About This Race
Both courses begin at 7,300 feet in Curt Gowdy State Park and climb through rolling terrain to reach 7,700 feet elevation. The routes follow established park trails through mixed forest of aspens and pines, with technical sections over granite rock formations. Runners encounter several stream crossings and pass multiple reservoirs that reflect the surrounding peaks.
The distinctive hoodoo rock formations provide natural landmarks throughout the course, while the winding singletrack demands attention to footing and navigation. The 400-foot elevation gain is distributed across rolling climbs rather than one sustained ascent, creating a course that challenges runners with varied terrain and altitude rather than extreme technical difficulty.
Elevation Profile
Course Map
Route shown is approximate and for illustration purposes.
Practical Info
Late August in the Wyoming high country typically brings warm afternoons with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F at race start elevation, though conditions can shift quickly with afternoon thunderstorms possible.
CYS - Cheyenne Regional Airport
Cheyenne provides the closest lodging options, approximately 25 miles from Curt Gowdy State Park, with standard hotel chains and local options available.
Best For
Notable Features
Curt Gowdy State Park offers a concentrated sample of Wyoming's high plains mountain environment, from weathered hoodoo formations and exposed granite slabs to forested singletrack and mountain reservoirs. The course altitude of 7,000-plus feet provides genuine elevation training without requiring extensive acclimatization, while the technical sections over rock outcroppings demand more careful footing than typical front-range trails. The 8-mile distance allows runners to experience mountain trail character without committing to the endurance demands of longer Wyoming races.