# Western States 100 Course Guide: Running 100 Miles Through the Sierra Nevada
The Western States Endurance Run is not just a race — it is a pilgrimage. The 100.2-mile route from the base of Palisades Tahoe ski resort in Olympic Valley to the red dirt track at Placer High School in Auburn, California is the most storied trail in American ultrarunning. To run it — even on a training day — is to follow the footprints of the sport's greatest performers.
The Route at a Glance
1. The High Country (Miles 0–30) Starting at 6,200 feet in Olympic Valley, runners immediately climb to Emigrant Pass at 8,750 feet — a 2,550-foot gain in just 4.5 miles. This exposed ridge section delivers the route's most dramatic alpine scenery: granite peaks, snow patches in early season, and expansive views across the Tahoe Basin. The descent from Emigrant Pass to Robinson Flat involves 10,000 feet of undulating ridgeline with technical footing on scree and dust.
2. The Canyons (Miles 30–78) This is where Western States races are won and lost. Three major canyon systems — Last Chance Creek, the North Fork American River, and El Dorado Creek — demand multiple brutal descents and climbs. Temperatures in the lower canyons regularly exceed 100°F in warm years. Devil's Thumb (mile 47), Deadwood (mile 52), and El Dorado Creek (mile 53) are the pivotal psychological checkpoints.
3. The American River and Auburn (Miles 78–100) Green Gate at mile 80 marks the transition to river trail. Rolling singletrack follows the North Fork American River through meadows and pine forest before the legendary No Hands Bridge and the final push to Auburn. The finish at Placer High School's track — run counterclockwise under the lights — is one of ultrarunning's most iconic moments.
Key Aid Stations
| Aid Station | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Emigrant Pass | 4.5 | 8,750 ft |
| Robinson Flat | 30 | 4,000 ft |
| Devil's Thumb | 47 | 4,600 ft |
| Foresthill | 62 | 1,700 ft |
| Rucky Chucky | 78 | 1,160 ft |
| Robie Point | 99 | 1,500 ft |
| Auburn Track | 100.2 | 1,295 ft |
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Join ZealZagFollow us on InstagramGetting There
Fly into Sacramento (SMF), 90 minutes from Olympic Valley. Auburn is 45 minutes east of Sacramento on I-80. The Western States trail crosses public land and is open year-round for recreational use.
Best Season
Late June through October. Canyon heat in July and August can be extreme — start before dawn and carry extra water. September brings cooler temperatures and golden light. In heavy snowpack years, the upper passes may be snow-covered into June.
Gear List
- Trail shoes with moderate lug (Hoka Speedgoat, Altra Lone Peak)
- Hydration vest, minimum 1.5L — gaps between water sources can exceed 10 miles in the canyons
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, arm sleeves
- Electrolyte tabs — hyponatremia risk is real in canyon heat
- Spare socks for the Rucky Chucky river crossing
- Emergency bivy for solo attempts
Training Approach
At minimum before attempting: - One 50-mile race finish with 5,000 ft+ elevation gain - Back-to-back long run weekends (20+ miles Saturday, 15+ Sunday) - 60,000 feet of cumulative gain in the 12 weeks before your attempt - Heat training: Sauna sessions 3–4 times per week for 4–6 weeks prior have solid research backing for canyon acclimatisation
Local Tips
Auburn has excellent post-run options on South Auburn Street. New Moon Café is a local favourite for breakfast. Multiple hotels cluster along I-80. For the full experience, stay in Olympic Valley at Palisades Tahoe — you can walk to the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run the Western States trail without entering the race? Yes — the trail crosses public land and is open year-round. No permits required for recreational use.
How competitive is the Western States lottery? Typically 10:1 odds or worse. Runners accumulate tickets each year they apply without selection. Qualifying via a silver-buckle race (sub-24-hour finish at a designated event) is the alternative path.
What is the best single section for a first visit? Foresthill (mile 62) to Rucky Chucky crossing (mile 78) — accessible via Foresthill Road, 14 miles offering river views and the full canyon atmosphere.
Is the Rucky Chucky crossing safe independently? In normal water years, knee-to-thigh deep in late June. In high snowpack years it can run dangerously fast into July. Check water levels and never cross alone.
What happened at the 2026 race? Vincent Bouillard set the men's course record at 13:46:15; Jenn Lichter set the women's record at 15:28:05 in her 100-mile debut. Full coverage in our 2026 Western States race report.
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