The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is the world's oldest 100-mile trail race. Starting in Olympic Valley, California, near the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the route travels point to point to Auburn, California. Traversing the traditional lands of the Nisenan, Washoe, and other neighboring Indigenous Peoples, the Western States Trail climbs more than 18,000 feet and descends nearly 23,000 feet before runners reach the finish at Placer High School.

In the miles between Olympic Valley and Auburn, participants experience the majestic high country of Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness, the crucible of the canyons of the California gold country, and the historic reddish-brown trails that once led prospectors into Auburn.

Spanning 100.07 miles, the course is defined by its substantial net descent, yet it demands deep respect for its relentless vertical variance. The race begins before dawn with a steep climb out of Olympic Valley — an immediate test of pacing and restraint. Once over the Escarpment, runners enter the Granite Chief Wilderness, where rolling terrain gives way to steep, punchy climbs. As the day progresses, the course plunges into the notorious canyons, where sharp descents are immediately followed by exposed, demanding ascents that tax both the muscular and cardiovascular systems. The final third trends downward along the American River, easing into moderate rollers before the last paved push to the finish.

Weather plays a significant role in race strategy. Over the past five years, temperatures have averaged a high near 77°F and a low around 46°F. The deep canyons, however, frequently trap heat during the midday hours, producing localized temperature spikes well above those averages. Runners should expect cold conditions at the pre-dawn start and through the night, contrasted with intense, dry heat in the afternoon and little to no cloud cover. Effective heat management and strategic layering are essential on this historic course.

• Event Date: June 27, 2026
• Event Type: Trail 100 Mile
• GPX Course Length: 100.07 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 188.78
• Total Ascent: 17987.5 ft
• Total Descent: 22809.74 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 0, 3.58 mi at an average grade of 12.83%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 61.13, 3.47 mi at an average grade of -7.9%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 46.34, 1.63 mi at an average grade of 18.45%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 51.75, 1.43 mi at an average grade of -14.06%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 20 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 19 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Moderate Decline: 14.6%
  • Flat: 14.4%
  • Challenging Decline: 14.2%
  • Steep Decline: 12.4%
  • Steep Incline: 10.7%
  • Challenging Incline: 9.3%
  • Minor Decline: 8.7%
  • Moderate Incline: 7%
  • Minor Incline: 6.8%
  • Extreme Incline: 1.1%
  • Extreme Decline: 0.8%

The race begins promptly at 5:00 AM, well before sunrise, so headlamps are essential. You'll need them immediately as the course opens with its longest continuous climb up the Escarpment.

As you gain elevation into the Granite Chief Wilderness, the terrain shifts to a mix of rolling trails and rocky ridgelines. Expect brisk temperatures in the early morning hours — dress in layers you can manage on the move to stay comfortable without overheating. The views from this section are spectacular, but the technical footing and early race congestion demand your full attention.

The route through here is varied, moving between moderate climbs and steep descents. Stay focused on the trail surface, move within yourself, and save your legs for the canyons ahead.

• Signature Climb at the Start: Immediately from the start, a demanding, sustained climb up the Escarpment rises over 2,400 feet in just 3.58 miles. This early test will push your legs and cardiovascular system when you are fresh and eager. Starting conservatively on this climb becomes essential for conquering the full 100 miles ahead.
• Pre Sunrise Navigation: The initial miles will be in the dark. Maintain focus on the trail surface to avoid early missteps on the rocky high country trails.
• Altitude and Cold: High elevations in the Granite Chief Wilderness combined with early morning hours mean you need to manage your core temperature efficiently before the heat of the day sets in.

• Climb #1: Mile 0 to Mile 3.58, 3.58 mi, avg grade 12.83%, total gain 2423.69 ft
• Climb #2: Mile 11.13 to Mile 11.54, 0.41 mi, avg grade 14.51%, total gain 314.37 ft
• Climb #3: Mile 14.29 to Mile 14.91, 0.61 mi, avg grade 9.31%, total gain 301.25 ft
• Climb #4: Mile 17.97 to Mile 18.28, 0.31 mi, avg grade 8.78%, total gain 142.06 ft
• Climb #5: Mile 20.01 to Mile 20.52, 0.51 mi, avg grade 7.6%, total gain 203.77 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 3.58 to Mile 3.99, 0.41 mi, avg grade -11.34%, total drop 243.7 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 4.09 to Mile 4.8, 0.71 mi, avg grade -7.75%, total drop 291.9 ft
• Descent #3: Mile 5.1 to Mile 6.53, 1.43 mi, avg grade -10.95%, total drop 826.87 ft
• Descent #4: Mile 13.37 to Mile 13.99, 0.61 mi, avg grade -10.09%, total drop 326.31 ft
• Descent #5: Mile 21.84 to Mile 24.8, 2.96 mi, avg grade -7.21%, total drop 1124.97 ft

• Lyon Ridge (Mile 10.3)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 10:30am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Red Star Ridge (Mile 15.8)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 10:30am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Duncan Canyon (Mile 24.4)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 12:30pm
  • Toilet: Unknown

• Watson Monument (~Mile 3.58): Historic marker early in the high country.

