Set against Grand Mesa, one of the world’s largest flat-top mountains, this trail running event combines technical high-altitude terrain with a welcoming community atmosphere. Organized by Best Slope Events, the race maintains an accessible approach while delivering premium touches like custom finisher awards and competitive cash prizes for top performers.

Three distances tackle Grand Mesa’s challenging landscape at over 10,600 feet elevation. The 50-mile course presents the ultimate test with 3,971 feet of elevation change, featuring technical sections on Crag Crest Trail and sweeping mountain views from Flowing Park Loop. Runners have 15 hours to complete the journey solo—no pacers allowed. The 55K option covers similar terrain with 3,376 feet of climbing in a 12-hour window, while the 30K provides a more moderate 2,503-foot challenge over seven hours.

All courses blend single-track trails, rocky lava sections, and open alpine meadows. The technical Crag Crest Trail demands careful navigation, while Flowing Park Loop rewards runners with panoramic views of the San Juan and Elk Mountains. Well-positioned aid stations provide fuel and hydration throughout each route.

The event maintains a grassroots feel despite offering serious competition. Cash prizes reward the top three finishers in each distance, with bonus money for course records. Post-race festivities center around a burger cookout with local brewery refreshments, creating the perfect environment for sharing war stories from the trails.

Starting from Mesa Top Parking Lot with staggered times by distance, the event balances challenging mountain terrain with thoughtful organization. The combination of technical difficulty, stunning alpine scenery, and genuine community spirit makes this a standout event in Colorado’s competitive trail running calendar.