Telluride Mountain Run - 40 Mile Race

Race - Aug 28, 2021

Dogs Off-leash

THIS IS A TECHNICAL MOUNTAIN RACE, NOT A TRAIL RUN- participants will be running to altitudes of over 13,000 feet on exposed ridgelines and steep, rocky summits. You'll go over 13,000 feet twice along with two additional climbs over 12,000 feet. This year's course still includes the stunning 1.5 miles of sharp ridgeline above 13,000 feet between Ajax Peak and Imogene Pass. Not to mention the 13,500 ft summit of Telluride Peak along the ridge. We are calling this new section the "Mile and a Half of Sky". Prepare for a difficult day in the mountains!

there are sections of this course that are extremely technical, steep and loose. THIS IS A TECHNICAL MOUNTAIN RACE, NOT A TRAIL RUN- participants will be running to altitudes of over 13,000 ft on exposed ridgelines and steep, rocky summits. The trails are extremely rocky and at times there are no trails at all. There are many sections of this course that will be exposed to falls, potential rockfall and hazardous weather. There will be safety personnel along sections of the route monitoring these hazards but all participants should be responsible for their own safety. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT FOR BEGINNERS

The 40 Mile course starts at the Oak Street Plaza in Telluride (base of the Gondola) and ends in Telluride Town Park.

Section 1- Telluride to Bridal Veil: Start up Telluride Trail up for 0.5 miles and take a left onto the Camels Garden Trail. This trail will eventually intersect the Bear Creek Trail, take a right turn, follow the doubletrack up for 2 miles to the Wasatch Trail intersection. Turn up the Wasatch Trail and continue onto the East Fork Trail. Follow the East Fork Bear Creek Trail up where it merges with the Wasatch Trail again. Continue up for 1.5 miles to Wasatch Pass, crest and head down and left on a faint two track road marked with large rock cairns. After 0.8 miles on this road, turn right and head down the grassy slopes, following small rock cairns to the road that can be seen below. Follow the Bridal Veil Road down for 3.5 miles to the Bridal Veil Aid Station- mile 11.

Section 2- Bridal Veil to Imogene: From the Bridal Veil Aid Station continue up the Black Bear Pass Road switchbacks before taking a left turn onto the Ajax Peak Trail. Follow the Ajax Trail up to the ridge and continue up and right on rocky terrain to the summit of Peak 13,230. From the summit of Peak 13,230, follow the high ridge for 1.5 miles, passing over the summit of Telluride Peak (13,509 feet), to the Imogene Pass Aid Station at 13,200 feet- mile 15.5.

Section 3- Imogene to Liberty Bell: From the Imogene Pass Aid Station head down Tomboy Road for 2.5 miles and take a right turn on the Marshall Basin Road. Follow the Marshall Basin Road to the upper mining ruins and continue up grassy slopes to the right until you are able to regain a singletrack trail heading back left towards Mendota Pass. Head down the steep loose trail from Mendota Pass. Once back on the tundra the trail will fork, take the faint trail to the right which will send you to the Liberty Bell Trail. From Mendota Pass, it is 2.6 miles to the Liberty Bell Aid Station- mile 22

Section 4- Liberty Bell to Carhenge: From the Liberty Bell Aid Station turn right (north) on the Jud Wiebe Trail. Follow this for 1.3 miles to a right turn at the Deep Creek/ Mill Creek Trail sign. About 100 yards after making the turn you'll encounter another intersection- stay left on the Deep Creek/ Mill Creek Trail. Follow the Mill Creek Trail for a relatively flat 2 miles. Shortly after crossing the bridge take a right turn and head up the Deep Creek Trail. Follow the Deep Creek Trail to the Eider Creek Trail intersection- turn down and left. Continue down Eider Creek Trail for 1.7 miles to the intersection with Mill Creek Road. Follow the road to the valley bottom, cross the Valley Floor by the Shell Station and take the River Trail towards town. Continue into town until you arrive at the Carhenge Aid Station - Mile 31.

Section 5- Carhenge to Gold Hill: Gear up for one last grueling climb. Leave the Carhenge Station and head south onto the ski area access road. Follow Telluride Trail up for 1 mile until you have the option to continue straight on Easy Out Road. After .3 miles, Easy Out Road will take a right turn, follow this up for 1 mile to See Forever Ridge. Continue on the See Forever Trail (road), off and on the ridge, for 1.8 miles to the Gold Hill Aid Station- mile 35.

Section 6- Gold Hill to Finish (Almost There): From the Gold Hill Aid Station take an immediate left onto the contouring singletrack (Wasatch Connect Trail). Descend 3.5 miles to the intersection with Bear Creek Trail. Turn left (downhill) and run the wide and smooth Bear Creek Trail until it turns to asphalt in the Town of Telluride after 2 miles. Continue straight on Pine Street for ~500 ft. You'll cross the San Miguel River and hang an immediate right on the River Trail. Continue for .25 miles and take your next right into Town Park across another bridge over the San Miguel river. At this point you are within .1 mile! Follow the signs to the Finish Line.

This race has occurred over a variety of different courses throughout the years, we are very happy to present the 2020 TMR 40. This course incorporates our favorite trails from previous races and we think it is the best one yet!We hope to see you running in 2021.