Western States 100 - Elevation Profile, Aid Stations and Cutoffs
The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run covers 161km from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California, with around 5,600m of elevation gain and 7,000m of loss. The cutoff is 30 hours, and the highest point is Emigrant Pass at 2,667m, reached in the opening climb. First run in 1974, it is the world's oldest 100-mile trail race.
Course profile
- Distance
- 161 km
- Elevation gain
- 5,600 m
- Elevation loss
- 7,000 m
- Highest point
- Emigrant Pass (2,667 m)
- Cutoff
- 30h
- Typical winning time
- ~14h30
After the opening climb to the Escarpment, the course trends downhill through the Sierra Nevada high country into the canyons, where afternoon temperatures regularly reach 35-40°C between Devil's Thumb and Foresthill. Robinson Flat, Michigan Bluff, Foresthill, and Rucky Chucky are the key crew points; the river crossing at Rucky Chucky (km 122) is the iconic landmark of the final third.
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide.
Enter a goal finish time and see estimated arrivals vs checkpoint cutoffs.
Plan against barriersElevation profile
Aid stations and checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Km | Cumulative gain (m) | Cumulative loss (m) | Cutoff | Crew | Drop bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Olympic Valley | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - |
| Lyon Ridge | 15 | 900 | 200 | Sat 10:30 | No | No |
| Red Star Ridge | 27 | 1,400 | 800 | Sat 10:30 | No | Yes |
| Duncan Canyon | 37 | 1,800 | 1,500 | Sat 12:30 | No | No |
| Robinson Flat | 55 | 2,700 | 1,800 | Sat 14:10 | Yes | Yes |
| Last Chance | 73 | 3,000 | 2,700 | Sat 17:25 | No | No |
| Devil's Thumb | 78 | 3,700 | 2,700 | Sat 19:10 | No | No |
| Michigan Bluff | 88 | 3,700 | 3,500 | Sat 21:55 | Yes | Yes |
| Foresthill | 97 | 4,100 | 3,600 | Sat 23:45 | Yes | Yes |
| Rucky Chucky | 122 | 4,300 | 4,500 | Sun 05:00 | Yes | No |
| Auburn Lake Trails | 130 | 4,700 | 4,700 | Sun 07:15 | Yes | No |
| No Hands Bridge | 143 | 4,800 | 5,200 | - | No | No |
| Robie Point | 158 | 5,100 | 5,300 | Sun 11:00 | Yes | No |
| Auburn (Finish) | 161 | 5,600 | 7,000 | Sun 11:00 | Yes | No |
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide. Source: official race guide, verified July 17, 2026 - Official race website
FAQ
How long is Western States?
Western States is 100.2 miles (approximately 161km), point to point from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California.
How much elevation gain does Western States 100 have?
Western States has around 5,600m (roughly 18,000ft) of elevation gain and 7,000m (roughly 23,000ft) of loss over 161km - a net downhill course.
What is the cutoff time for Western States?
The final cutoff is 30 hours. Runners finishing under 24 hours earn the silver buckle; finishers under 30 hours earn the bronze buckle. Winning times are typically around 14-15 hours.
What is the highest point of Western States?
The highest point is Emigrant Pass at 2,667m (8,750ft), reached at the top of the opening climb from Olympic Valley, about 6km into the race.
How many aid stations does Western States have and which allow crew?
The checkpoint table lists 12 major aid points between the start and the finish in Auburn. Crew access is allowed at Robinson Flat (55km), Michigan Bluff (88km), Foresthill (97km), Rucky Chucky (122km), Auburn Lake Trails (130km), and Robie Point (158km). Drop bags are allowed at several checkpoints - check the current runner guide at wser.org.
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