Gnarly Bear Endurance Runs

Description:

The 12.5k, 25k and 50k course is a unique but challenging course that has something for every style of trail runner. The 50k is a two-loop course that starts and ends at the base of Kelly Canyon ski slopes.

The start is a half mile semi-flat beginning before a one mile steep climb to the backside of Buckskin-Morgan Ridge and turning into a double track section of trail we call “The Roller Coaster” for another 2 miles before entering the 218 gravel road. The trail is slightly uphill along side the road for just over one mile. Towards the top of Buckskin-Morgan Ridge the trail leaves the road and enters a single track trail that will slightly climb before descending down Buckskin-Morgan Ridge and back onto the 218 gravel road.

At this point is the initial aid station at the Y-Junction parking and restroom area. Family and friends can greet runners here, although parking is quite limited. Leaving the Y-Junction aid station, the course heads easterly down the 217 gravel road for an out and back for one mile to Table Rock campground and then back up to the Y-Junction aid station. From there the course goes southeast about a mile out the mostly flat 881 dirt road and then returns to the Y-Junction via a forest trail.

There is a short uphill run before heading back down on a nice cat track descent to the base of Kelly Canyon chairlifts three and four. This is where the work really begins as you start the biggest climb on the course up the ski mountain. The ascent winds up a trail through open side hills and wooded areas encountering switch backs along the way to the top where the Kelly Mountain aid station is located near the top of chairlift 4. Upon reaching the mountain top, the trail becomes a double track groomer road with moderate uphill and downhill terrain proceeding to the summit near the radio tower. From there the trail heads down a dirt groomer road with spectacular views to the Snake River valleys below in nearly every direction. The trail leaves the groomer road down a moderate descent (partly sage brush and partly wooded) trail before heading down a moderately steep ski run road known as Moose. The trail ends at the ski lodge thus completing the 25k loop and the halfway point of the 50k where music, food, and trail-running greatness will be waiting for you!