The Bighorn Trail Run 2026 in Wyoming is an epic endurance race as technical as beautiful. It is a Rocky Mountain Slam event and a qualifier for the UTMB World Series. The Bighorn Mountain Trail 100 crosses through the Little Bighorn and Tongue River areas of the Bighorn National Forest. Participants have 34 hours to navigate this remote, technical out-and-back course (average 2.94 mph). There are over 20,500 feet of ascent and 20,750 feet of descent testing the most seasoned ultra-runners with 76 miles of technical single-track trail, 16 miles of rugged 2-track jeep trail road, and 8 miles of gravel road. The Bighorn 100 is one of the classics, demanding you to reach deep down to your core of mental and physical fortitude. In addition to the 100-mile race, the event includes 52, 32, and 18-mile options. With fabulously marked courses, well-stocked aid stations, first aid, and a fun atmosphere – this destination event is one to hugely consider if up for a challenge in the “extreme” category. Strambecco rates Bighorn Trail Run 2026 as one of the best trail running race events in the Rockies.

Each course is slightly different in starting points and directions, but they all cross the same finish line at Scott Park, where a celebration awaits. Runners enjoy showers, picnics with local burgers and beer, live music, and an awards ceremony.

Trail markings consist of orange flagging tape frequently attached to trees, bushes, and rocks. In meadow areas, orange flagging will be attached to wire ground flags. White powder arrows (made from lime) will be used at a few junctions on the course. Reflective tape attached to the flagging and glow sticks will enhance visualization during the night sections of the course.

The Bighorn 100 Mile course has 18 aid stations with various support, nine stations on the outbound course and nine on the return course. The aid station at Sally’s Footbridge includes an outhouse and medical checks. Jaws Trailhead is the turnaround point at mile 48. The volunteers are prepared for extreme temperatures, brutal heat in the canyon during the days, and potentially freezing temperatures at night.

Bighorn 52 Mile course starts at the 100 Mile halfway point at Jaws Trailhead, with 12 aid stations along the way.

Bighorn 32 Mile course begins just above the Dry Fork aid station. At Cow Camp aid station, the 32 Mile participants join the 52 milers for the rest of the race.

The Bighorn 18 Mile race is the shortest option but still very challenging. The course begins at the Dry Fork aid station and immediately starts with a climb up the Freeze Out road.

To complete the Rocky Mountain Slam, men and women have to finish four out of five annual races in the Rockies: the Bighorn Trail Run 100 in Montana in June, the Hardrock 100 in Colorado in July, the Leadville Trail 100 in Colorado in August, the Wasatch Front 100 in Utah in early September and the Bear 100 in late September.