Experience the amazing Colorado fall colors, fast and flowing singletrack of Rampart Reservoir and the spectacular sweeping views of America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak, in the annual Above the Clouds Ultra! Runners’ journey begins in the beautiful “City Above the Clouds” of Woodland Park, CO and ascends Lovell Gulch to the top of Rampart Range Road. The ultra runners continue south on Rampart Range Road where they are greeted with some of the most spectacular views of Pikes Peak the region has to offer! The adventure continues in a counter clockwise direction around the fast and furious singletrack of Rampart Reservoir and eventually connects to the rarely traveled 700.A National Forest trail. From here, runners continue North along the quiet National Forest roads that provide incredible panoramic views of some of Colorado’s most beautiful mountains. Finally, runners descend the second half of the Lovell Gulch Loop back down to Woodland Park Middle School where they are cheered to the finish line by family and friends! You definitely do not want to miss out on this Colorado fall classic!
Race Information:
50k & 10K
Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Race Day Schedule:
Saturday, October 5th-
-
6:00 AM: Packet Pickup Begins on MS Track
-
7:00 AM: 50k Start
-
8:00 AM: 10k Start
-
6:00 PM: Course Closes
Maps, Elevation Profiles, Aid Station Charts:
50k: Elevation Gain: 4,137'
GPX File
.png)
10k: Elevation Gain: 1,126'
GPX File
.jpg)
All aid stations will be well stocked with Tailwind, Muir Energy Gels, sweet and salty snacks, fruit, and soda. The Rainbow Gulch and Rampart Ridge aid stations will also be cooking bacon, quesadillas, potatoes and other warm options!
Event Information
Packet Pickup:
-
Friday, October 4th, 2024
-
4:30 PM- 6:00 PM
-
Location: Colorado GearLab
-
Saturday- Beginning at 6:00 AM at Start/Finish Line
Registration closes on October 2nd, 2024. All registrations include;
-
Gender Specific race shirt
-
BOCO Trucker Hat (50K only)
-
Personalized bib and finishers' award
-
Well stocked aid stations
-
Beautiful and easy to follow course
-
Post-race meal
Register online via Ultrasignup
Crew and Pacing:
Pacing is prohibited. Crewing is available for 50k runners at crew accessible aid stations only. Crew accessible aid stations are easy to locate and within a short drive from the WPMS. The crew accessible aid stations are as follows:
-Rainbow Gulch Aid Station: From the WPMS, follow Rampart Range Rd for approximately 2 miles. When the road splits, stay right at Loy Creek Rd. At the top of the pass, turn right onto Rampart Range Rd. Follow Rampart Range Rd for approximately 2.3 miles. The aid station will be on the right in the parking lot of Rainbow Gulch Trailhead.
-Dam Aid Station: This aid station is located beyond a pay station. The fee to enter is $10. From the Rainbow Gulch Aid Station, continue south on Rampart Range Rd. for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on National Forest Rd. 306 and follow the signs for Rampart Reservoir. Continue on 306 for 2.5 miles. There is security gate before crossing the dam. The aid station will be on the right in the parking lot.
-Rampart Ridge Aid Station: This is not a crew accessible aid station. From Rainbow Gulch Aid Station, head north in the direction of the Start/Finish Line for 2.3 miles. At the four-way stop, turn right on Loy Creek Rd. Continue on Loy Creek through private property and the USAFA property for 2.8 miles. The aid station will be on the right. Please drive slowly and carefully through the private property.
Driving/Parking
From Colorado Springs: Head west on Highway 24 for approximately 18 miles then turn right on South Baldwin Street. Follow Baldwin St. for 1.5 miles. Continue straight through the four-way stop to the Woodland Park Middle School where you will be greeted by a parking attendant.
Woodland Park Middle School will play host to the event. There is plenty of parking and vehicles will be directed by a parking attendant. The start/finish line in located on the track north of the school.
Travel and Lodging:
Flying:
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport: Colorado Springs has the closest and most convenient airport. It takes about 55 minutes to drive from the airport to the event.
Denver International Airport: The Denver airport is not as close as the Colorado Springs airport, but will usually offer better flight options and be less expensive. It takes about 2 hours to drive from the airport to the event.
Camping:
Mueller State Park offers 132 campsites and are by reservation only. The various campsites can accommodate walk-in tent campers to full hook-up RVs. There are cabins available to rent within the park.
Things to See and Do
Trails:
-
Devil’s Playground (664A) to Northwest summit of Pikes Peak: This approximately 14 mile out and back summit of Pikes Peak is one of the most spectacular trails in the Front Range. The summit to “America’s Mountain” is significantly less crowded than Barr Trail and offers spectacular views of the Great Divide course.
-
The Crags Trail (664): This 4.5 mile out-and-back is popular with families and offers incredible views of Pikes Peak and the Great Divide course! The magnificent rock formations at the turnaround are uniquely stunning and definitely worth the trip.
Breweries:
-
Bierwerks: Located in Woodland Park. Although Bierwerks specializes in German beers, they have a wide variety of delicious beer. There is usually a couple of food trucks serving lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
-
Paradox Brewing: Located in Divide. Overlooking Pikes Peak, Paradox specializes in sour beers! They offer indoor and outdoor seating.
Proudly Sponsored By
