Runner Information

We look forward to seeing you in 2026! Our 2026 date is tentatively set for Saturday, December 5.

You must be at least 17 years old to enter the 50K, and at least 16 to run the 30K.

We are unable to accommodate refunds or bib transfers. We do have a deferral policy, based on date of withdrawal. See the Withdrawal section, below.

Our High Desert Ultra offers a 50k distance and a 30k. In 2025, we were excited to add a 10K course! Our courses all traverse rolling desert terrain on jeep roads, single track trails, and sandy washes.

Start and finish for all courses is in front of the Cerro Coso College gym, 3000 S. College Heights Blvd., Ridgecrest.

Click on the map above to access an interactive version, where you can download a .gpx file.

Desert temperatures in early December can vary from 30 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit on race day, so layers are recommended.

Courses will be marked with a combination of ribbons, chalk, and signs.

Nine aid stations will be well stocked with water, GU electrolyte drink and gels, cookies, etc. We advise that all participants carry a water bottle between aid stations. Ibuprofen will not be provided.

For more information about each course, visit our course pages for the 50k, 30k and 10k.

Race start time for both 50k and 30k is 7:00 am, and the 10k will start at 8:00 am.

We do have some cutoff times, and they will apply to runners on all courses.

We offer an early start at 6:00 am for those 50k and 30k runners who would like an extra hour to complete the course. You must check in with the Race Director. Early starters will receive credit for finishing but will not be eligible for awards.

Start and finish for all distances is located in front of the Cerro Coso Community College Gym, at 3000 College Heights Blvd. in Ridgecrest. You can find directions in our Travel section.

Race start time for the 50k and 30k is 7:00 am. The 30K and 50K runners start together and get the same amount of time to finish. The 10k will start at 8:00 am.

Bathrooms and showers will be available for use in the gym from 5am to 5pm on the day of the race.

We offer an early start at 6:00 am for those 50k and 30k runners who would like some extra time to complete the race. You must check in with the Race Director. No early start for the 10K. Early starters will receive credit for finishing but will not be eligible for awards.

Across the road is a large grassy area with shade trees and picnic tables. This is a great place for families to wait for their runners.

There is a 2:30 pm cutoff time at Gracie's aid station, for all distances. This aid station is located 24.8 miles on the 50k course and 15.1 miles on the 30k course. If you arrive after that time, we will provide transportation back to the finish area. In addition, there will be a cutoff time of 4 pm at the finish line.

In the event of runner withdrawal from the event we will honor the following credit policy: 90 days prior to event: 75% credit towards following year's event; 30 days prior to event: 50% credit towards following year's event; 14 days prior to event: 25% credit towards following year's event; less than 14 days prior to event: no credit given.

If you must drop out of the race for any reason, please notify a race staff member at an aid station or check in with our timing company at the finish line.

Crew access for the 50k course is available at AS5: Wagon Wheel. This aid station can be reached on paved roads.

From the race start at the college, backtrack down the hill on College Heights Blvd. and turn right onto S. China Lake Blvd.
At the intersection of China Lake Blvd. and Ridgecrest Blvd., turn right and head east on Ridgecrest Blvd./Highway 178.
In about 4.1 miles, turn right onto Randsburg Wash Rd. Just after that turn, you will pass the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Facility on your right.
In another 4 miles, turn right onto Trona Rd. You will be heading southwest.
In another 3.1 miles (about 11.2 miles total), the Wagon Wheel aid station will be on your right.

The college no longer permits overnight camping/parking on their property. Should you wish to camp the night before the race, dispersed camping is permitted on surrounding BLM lands. See our In Ridgecrest page for more information.

You must be at least 17 years old to enter the 50K, and at least 16 to run the 30K--NO EXCEPTIONS
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. See our deferral policy under "Withdrawals".
No pets are allowed on the course or in the start/finish area.
Headphones are strongly discouraged. Running without headphones will contribute to both safety and enjoyment of the experience.
If you must drop out of the race for any reason, please notify a race staff member at an aid station or check in with our timing company at the finish line.
There will be a 2:30 p.m. cut off time at Gracie's aid station (24.8 miles on the 50k course), as well as a 4 p.m. cutoff at the finish.
Early starters will receive credit for finishing but will not be eligible for awards.
We ask that if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness related to Covid-19 or other illness, please stay home to protect yourself and others.

Please be aware that you will be running through BLM land, which will be open to other user groups during the event. We ask that you respect the rights of any hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and other runners you may encounter.

Please carry your trash and deposit it at the next aid station.

We ask that if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness related to Covid-19 or other illness, please stay home to protect yourself and others. Masks are not required, but please do not hesitate to wear them if desired.