About This Race
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.
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.
Aid Stations
1 stations along the course
Gracie's Aid Station
water, electrolyte, food
Key checkpoint with 2:30 PM cutoff time for both distances
Race History
2024 Results
Starters
Finishers
Winning Time
Practical Info
December temperatures typically range from 30-80°F with potential for dramatic daily swings. Generally clear skies with calm winds, though layering is essential.
BUR - Burbank Airport
Ridgecrest offers standard chain hotels and motels. The race attracts runners primarily from California, Nevada, and Colorado.
Best For
Notable Features
This race distinguishes itself through nearly four decades of consistent organization by a dedicated running club that reinvests proceeds into local youth programs. The December timing transforms the typically harsh Mojave Desert into a surprisingly green and flower-filled landscape, while the dirt road format makes it accessible to runners who might find technical singletrack intimidating. The race maintains old-school ultra values with generous cutoff times, comprehensive aid station support, and a genuine community atmosphere that has attracted repeat participants for decades.