The Mammoth Trail Fest, nestled within the breathtaking Eastern Sierra region of California, offers runners an unparalleled journey through some of North America's most stunning landscapes. This challenging footrace starts and finishes in the charming town of Mammoth Lakes, a gateway to the beauty of the Mono Basin. Participants will embark on a loop route that takes them past pristine alpine lakes, abandoned mines, vibrant fall foliage, and dense pine forests before venturing into the remote Glass Mountains. The course is dotted with fragrant sagebrush as runners navigate high desert terrain and rolling hills. Along the way, you'll traverse expansive volcanic rock formations and explore what's believed to be the world’s largest continuous Jeffrey pine forest. The race culminates in a summit of Mammoth Mountain, offering breathtaking 360° views from an elevation of 11,053 feet. This event is not just about challenging yourself; it's also about immersing yourself in the unique beauty and culture of the Eastern Sierra region during its shoulder season. The race has historically boasted a high finish rate despite extreme weather conditions, testament to both the resilience of runners and the supportive community atmosphere that surrounds this event. The Mammoth Trail Fest is committed to showcasing the natural splendor of the area while fostering economic growth in local communities through tourism and volunteer support. Runners are encouraged to explore the town's amenities before heading out on their adventure or joining fellow participants for post-race celebrations at the Village Plaza, where finishers will be cheered home. Registration remains open until August 31st, with early bird pricing available up to February 28th. The race offers generous prize money to top male and female finishers: $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third. Mandatory check-in takes place on October 1st from noon to 6pm at the Village Plaza in Mammoth Lakes. Race start is scheduled for September 2nd between 7am and 9am, with coffee provided for all runners and crew members beforehand. The first expected finishers will arrive around October 4th, followed by a celebration of top performers on October 5th. Volunteers are an integral part of the Mammoth Trail Fest experience, providing essential support throughout race day. Those interested in volunteering should sign up through the provided link to receive exclusive perks such as special swag and future event credits. For more detailed information about required gear, policies, schedules, and other important details, please visit the official website or contact organizers directly for inquiries regarding specific roles like aid station captains. This epic race is a must-see for trail runners seeking both physical challenge and natural beauty. Join us in celebrating this unique event that combines athletic prowess with stunning scenery and community spirit.
Races Offered
the MAMMOTH
Oct 02, 2026
straighten
Distance —
the MAMMOTH
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$1795.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Mammoth Lakes.
thermostatTemperature
1.2° / 14.8°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-2.6° / 9.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 35m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
0.5 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.2 cm
air
Avg wind speed
8.2 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
46.2%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:05
nightlight
Sunset
18:17
About Mammoth Lakes
Learn more about the host city, Mammoth Lakes.
Mammoth Lakes is a resort town next to Mammoth Mountain which is a popular skiing destination. Mammoth Lakes is in the Eastern Sierra region of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. In 2020, it had a permanent population of 7,200 people.