Exiting Duncan Canyon, the route continues its undulating profile through a mix of double track and forested single track leading into Robinson Flat. This section marks a critical transition point in the race.

The early morning chill will give way to the heat of the day as you pass through Miller's Defeat and Dusty Corners, and the terrain shifts dramatically with the first major canyon descents. These steep drops demand controlled braking to preserve leg strength for what comes next.

At the bottom, you are immediately confronted with the steepest ascent on the course: a relentless climb toward Devil's Thumb. Spanning 1.63 miles at an average grade of over 18 percent, this exposed wall hits during the peak heat of the day and requires a slow, methodical approach on foot.

• Quad Pounding Descents: The long drops into the canyons are steep and sustained. Over striding here will prematurely fatigue your quadriceps.
• The Devil's Thumb Climb: Spanning 1.63 miles at an average grade over 18 percent, this is the steepest uphill of the race. It occurs during the heat of the day and requires a slow, methodical hiking gear.
• Temperature Spikes: As you descend into the canyons, the lack of air circulation often causes localized heat extremes.

• Climb #6: Mile 27.13 to Mile 27.65, 0.51 mi, avg grade 10.22%, total gain 277.43 ft
• Climb #7: Mile 28.67 to Mile 29.59, 0.92 mi, avg grade 12.7%, total gain 615.22 ft
• Climb #8: Mile 30 to Mile 30.41, 0.41 mi, avg grade 11.17%, total gain 242.06 ft
• Climb #9: Mile 46.34 to Mile 47.97, 1.63 mi, avg grade 18.45%, total gain 1588.09 ft

• Descent #6: Mile 31.32 to Mile 33.26, 1.94 mi, avg grade -6.79%, total drop 695.8 ft
• Descent #7: Mile 34.28 to Mile 35.2, 0.91 mi, avg grade -6.93%, total drop 334.38 ft
• Descent #8: Mile 36.62 to Mile 38.98, 2.36 mi, avg grade -7.38%, total drop 919.65 ft
• Descent #9: Mile 43.69 to Mile 46.34, 2.65 mi, avg grade -12.69%, total drop 1775.72 ft

• Robinson Flat (Mile 30.3)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 2:10pm
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Miller's Defeat (Mile 34.4)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 3:15pm
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Dusty Corners (Mile 38)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 4:05pm
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Last Chance (Mile 43.3)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5:25pm
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Devil's Thumb (Mile 47.8)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 7:10pm
  • Toilet: Unknown

• Swinging Bridge (~Mile 46.24): Famous bridge crossing before the Devil's Thumb climb.

This segment defines the Western States 100. Leaving Devil's Thumb, runners plummet down another extreme descent to El Dorado Creek, testing already fatigued legs.

The subsequent climb to Michigan Bluff is steep, exposed, and relentless — historically one of the hottest sections of the course. Proper hydration and heat management are essential here.

After Michigan Bluff, the trail offers a brief respite before dropping into Volcano Canyon, a final rugged challenge before reaching the energized Foresthill aid station. The canyon walls radiate intense heat through the mid to late afternoon, making ice and cooling strategies a priority.

• El Dorado Creek Descent: A plunging 1.43 mile drop averaging a 14 percent negative grade. Footing is crucial, and preserving your braking muscles is paramount.
• Heat Management: The radiant heat off the canyon walls in the mid to late afternoon is punishing. Utilize ice and cooling strategies at El Dorado Creek and Michigan Bluff.
• Volcano Canyon: Often underestimated after the larger climbs, this canyon features a sharp, challenging ascent that can catch tired runners off guard.

• Climb #10: Mile 53.18 to Mile 54.71, 1.53 mi, avg grade 14.76%, total gain 1192.29 ft
• Climb #11: Mile 54.81 to Mile 55.73, 0.92 mi, avg grade 10.47%, total gain 508.79 ft
• Climb #12: Mile 56.85 to Mile 57.77, 0.92 mi, avg grade 7.29%, total gain 353.48 ft
• Climb #13: Mile 60.11 to Mile 61.13, 1.02 mi, avg grade 9.01%, total gain 484.06 ft

• Descent #10: Mile 48.79 to Mile 51.44, 2.66 mi, avg grade -10.29%, total drop 1444.95 ft
• Descent #11: Mile 51.75 to Mile 53.08, 1.33 mi, avg grade -15.09%, total drop 1059.09 ft
• Descent #12: Mile 58.18 to Mile 59.5, 1.33 mi, avg grade -13.27%, total drop 929.4 ft

• El Dorado Creek (Mile 52.9)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 8:40pm
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Michigan Bluff (Mile 55.7)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 9:55pm
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Foresthill (Mile 62)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 11:45pm
  • Toilet: Unknown

• Deadwood Cemetery (~Mile 49.71): Historic cemetery site along the trail.

