views of Pikes Peak when the trees open up. The route follows established trails and forest roads, moving through typical Front Range terrain of pine and aspen forests. October timing means you might catch some fall colors, though weather can be variable at this elevation—anything from warm and sunny to cold and potentially snowy. This works well for runners looking for a shorter trail race with moderate climbing in a mountain setting. The elevation gain is steady rather than steep, and the loop format keeps things straightforward. If you prefer technical singletrack or significant elevation challenges, this might feel tame, but it's a solid option for those wanting Colorado mountain scenery without committing to ultra distances.