ATRA’s social media manager and Trail Team founder Andy Wacker shares his list of USA’s best vertical races in the following article. Feature photo courtesy Mike Scott from the 2018 Loon Mountain Race.
Uphill or vertical races feature leg-saving speeds, mountain top finishes and plenty of challenge. They will leave you out of breath, but are typically easier to recover from, allowing verticals to be paired with a second race in a weekend or purely raced alone. Vertical races come in a variety of forms, run on trails or roads and anytime of the year. While popular in the Alps, you don’t have to fly to Europe to find a great vertical race, the US has plenty!
My favorites
Loon Mountain Race
Lincoln, NH
6 miles
3066 vertical feet
Why: LMR has hosted the USATF Mountain Running Championships countless times. This East Coast classic is a proving ground for road and trail runners alike. Upper Walking Boss, the black diamond ski hill that comprises the last 1k of the race completes an epic finish above the green tree-scaped mountain vistas. “Upper walking boss” is as hard as it sounds. Don’t forget to ice your legs in the Pemigewasset river post-race.
Mount Washington Road Race
Gorham, NH
7.6 miles
4,650 vertical feet
Why: This is an American classic that has hosted the best mountain runners from around the world. While it takes place on a road, don’t be fooled, the unrelenting 12% grade can be soul breaking. Johnathan Wyatt set the unbeatable record of 56:41 minutes back in 2004. This race has hosted the USA mountain running champs, but may be more famous for its long time participant, 100-year old, George Etzweiler.
Broken Arrow VK
Olympic Valley, CA
3 miles
3,000 vertical feet
Why: Started in 2016, Broken Arrow has quickly become an American classic. Located at Palisades Tahoe resort, the VK boasts unpredictable snow patches, a ladder and views of Lake Tahoe. Better yet, this event is a week before Western States 100 miler. Come for the VK and stay for the biggest week of trail running in the US.
The Blue Sky Ascent
Evergreen, CO
14.5 miles
3,550 vertical feet
Why: Formerly known as Mount Evans Ascent, this race has a long, thrilling history. Matt Carpenter, of Pikes Peak fame, set the course record in 2008! Kim Dobson set the women’s record in 2016. This is America’s highest road race, starting at 10,600 feet of elevation and finishing at 14,264 feet. If the lack of oxygen isn’t enough, you are bound to see mountain goats and views of Denver near the summit.
Rendezvous Mountain Hill Climb
Jackson, WY
5.9 miles
4,100 vertical feet
Why: Rendezvous, famous for the hour challenge, broken by Joe Gray and Tyler McCandless in 2023, highlights wildflowers and singletrack ascending a gorgeous chunk of the Tetons. Need a reason to go to Jackson? This is it!
Dragon’s Back Ascent at Mammoth Trail Fest
Mammoth Lakes, CA
3 miles
2,400 vertical feet
Why: With its volcanic past, hot springs and cascading alpine lakes, Mammoth is unlike many mountain towns in the USA. Hosting a stage of the Golden Trail World Series in 2024, the dramatic landscape provides an epic venue for one of the most competitive races in the world. Come for the ascent, cheer on the pros and take time to experience Mammoth Lakes.
Lone Peak Vertical Kilometer at The Rut
Big Sky, MT
2.8 miles
3,632 vertical feet
Pikes Peak Ascent
Manitou Springs, CO
13.3 miles
7,800 vertical feet
Why: Running up nearly 8,000 vertical feet just isn’t possible in many places on earth. Maybe that’s why Pikes Peak has hosted World Championships, the Golden Trail Series, and multitudes of the best runners on the planet. Home of the sub-2 hour challenge, Remi Bonnet broke Matt Carpenter’s long standing record in 2023 running 2:00:20.
Vail Mountain Winter Uphill
2.1 miles
2,250 vertical feet
Why: How many races pit skiers vs runners up a ski slope in winter?! Check out what seems to be the forbidden world of running up one of the most famous ski resorts in the world while catching an incredible sunrise.
Races I haven’t raced yet, but are on my wish list
Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb
Bird Ridge, AK
3 miles
3,400 vertical feet
Mt Ashland Hill Climb
13.5
5,600 vertical feet
Mount Baldy Run to the Top
Mount Baldy, CA
7 miles
4,000 vertical feet
Editor’s note: Enjoy Peter Maksimow‘s article about Mount Baldy Run to the Top.
Tiger Claw Ascent
Issaquah, WA
2.5 mile
2,500 vertical feet
Mt. Si Vk and Hill Climb
North Bend, WA
Hill climb 11 miles – 3,500 vertical feet
VK 2.8 miles – 3,450 vertical feet
Editor’s note: Looking for a vertical race? Check out ATRA’s race calendar for hill climbs and uphill races here.
