Collegiate Peaks 50 Course Profile

Buena Vista, CO, Colorado

• Distance: 50 miles
• Elevation Gain: 9,500 ft
• Elevation Loss: 9,500 ft
• High Point: 10,800 ft
• Low Point: 7,900 ft
• Time Limit: 16 hours
• Month: April
• Finisher Rate: ~75%

A scenic 50-mile loop through Colorado's high country near Buena Vista, surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Spring conditions can bring snow, mud, and rapidly changing weather at altitude.

Aid Stations

Name	Mile	Elevation	Crew Access	Drop Bag	Cutoff
Railroad Gulch	10	9,200 ft	Yes	Yes	—
Cottonwood Pass	22	10,600 ft	No	No	8:00
Clear Creek	32	9,400 ft	Yes	Yes	11:00
Midland	42	9,800 ft	Yes	Yes	14:00

Course Segments

Segment	Miles	Terrain	Difficulty	Notes
Buena Vista to Railroad Gulch	0–10	climb	moderate	Steady climb out of town. Altitude adjustment important.
Railroad Gulch to Cottonwood Pass	10–22	climb	hard	High altitude climbing. Possible snow.
Cottonwood Pass to Midland	22–42	rolling	hard	Rolling alpine terrain with stunning views.
Midland to Finish	42–50	descent	moderate	Descend back to Buena Vista.

View the full interactive elevation profile, 3D course flyover, and race strategy tools on HARDN.