At all of our races we designate an official race hike. If you complete the hike within 72 hours of finishing the race and send us a picture of you at the summit with your bib and finisher medal, you are inducted into that hike’s “club” and get 50% OFF next year’s race entry! This is one of the ways we challenge our runners to get out there and explore the beauty of the park. It would be a shame to come all the way just to run a race in a beautiful place without experiencing some of that beauty up close.
Last year we had The Continental Divide Club – a hike up Hallett Peak. This was a big challenge, for sure. These hikes are not to be treated lightly. This year, we are keeping The Continental Divide Club hike for those who want to attempt it, but we are also introducing a second club hike: The Chasm Lake Club. Chasm Lake is a beautiful crater lake along the Longs Peak trail. The hike is 8.4 miles roundtrip with a total elevation gain of 2,450 feet. Hikers should leave early in the morning to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. We will post more details about the hike soon, but in the meantime just know you now have two options. Which club are you going to join?
We are also introducing another new challenge: The Trifecta Challenge. The Rocky Mountain Trifecta is comprised of 3 different activities. You must complete all 3 in order to complete the Trifecta. Same rules apply: take your picture at each of the 3 with your bib and finisher medal and send them to us 72 hours after finishing the race. Those who complete the Trifecta will receive 20% OFF next year’s race entry!
The Trifecta is meant to be challenging, but less strenuous. These are iconic activities inside the park that should be experienced, but are doable with children. A more family friendly challenge, I guess. A sort of activity scavenger hunt. The 3 activities that makeup the Trifecta are:
1) Hike around Bear Lake – Bear Lake is beautiful, and incredibly easy to get to. You drive to the Bear Lake parking lot and it is a 1/4 mile to a beautiful view of the lake and Hallett Peak. The hike around the lake is beautiful and easily can be done with children. Those attempting the Hallett Peak hike will start at Bear Lake.
2) Alberta Falls – A beautiful waterfall inside the park.
3) Drive Trail Ridge Road – Trail Ridge Rd is an incredible byway that goes from Estes Park to Grand Lake, crosses the continental divide, climbs above the tree line, and offers incredible views. Our challenge to you is to drive to the top of Trail Ridge Rd and to make the short hike to the tallest peak.
Again, we will post more details on each of these soon, but for now we just want you to be aware of these awesome and fun challenges and we hope you make them a part of your vacation.