Colorado’s High Lonesome 100 Miler

The High Lonesome 100 is a new Colorado mountain race for those looking for a big mountain adventure but can’t get a break in the Hardrock 100 lottery. 24,500 of vertical at an average 11,000’ of elevation and a 36 hour limit. It’s the challenge you’re looking for. Although 2017 was the inaugural race, and glitches would have been expected, thanks to the organization of race director, Caleb Efta, and advice from many of the Hardrock race committee, it felt like a seasoned event. With 12 aid stations, and a Forest Service imposed limit of 75 runners, there were as many volunteers as there were racers.

In terms of travel and accommodations, Salida is a short drive from the Denver airport and a virtual museum of ‘Prairie style’ architecture with plenty of options for hotel or house rentals, great small restaurants and galleries, rafting on the Arkansas River and miles of mountain bike trails. If you prefer to sleep under the stars there are unlimited options in the surrounding mountains including camping in a large field at the start/finish. And if you care about the swag, a beautiful handmade buckle and a special engraved bottle of whisky from Laws Whiskey House.

But what about the race? The race runs through the Sawatch Mountains near Salida CO and uses 30 miles of the Colorado Trail and 25 miles of the Continental Divide Trail. Quick note - if, like me, you imagine the Colorado Trail being a nice smooth ‘rails to trails’ surface, just keep telling yourself that. Expect long tough climbs, mud, rocks, probably rain, perhaps lightning, all the expected drama, and also beautiful mountain views, sweet single track, great aid stations and really dedicated volunteers. This race will likely be a Hardrock qualifier after its second year and currently is expected to be worth 6 points towards UTMB.