dragon’s back ascent

california’s HIGHEST hill climb!

3 miles and 2,400ft to the top of mammoth mountain! / $3,400 Purse

friday - Sep 20 - 9am / mammoth lakes, CA

bridge start

ridge shred

summit finish

spectators, bring your COWBELL!

your body may quit but the views never will

celebrate at 11,053ft

party with music and donuts before a Summit Ceremony, family photo, and scenic gondola ride off the mountain

  • bib pick up -

    thursday 9/19: 3-5pm, 6-8pm - trailfest. tent in wood chip lounge under village gondola

    friday 9/20: 7:45am-8:30am - Tamarack Lodge/Cross Country Ski Center Yurt: In front of Yurt; 163 Twin Lakes Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

    run, hike, or walk the world famous Dragon’s Back Trail to a Summit Party on the top of Mammoth Mountain!

    2.75 miles with 2,400 ft vertical gain, straight up

    technical trail at high altitude, proper preparation and caution advised

    we have dedicated medical staff, patrol, and volunteers along course

  • no aid stations along course, take what you may need to finish. A summit party with refreshments and music await at the top

    2.5 hour generous cutoff to promote participation from all abilities

    97% finish rate in 2022!

  • top 5 female/males awarded cash prizes as follows

    F1/M1: $700

    F2/M2: $600

    F3/M3: $250

    F4/M4: $100

    F5/M5: $50

    top 3 female/male runners in each 10 year age group awarded unique gift

    age groups: 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

    overall awards will be given friday 9/20, 11:30am on summit podium

    all runners are subject to random drug testing and specifics on race day testing can be found on our Golden Trail Series page

  • town bus/trolly will transport participants from Village Plaza friday morning to Tamarack Lodge where you will walk the short 250m to the startline waiting area

    once on the summit, free gondola rides will take participants down to Main Lodge where Town bus/trolly will transport runners back to Village Plaza

    specific details will be communicated as the event draws closer

Click maps to download GPX file