About This Race
A 52-kilometre skyrunning race on the steep terrain of Palisades Tahoe, featuring nearly 10,000 feet of climbing on technical mountain trails above Lake Tahoe. Shorter than a traditional ultra, but the vertical gain per kilometre rivals the hardest mountain races in the world.
Starting at the base of Palisades Tahoe (elevation 6,200 ft), the course wastes no time establishing its character with a sustained climb to Granite Chief at 9,006 feet. The terrain is relentless: steep rocky switchbacks, exposed ridgelines, and sections of Class 2 scrambling that would be at home in a European skyrace. The views from the high points across Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada are extraordinary, but you earn every one of them. The course features three major climbs and descents, with the technical descents being as challenging as the ascents. Loose granite scree, steep chutes, and narrow singletrack through manzanita demand focus and sure-footedness. The race attracts a mix of skyrunners and trail runners, and the atmosphere at the ski resort base captures that crossover energy. For runners who love going up and don't mind coming down fast on technical terrain, this is one of the best races in North America.
Elevation Profile
The course gains 6,890 ft over 32 miles, with the steepest section between mile 27–mile 27.
Course Map
Route shown is approximate and for illustration purposes.
Aid Stations
5 stations along the course
High Camp
water, electrolyte, gels, fruit
2h cutoff
Granite Chief
water, electrolyte, gels
3h 30m cutoff
High point. Exposed and windy.
Base Area
full aid, hot food, medical
5h cutoff
Back at the base. Crew access.
Emigrant Pass
water, electrolyte, gels, fruit
7h 30m cutoff
KT-22 Base
water, electrolyte, fruit
9h 30m cutoff
Race History
2024 Results
Starters
Finishers
Winning Time
Median Time
Practical Info
Sierra summer conditions. Generally warm and dry at the base (70–85°F), cooler and potentially windy at the ridgelines. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible but uncommon in June.
Reno (RNO)
Palisades Tahoe resort and surrounding Olympic Valley lodging. North Lake Tahoe and Truckee are 15–20 minutes away with more options.
- hydration pack
- emergency blanket
- phone
Best For
Notable Features
Palisades Tahoe ski resort start/finish, Granite Chief summit, Lake Tahoe panoramas, skyrunning-style terrain