West Elk Challenge Crawford, CO   Oct 4, 2026

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.

The marathon starts on the shores of Crawford Reservoir State Park and will travel on gravel roads through the farms and ranches at the base of the iconic Needle Rock, where they will meet the 30K participants. Soon thereafter, the trail enters the Gunnison National Forest and climbs singletrack trails through golden aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn. After about 5 miles of climbing, runners top the 9,762 foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass, and descend through spruce, aspen and oak, past Lone Cabin Reservoir to the town of Paonia, finally ending at Paonia Town Park. Unlike many “trail marathons,” which are actually on gravel 4×4 roads, over half of this race is on singletrack trails!

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.