The Emerald Mountain Epic Trail 2026 is one of the most well-attended and beloved trail-running events in Colorado and the entirety of the United States. Attracting everyone from first-timers to pros, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, attracts a mass group of people once a year to experience some world-class single track, food, and a festival-like setting in the beautiful natural Steamboat setting. The team here at Strambecco considers it to be one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Rockies.

The Emerald Mountain Epic Trail 2026 is part of the broader Emerald Mountain Epic, a famous two-day mountain bike and trail running festival that brings thousands of participants, friends, and family and is definitely worth traveling to! Saturday is dedicated to mountain bikers via its sister event, Emerald Mountain Epic MTB, one of the Best Mountain Biking Events in Colorado and the Rockies, while Sunday is dedicated to trail runners, offering full and half marathon distances.

The course is a trail runner’s dream, with an astounding 90% of singletrack terrain and significant elevation gains. Runners will embark on a journey through open meadows, aspen forests, and wild sage gardens, rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

The full marathon course mirrors a single lap of the mountain bike route, covering around 26.2 miles and 3,300 ft of elevation gain. The race kicks off at the Howelsen Hill Ski Area, nestled in the heart of Steamboat Springs. From there, runners will venture deep into the beautiful backcountry of Routt County, immersing themselves in nature’s splendor. As for the half marathon, it excludes Ridge Trail, Cow Creek, and Beall Trail from its route and has an expected 1,500 ft of elevation gain.

For the adventurous souls, the event adds a unique element by bringing back its popular “Segment Challenges.” As you log into Strava, you’ll have the opportunity to compete for bragging rights and special honors in four segments along the course:

Little Moab: A short but technical rocky descent to test your skills and focus.
Alchemy Body & Bike Hill Climb: A punchy climb on singletrack that demands an innermost determination.
Glas Deffryn Ranch Sprint: A 2-mile section on a county road where racers can show off their speed and strategy.
Epic High Point: A grueling 6.5-mile ascent, rewarding the strongest climbers with panoramic views at the top.

The aid stations at the event will be well-stocked with Honey Stinger products, including gels, waffles, and chews as well as a variety of individually served sweet and salty foods, such as chips, pretzels, and cookies, along with trail mix, bananas, and mini dill pickles. Mini Coca-Cola cans will also be available.

After the event, awards will be given for both the men’s and women’s full and half marathon categories. For the overachievers looking to claim themselves as Royalty of the ‘Boat (those that race in both the MTB and trail event!), organizers offer special categories that combine your times from each day’s race.

This premier race event is a true testament to the spirit of mountain biking and trail running as proceeds from the Emerald Mountain Epic support two phenomenal local nonprofits, Partners in Routt County and Routt County Riders.