About This Race
The Antelope Dash Trail Races wind through the scenic terrain of Curt Gowdy State Park in southeastern Wyoming, offering runners two challenging options over rolling hills and winding singletrack. Set between 7,300 and 7,700 feet elevation, both the 4-mile and 8-mile courses present a respectable mountain challenge without venturing into ultra territory. The race has maintained consistent popularity since 2016, drawing runners to experience Wyoming's distinctive high plains landscape. Runners navigate through mixed aspen and pine forests while taking in views of mountain reservoirs, seasonal streams, and the region's characteristic granite formations and hoodoos. The courses reward those who embrace the elevation and technical terrain with genuinely beautiful mountain scenery. While the distances are accessible to most trail runners, the starting elevation and 400-foot climb make this more than a casual weekend jaunt. The race serves both as a solid training ground for longer mountain efforts and a worthwhile destination for runners seeking quality trail racing in Wyoming's less-crowded mountains.
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.
Location
Practical Info
Late August typically brings warm days and cool mornings in the Wyoming mountains, with afternoon thunderstorm potential.
CYS - Cheyenne Regional Airport
Camping available in Curt Gowdy State Park, with additional lodging options in nearby Cheyenne.
Best For
Notable Features
The race showcases Curt Gowdy State Park's diverse high plains landscape, from granite rock formations and distinctive hoodoos to mountain reservoirs and seasonal streams. The combination of accessible distances with genuine mountain terrain at over 7,000 feet elevation makes this an ideal introduction to Wyoming trail running.