Hard ultramarathons in California, United States

135-mile route from Badwater Basin to Whitney Portal crossing three mountain ranges, 14,600 feet of ascent, desert heat, and iconic California scenery

Remote San Gabriel backcountry route through preserved wilderness, featuring picnic spots, campgrounds, and a demanding 100-mile ultrarunning course

Scenic 2-mile loop at Harvey Bear Ranch with hill and mountain views, multiple distance options, generous cutoff times, and a community-focused environment.

Looped 0.85-mile paved bike path through scenic Auburn, with picturesque ponds, shaded stretches, and multiple distance options

Rugged 100-mile route through the San Gabriel Mountains' primitive wilderness, featuring rough terrain and scenic, largely untouched backcountry

214-mile loop race around Mammoth Lakes, spanning the Eastern Sierra with 9,346 m of climbing over five days and a 108-hour cutoff

Mountain routes near Los Angeles featuring Big Bear Lake views, Sugarloaf Mountain ascents, and descents into Siberia Canyon

Brutally demanding canyon ultra near Foresthill, with huge elevation change, rough terrain, off-trail sections, and a remote backcountry feel.

Rugged Lake Sonoma trails with 24,000 feet of elevation gain, fast non-technical sections, winter mud and rain, vibrant start/finish festivities

2-mile double track dirt loop with 128 feet of gain per lap, mountain desert scenery, starlit night running, camping on-site, real bathrooms and aid station

Rugged loops around Lake Perris with 2,300 to 4,500 feet of elevation gain, lake and mountain views, frequent aid stations, and camping on site

Flat 1-mile loop on 100% hardpacked dirt, set on a Southern California fruit and nut farm with close access to aid, crew, and vehicles.

Scenic lap course through Reedley farmland, orchards, vineyards, and along the Kings River, racing from sunset through moonlit night to dawn

Looped course at Cesar Chavez Academy in south Corona foothills, with options for 1/4 or 1-mile loops and scenic day and night views

50-mile trail ultra in Angeles National Forest near Lake Hughes, crossing the Leona Divide twice and spending time on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Rugged Sierra Nevada foothills, historic gold-rush routes, steep canyons, and challenging scenic terrain through the birthplace of mountain ultras

Demanding mountain loop featuring 15,400 feet of elevation change, technical single track, and arid conditions through Cuyamaca and Anza Borrego State Parks

Fast 20-mile dirt loops on singletrack and double track, with rolling hills, 2,300 ft of climbing per loop, and a mild coastal spring setting.

Full-moon trail weekend with evening starts, steep sustained climbs, high-elevation terrain to 6,200 feet, and rugged mountain-style efforts.

Flat 1-mile dirt and grass loops on a private horse ranch in Riverside, lap-based ultra with accessible support and camping options for families and crews