Western States 100 - Course Data and Checkpoints
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.
Aid stations and checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Km | Cumulative gain (m) | Cumulative loss (m) | Crew | Drop bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Olympic Valley | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - |
| Lyon Ridge | 15 | 900 | 200 | No | No |
| Red Star Ridge | 27 | 1,400 | 800 | No | Yes |
| Duncan Canyon | 37 | 1,800 | 1,500 | No | No |
| Robinson Flat | 55 | 2,700 | 1,800 | Yes | Yes |
| Last Chance | 73 | 3,000 | 2,700 | No | No |
| Devil's Thumb | 78 | 3,700 | 2,700 | No | No |
| Michigan Bluff | 88 | 3,700 | 3,500 | Yes | Yes |
| Foresthill | 97 | 4,100 | 3,600 | Yes | Yes |
| Rucky Chucky | 122 | 4,300 | 4,500 | Yes | No |
| Auburn Lake Trails | 130 | 4,700 | 4,700 | Yes | No |
| No Hands Bridge | 143 | 4,800 | 5,200 | No | No |
| Robie Point | 158 | 5,100 | 5,300 | Yes | No |
| Auburn (Finish) | 161 | 5,600 | 7,000 | Yes | No |
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide. Source: official race guide, verified June 12, 2026 - Official race website
FAQ
How long is Western States and how much elevation does it have?
Western States covers approximately 161km (100.2 miles) from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California, with around 5,600m of elevation gain and 7,000m of loss - a net downhill course.
What is the Western States cutoff time?
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.
Where can my crew meet me at Western States?
Major crew points are 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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