Course DescriptioN

The 25K starts on the shore of White Rock Bay, with Stansbury Island across the water to the west. It climbs into the island’s high grasslands, home to a bison herd that began with 12 animals brought over by boat in 1893, then drops to Split Rock Bay, the most remote corner of the course, before winding back to the start on some of the best singletrack on the island.

From the White Rock Bay campground, follow the fence line south along a wide dirt jeep road for about a quarter mile, then turn left through the gate onto the White Rock Loop, where a gradual climb begins. A little over a mile in, you’ll reach your first junction. Turn left and keep climbing for another 1.5 miles to the first high point near mile 2.6. The next mile rolls along the top.

At mile 4, go straight onto the Junction Trail, a gentle descent of 1.25 miles. Just past mile 5, you’ll reach the Bone Road junction. Look for the lone cedar at the base of the ridge. That’s One Tree Hill. Stay left and climb it, a short, steep pitch to the Elephant Head Aid Station at about mile 5.8. This is your first of two chances to refuel.

This ridge is a favorite bison hangout. Stay at least 100 yards away. If you can hold out your thumb at arm’s length and still see the bison around it, you’re too close. Never pass between animals, and follow volunteer directions if bison are on the trail.

Just past the aid station, take a sharp right onto the Split Rock Loop and drop 600 feet over 1.5 miles of wide doubletrack toward the bay. Near mile 7.25, you’ll hit the low point of the course, as close to the lake as you’ll get all day. Save something for the climb out, which starts right away: 600 feet over 2 miles, mostly on switchbacks. From the top, about 1.75 miles of flowy, mostly level singletrack brings you back to Elephant Head (around mile 11), your second and final aid station. From here it’s 5.6 miles to the finish with no more aid.

From Elephant Head, drop back down One Tree Hill to the Bone Road junction. Stay right onto the Junction Trail for your last real climb. Don’t underestimate it. It’s short, but it comes at mile 12 on tired legs. Just past the top (around mile 12.6), you’ll be back at the White Rock Loop junction. Stay left. The next 2.5 miles are mostly downhill to flat on some of the nicest singletrack you’ll find anywhere, with a few short rollers around mile 14 that will break your rhythm.

Around mile 15.3, the loop rejoins the trail you came out on. Stay left and retrace the opening doubletrack back down to the fence line, then turn right onto the jeep road. The finish is a quarter mile ahead on your left.