About This Event
The High Desert Ultra stands as one of California's most enduring desert trail races, hosting runners since 1986 in the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert near Ridgecrest. Organized by the Over the Hill Track Club, this December race takes advantage of the high desert's cooler winter conditions while showcasing the region's surprising seasonal transformation with blooming wildflowers and green desert vegetation. The rolling terrain consists entirely of dirt roads, making navigation straightforward while still providing legitimate challenge through elevation changes between 2,400 and 3,500 feet. What sets this race apart is its emphasis on community and accessibility—the organizing club is a nonprofit that channels race proceeds toward local youth running programs. The race maintains a welcoming atmosphere with generous cutoff times and comprehensive aid station support. Runners should prepare for dramatic temperature swings that can range from 30 to 80 degrees on race day, requiring strategic layering. The high desert environment demands respect for sun exposure and hydration needs, though nine well-stocked aid stations provide regular support. Both distances start together at 7:00 AM, with an optional early 6:00 AM start for those wanting extra time to complete the course.
Choose Your Distance
30K
The 30K serves as the perfect stepping stone between recreational trail running and ultramarathon distances, offering runners their first taste of the mental fortitude required for ultra racing without the full commitment of the 50K. At just under 19 miles, this distance allows runners to experience the High Desert's challenging terrain and elevation changes while maintaining a more aggressive pace than ultra veterans, making it ideal for strong half marathoners ready to test longer legs or experienced trail runners seeking a solid training effort. The shorter distance means less time battling the desert elements, but still demands respect for the technical terrain and strategic fueling over the 4-5 hour effort most runners will require.
50K
Both the 50K and 30K follow loop courses on rolling dirt roads through classic Mojave Desert terrain. The courses climb and descend between 2,400 and 3,500 feet elevation, providing sustained but manageable challenges without technical trail obstacles. The desert setting offers expansive views and in December often features surprising displays of green vegetation and blooming wildflowers following winter rains. Nine aid stations are positioned strategically throughout both courses, with key checkpoints including Gracie's aid station at 24.8 miles on the 50K and 15.1 miles on the 30K. The dirt road surface provides good footing year-round while maintaining the authentic desert trail experience that has drawn runners to this event for nearly four decades.