This epic race begins in Grants, N.M., with a 13-mile bike ride meandering through town, then away buildings to sights of high desert cacti and ponderosa pines, continuing to the end of the pavement on Mt.Taylor, an 1,800 ft. climb.

Then, the race continues on foot with a 5-mile run on a gravel path that gives way to packed snow, while rising 1,200 ft. in elevation.

The next 1,200 ft. climb is tackled on skis, during a 2-mile portion of the race that includes Heartbreak Hill, a barren and exposed part of the mountain, which comes at the end of this leg - making it that much more intense.

The 11,301 ft. summit of Mt. Taylor is finally reached via snowshoe, after gaining 600 ft in elevation over a mile. There, competitors will come upon a vast and majestic view, where you can see for over 100 miles on a clear day, before turning around and snowshoeing, skiing, running, and cycling back to town.

At the completion of the Ultimate Challenge, you will have conquered 4,900 ft of elevation gain, and 43 miles and some change in exhilarating and agonizing bliss.

Please see our website for a full description of the race and our race rules. www.mttaylorquad.org

Community Wall

Open the wall →

No posts yet — start the conversation →

Distances

44.0 mi

43.0 mi