8 running events in Buena Vista, Colorado

Escape to the mountains this summer for a long weekend of trail running, hiking, and connection in beautiful with a group of women who get it. We'll be based in a riverside home in Buena Vista, Colorado—just steps from Main Street, local trails, and surrounded by the kind of mountain views that make you remember why you do this.

Each day, we'll head out for an adventure on the trails, with options ranging from 10–20 miles depending on your goals and how you're feeling. Some will run, some will hike, and many will do a mix — there's no "right" way to move through the mountains, and no pressure to perform. The highlight of the camp will be a group hike/run on Hope Pass or one of the 14ers in the Sawatch range (final itinerary based on the group and weather). We'll close out the weekend with a shorter shakeout run before heading home.

Off the trails, we'll share meals, relax by the river, and soak in the laid-back mountain town energy that makes Buena Vista so special. Expect good conversation, honest miles, and the kind of friendships that form when women push themselves somewhere beautiful together.

Think of it as part summer camp, part trail running getaway — a space to train hard, recover well, and leave feeling more like yourself than when you arrived.

The High Lonesome 100 is a high flying endurance race in the Sawatch range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. With 23,500' of vertical gain and reaching an elevation of 13,100', it's a hell of a course. The race runs in a loop through some of the most beautiful single track in the state, and takes runners on the Continental Divide and Colorado Trail, through 2 ghost towns, over 5 alpine passes, through remote basins, and over soaring ridges. It's also run and staffed by experienced and quality individuals, so you'll get to be a part of a wonderful community. If you're looking for a true mountain race, created in the spirit of the classic 100 milers, then look no further.

Stats

• Entry fee: $465

• Start/Finish Location: County Road 321, Mount Princeton, Colorado (coordinates: 38.740282, -106.161237)

• Distance: 101 miles

• Average Elevation: 10,600'

• High Point: 13,100'

• Low Point: 8,150'

• Total Elevation Gain: 23,500'

• Cut off: 37 hours

• Course type: 66% single track, 21% mining roads, 10% gravel roads, and 3% paved roads

With glorious views of the Collegiate Peaks and 4,000ft of ascent along the way, these 18 or 30 miles of buttery single track and forest roads are perfect for everyone from the first time trail runner to the veteran ultra runner. Although the Arkansas Valley is famously known for its high alpine peaks, it’s a well kept secret that there’s a stash of arid, desert style trails just outside of Buena Vista (BEW-na Vista), CO - giving the West Line a feel like no other.

The West Line Winder is put on by Freestone Endurance (the same folks that bring you the High Lonesome 100) and is a perfect fall race for any runner!

West Line Winder is hosted by the 14er Fest which takes place Sept 27 - 29th in Buena Vista, CO. At the heart of the festival, you'll find that 14er Fest seeks to join together a wide variety of trail users, including both motorized and non-motorized trail enthusiasts. It's visions is to create a platform where all trial groups can recreate and work together to keep trails open and maintained. Join us for trail events, clinics, festival camping, live music, local libations and amazing vendors.

As an added challenge, runners can attempt the Sawatch 50/50 by registering for the Sawatch Ascent 50k on the same weekend! Finishers of the Sawatch 50/50 will get a special award and place awards for the top 3 overall men and women. Runners can camp at the Sawatch Ascent start/finish line (Nathrop, CO) for $15/night. Space is limited to 35 spots and can be purchased at the Sawatch Ascent webstore.

Cancellation, Deferral, and refund Policy: Runners can defer 50% of their entry to the following year so long as they request it by September 1st. There is no refund in the event of a cancellation.

A classic, high-alpine, vert-heavy Colorado 50k! Get some miles on the Colorado Trail and run all the way to 13,150' feet in elevation! Starting and finishing at the base of Mount Princeton, runners are treated to panoramic views of the Sawatch Range and the gorgeous Arkansas River Valley. The race runs in a large lollipop and is essentially one long 7000' foot climb and one long 7000' descent. The beginning and end have a mix of dirt and paved roads, but the middle is 25 miles of uninterrupted singletrack, including 12 miles on the Colorado Trail. Yet, despite the amount of vert this course is surprisingly runnable, especially for a runner with mountain experience. Add in the changing aspen leaves and the (usually) perfect fall weather and you've got yourself one hell of end-of-the-season race. As an added bonus, the course shares some similarities with the High Lonesome 100 course and is put on by the same folks at Freestone Endurance.

The race starts on Sunday, September 28th, 2025 at 7:30am and runners have 11 hours to complete the course. There are three aid stations (not counting the Start/Finish) that are fully stoked with the typical aid station fare as well some tasty treats to surprise you and water and Tailwind are available at all aid stations. Runners can camp at the start/finish line for $15/night and space is limited to 35 spots. The race is capped at 250 runners Runners get a finishers medal, race shirt, free full resolution professional images, and free drinks (alcoholic and non) at the finish line. If you don't want a shirt and/or medal, you can select that during registration to save $10-20.

As an added challenge, runners can attempt the Sawatch 50/50 by registering for the West Line Winder 50k on the same weekend! Finishers of the Sawatch 50/50 will get a special award and place awards for the top 3 overall men and women.

Cancellation, Deferral, and refund Policy: Runners can defer 50% of their entry to the following year so long as they request it by September 1st. We do not offer refunds, but you may purchase third-party insurance during registration which may allow you a refund. Please see the website for the full details.

Key details:

• When: Sunday September 28th, 2025 at 7:30am

• Where: Nathrop, Colorado (coordinates: 38.74275, -106.15964)

• Course: 33 miles, 7000' of vert, 8200' low point to 13,150' high point, average elevation 9800'

• Trail type: 26 miles of singletrack, 4.5 miles of pavement, 2.5 miles of gravel roads

• Cutoff: 11 hours

• Extra challenge: Sawatch 50/50!