Out of Foresthill, the course enters the famous California Street section. This segment features a significant net elevation loss toward the American River, giving runners a chance to bank some time if their legs are still feeling cooperative.

The trail here becomes a smoother, rolling ribbon of dirt with frequent moderate to challenging downhill grades, though several short, punchy climbs are scattered throughout and deserve your full attention. As evening approaches, temperatures will begin to cool, offering welcome relief as you work your way toward the iconic river crossing at Rucky Chucky.

The final descent to the river is notably steep and technical. Take care navigating this stretch on tired legs.

• Pacing the Downhills: The long, runnable descents out of Foresthill are inviting but deceptive. Run efficiently without over extending, as the final 20 miles still lie ahead.
• The Elevator Shaft: The final plunge down to the river is notably steep and technical, requiring careful navigation on tired legs.
• Short Punchy Climbs: Amidst the overall descent, you will encounter several brief but sharp inclines. Shift to a power hike early to conserve energy.

• Climb #14: Mile 65.73 to Mile 66.04, 0.31 mi, avg grade 12.32%, total gain 199.57 ft
• Climb #15: Mile 72.3 to Mile 72.71, 0.41 mi, avg grade 13.49%, total gain 293.64 ft
• Climb #16: Mile 77.72 to Mile 79.45, 1.73 mi, avg grade 7.63%, total gain 696.82 ft

• Descent #13: Mile 62.26 to Mile 64.6, 2.34 mi, avg grade -10.32%, total drop 1277.53 ft
• Descent #14: Mile 69.43 to Mile 70.14, 0.72 mi, avg grade -12.63%, total drop 479.07 ft
• Descent #15: Mile 70.76 to Mile 71.58, 0.82 mi, avg grade -10.45%, total drop 455.02 ft

• Dardanelles (Cal-1) (Mile 65.7)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 2:40am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Peachstone (Cal-2) (Mile 70.7)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 2:40am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Ford's Bar (Cal-3) (Mile 73)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5:00am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Rucky Chucky (Mile 78)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5:00am
  • Toilet: Unknown

• Option waterfall 1 (~Mile 62.16): Small waterfall crossing on Cal Street.

After crossing the American River, the route begins a steady, grueling ascent to Green Gate — the signal that the final push has begun. From here, the course follows the river along mostly rolling, reddish-brown dirt paths broken up by numerous minor to moderate climbs and descents.

You will pass through Auburn Lake Trails and Quarry Road, taking in historic landmarks such as No Hands Bridge along the way. The final significant challenge arrives with the climb to Robie Point, a steep paved ascent that will test whatever willpower you have left.

The seemingly endless minor rollers along the river can disrupt your rhythm in these closing miles, so focus on maintaining consistent momentum and steady forward progress. Doing so will carry you through to the triumphant final mile and onto the track at Placer High School.

• Green Gate Climb: Immediately following the river crossing, this 1.7 mile climb averages over 7 percent. It is a true test of mental fortitude late in the race.
• Rolling Terrain Fatigue: The seemingly endless minor rollers along the river can break your rhythm. Focus on consistent momentum and forward progress.
• Robie Point: Just when you think you are done, the course presents a sharp, paved climb at mile 98. Dig deep and rely on your arm swing to conquer this final barrier.

• Climb #17: Mile 82.2 to Mile 83.12, 0.91 mi, avg grade 6.02%, total gain 290.85 ft
• Climb #18: Mile 91.38 to Mile 93.02, 1.64 mi, avg grade 7.53%, total gain 651.15 ft
• Climb #19: Mile 93.22 to Mile 93.83, 0.61 mi, avg grade 8.15%, total gain 262.27 ft
• Climb #20: Mile 97.3 to Mile 99.14, 1.83 mi, avg grade 7.27%, total gain 704 ft

• Descent #16: Mile 79.45 to Mile 80.16, 0.71 mi, avg grade -7.37%, total drop 277.36 ft
• Descent #17: Mile 84.55 to Mile 85.46, 0.91 mi, avg grade -4.04%, total drop 194.91 ft
• Descent #18: Mile 89.55 to Mile 90.56, 1.02 mi, avg grade -9.31%, total drop 499.74 ft
• Descent #19: Mile 94.24 to Mile 96.59, 2.35 mi, avg grade -7.45%, total drop 922.61 ft

• Green Gate (Mile 79.8)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5:50am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Auburn Lake Trails (Mile 85.2)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 7:15am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Quarry Rd (Mile 90.7)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 8:40am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Pointed Rocks (Mile 94.3)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 9:40am
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Robie Point (Mile 98.9)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 11:00am
  • Toilet: Unknown

• Trail Parking Auburn State Park (~Mile 96.28) (Spectator Zone): Access point and major spectator zone near the end of the race.