Ultra Trail Races in Colorado are starting up and will soon be in full swing. It’s one of the things we love about visiting and living in Colorado. With access to all kinds of races across the state, from bike races to trail runs to triathlons, it’s a good time to begin book your accommodations for race weekends. Lodging in town, near the starting line, can get booked early and you may want to look outside of town to keep costs down and to stay out of the race-day crowd. What to look for in summer lodging.
What you want to look for:
| Topic | Quick Answer |
| Best basecamp towns | Ridgway and Montrose offer the best value and central access to races in Ouray, Telluride, Durango, Silverton |
| Key regional races | San Juan Tri, Ouray 100 & 50, Hardrock 100, Imogene Pass Run, Ridgway Trail Runs |
| What racers need | Gear space, pet-friendly rooms, family accommodations |
| Budget friendly | Stay outside high-price race towns in places like Ridgway |
| Ideal locations | Centrally located between multiple race towns |
Upcoming Summer Race Weekends in Colorado
- June 13, 2026: San Juan Trail Tri in Ridgway
- June 20, 2026: San Juan Solstice 50 Mile in Lake City
- July 10, 2026: Hardrock 100 in Silverton
- July 17-19, 2026: Ouray 100 Mile Endurance Run
- July 18, 2026: Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K in Silverton
- July 25, 2026: San Juan Gravel Classic in Ridgway
- August 22-23, 2026: Telluride Mountain Run in Telluride
- August 29, 2026: Ouray 50 Mile Endurance Run
- September 12, 2026: 53rd Annual Imogene Pass Run – Ouray to Telluride
What Racers Actually Need in a Race Weekend Hotel
Racers and their crews come with gear piles, extra equipment, recovery needs, early mornings, and sometimes muddy shoes.
The best race lodging includes:
- Space for gear
Trail runners and cyclists travel with gear bags, bikes, hydration packs, recovery tools, and spare shoes. A cramped hotel room can make race prep stressful. Safe parking for vehicles should also be a consideration, so they can remain partially packed overnight without worrying about theft. - Pet-friendly options
Many athletes bring their dogs along for training runs and post-race recovery walks. Look for a hotel that welcomes dogs. - Room for family or support crews
Races often become mini family vacations. Parents, partners, and kids frequently travel together. Look for lodging that offers suite-style rooms and connecting rooms. Consider rooms with kitchens and kitchenette so you can prep training meals and store healthy food. - Easy access to race towns
Driving 15–45 minutes is usually far better than paying double for a crowded hotel next to the starting line. - Extra amenities that support race recovery and training
Look for small resorts and hotels that offer hot tubs, access to hot springs, pools, saunas, massage, and workout rooms. Or easy access to parks and trails that provide pre-race and post-race training options.
This Summer’s Races
San Juan Trail Tri – Ridgway State Park (June 13)
With quick access to Ridgway State Park, Dallas Divide, and the San Juan trail network, