About This Race
The Mammoth 200 presents one of trail running's most ambitious challenges: a 214-mile circumnavigation of a 760,000-year-old volcanic caldera in California's Eastern Sierra. This single-loop course connects mountain communities while traversing diverse ecosystems, from pristine alpine lakes and dense pine forests to the remote beauty of the Glass Mountains and the otherworldly tufa formations of Mono Lake. The race begins and ends with summits of Mammoth Mountain, offering panoramic views from 11,053 feet that frame the entire journey. With over 30,000 feet of climbing and descent, runners navigate everything from fragrant high desert terrain filled with sage to vast volcanic rock fields and the world's largest Jeffrey pine forest. The 108-hour cutoff provides a generous but necessary window for this demanding undertaking. Prize money reaching $5,000 for first place reflects the race's serious competitive element, while the course's mix of singletrack, doubletrack, and minimal road sections maintains focus on the trail experience.
Starting and finishing in Mammoth Lakes, the course forms a complete loop around an ancient caldera through some of California's most varied terrain. Runners traverse alpine environments around pristine mountain lakes, pass abandoned mining sites amid golden fall foliage, and venture into the stark beauty of the Glass Mountains. The route includes extensive sections through high desert with rolling hills and sage-filled air, punctuated by dramatic volcanic rock formations. Key landmarks include Mono Lake's distinctive tufa towers and passage through the world's largest Jeffrey pine forest, with the course bookended by challenging climbs to Mammoth Mountain's 11,053-foot summit.
Elevation Profile
The course gains 30,663 ft over 214 miles, with the steepest section between mile 104–mile 105.
Course Map
Route shown is approximate and for illustration purposes. Download GPX file
Aid Stations
1 stations along the course
Unknown station configuration
water
Course features 21+ aid stations with 4 water-only stations
Practical Info
Early October in the Eastern Sierra typically brings crisp fall conditions with daytime temperatures in the 50s-70s at lower elevations and potential for freezing conditions at high altitude, with possible snow above 10,000 feet.
MMH - Mammoth Yosemite Airport
The race offers 20-30% discounts on lodging through preferred partners at Mammoth Mountain for stays September 24-October 8, 2026.
Best For
Notable Features
The Mammoth 200 stands apart for its geological drama, circumnavigating an ancient volcanic caldera while showcasing the Eastern Sierra's incredible diversity. The race's bookend summits of Mammoth Mountain provide a rare opportunity to view your entire 214-mile journey from 11,053 feet, while the course's passage through distinctly different ecosystems—from alpine lakes to high desert to volcanic fields—creates a true expedition-style experience. Operating under special Forest Service permits adds to the event's exclusive character.
Prepare for This Race
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