West Elk Challenge

The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-point trail marathon (with a 30K option) through Western Colorado’s North Fork Valley at peak fall colors. But it’s also something bigger: 100% of proceeds fund scholarships for Nature Connection’s summer camps.

This race is built around a simple idea: courage grows through challenge — especially when it’s supported.

When you choose to challenge yourself to run, hike or walk across the West Elk Mountains, you’re building your own strength, wellness, and courage. Outdoor experiences have the power to do that — especially for kids. You’re not just testing yourself — you’re helping remove financial and social barriers so more local kids can build confidence, curiosity, and belonging in the outdoors

Why this race matters? Our mission is to break down barriers to getting outside for kids and families. Every year, we receive scholarship requests from families who can’t afford to send their kids to camp. Our goal for this race is to raise $25,000 for camp scholarships so that – no child is left inside this summer!

The 26.2 mile point-to-point backcountry trail race climbs over 4,000 feet in elevation on the iconic slopes of Mt. Lamborn to the remote Interocean Pass (9,762 ft) in the Gunnison National Forest. The course was designed by local ultrarunners and with the exception of a few paved miles at the beginning and end of the race, is entirely on gravel roads and singletrack forest trails, making it a one-of-a-kind backcountry race! If you love running on National Forest trails and through challenging terrain, you will be rewarded with excellent views while being surrounded by brilliant fall foliage.