Updated April 2, 2024
The Emerald Mountain Epic Trail 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 event 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 Emerald Mountain Epic attracts top-notch athletes from across the nation, making it a high-spirited and competitive event. However, don’t be deterred if you’re not an elite racer. The event caters to athletes of all skill levels, providing ample opportunities for everyone to test their skills on the mountain with a number of inclusive categories.
Event & Course Info
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. This year, the organizers have added new twists and turns, promising an even more rewarding experience filled with challenging terrain and stunning vistas.
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. You’ll traverse open meadows, aspen forests, and wild sage gardens, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. While the scenery remains consistent, the main variation between the Mountain Bike and Trail Running courses is the addition of strategically placed Aid Stations for the running race. 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. At every aid station, hydration containers will be provided, and volunteers will assist you in filling your bottle.
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 (and by the way, a virtual fundraiser) is a true testament to the spirit of mountain biking and trail running. What sets this race apart is its commitment to the trail system and its mission to promote safety, fun, camaraderie, and community as proceeds from the Emerald Mountain Epic support two phenomenal local nonprofits, Partners in Routt County and Routt County Riders
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Your stay in Steamboat Springs will be nothing short of delightful, with various accommodations to suit your preferences. The town offers a range of options, from cozy lodges and charming cabins to luxurious hotels and vacation rentals. Rest assured, you’ll find a comfortable place to unwind and prepare for the epic race ahead.
When it comes to dining, Steamboat Springs has a vibrant food scene to satisfy every palate. From locally sourced farm-to-table eateries and classic American cuisine to international flavors and hearty après-race meals, the town has it all. Enjoy Aurum Food & Wine for a riverside dining experience, Mambos Italiano to carbo-load before the race, or Winona’s Restaurant & Bakery for breakfast or lunch.
Beyond the Emerald Mountain Epic Trail, Steamboat Springs offers a wealth of outdoor activities for athletes and adventure-seekers alike. Hike through the picturesque Fish Creek Falls Trail, a classic and easily accessible hike that takes you to the impressive 283-foot waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and offers different viewpoints of the falls along the way. It’s a family-friendly hike with options to extend to higher elevations for more adventurous hikers. Another option is Emerald Mountain Quarry Trail, which offers a moderate hike with rewarding views. The trail leads you to the remnants of an old sandstone quarry and offers panoramic vistas of the Yampa Valley and surrounding peaks. This hike is especially stunning during sunrise and sunset. Water lovers can opt to paddleboard on surrounding serene lakes or cast their fishing line into pristine rivers. The Yampa Valley’s natural playground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, where every day brings new opportunities for exploration and excitement.
If you need a break from outdoor adventures, consider exploring downtown Steamboat Springs. Browse the charming stores and boutiques, enjoy live entertainment, or savor a leisurely stroll through the scenic streets. The town’s welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals ensure you’ll feel right at home.
Related Events
While the Emerald Mountain Epic MTB and Trail are the only events produced by its organizer, there are many other top trail running events in Colorado and the broader Rockies region, including the Mountain RATS Trail Run produced by Gemini Adventures, Aspen Backcountry Marathon and Heavy Half, and of course, the prestigious Leadville Trail 100 by Life Time Events, the headliner of the Leadville Race Series Run.
For multi-sport athletes, check out another Strambecco best-rated event taking place in Steamboat, SBT GRVL a world-class gravel festival offering four course options and one we consider to be one of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in Colorado and the Rockies.
