Ram Party

About the Event

The Ram Party Trail Runs are a high-altitude endurance event set against the backdrop of the Front Range in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, the races are organized by Aravaipa Running. The event centers around the Rampart Reservoir and the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, offering runners expansive views of Pikes Peak and a significant vertical challenge across multiple distances.

Race Categories and Timing

The event features a unique variety of distances, including two distinct "ultra" options with different profiles. All races are held on Saturday morning with staggered starts.

Category	Start Time	Course Type
55 Miler	6:00 AM	Long-distance endurance loop
50K Ultra	6:30 AM	Out and back; Vert-heavy
24K Trail	7:00 AM	Mid-distance loop
15K Trail	7:30 AM	Short-distance loop
60K Ultra	8:00 AM	Point-to-point; Mountain start

Course and Terrain

The Ram Party courses are defined by their rugged mountain character and significant elevation shifts, reaching a peak altitude of approximately 9,500 feet.

- 60K Profile: This point-to-point race begins in the mountains at Rainbow Gulch, circumnavigates Rampart Reservoir, and features a long "bomb down" descent along Rampart Range Road toward the finish.
- 50K Profile: Unlike the 60K, the 50K starts and finishes at the Buffalo Lodge. It is characterized as a "vert-heavy" out-and-back route designed for runners seeking maximum elevation gain.
- Environment: The trails offer a mix of alpine forest and exposed ridge sections. Weather conditions at the higher reaches are often significantly cooler than in the city of Colorado Springs.

Logistics and Accommodations

The Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort serves as the central hub for the event, hosting the start/finish for most distances and providing a community atmosphere for participants.

- Lodging: Participants and volunteers can receive a 25% discount at the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort by using the promo code "ARAVAIPA" for stays between May 13th and 19th.
- Mandatory Gear: Due to the high-altitude nature of the course and unpredictable mountain weather, organizers strongly recommend all runners carry warm layers and a rain jacket.
- Awards: Specialized awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers in every distance, and all runners receive a unique finisher award upon crossing the line.
- Registration: Online registration through UltraSignup closes on Monday, May 11, 2026. Early registration is encouraged as Aravaipa events frequently reach capacity.

2.8 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

0.1 cm

air Avg wind speed

9.5 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

High (6.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

56.6%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:45

nightlight Sunset

20:04

About Colorado Springs

Learn more about the host city, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs is a city of about 490,000 in the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of El Paso County, the city lies 63 miles (101 km) south of Denver at the foot of Pikes Peak in South Central Colorado.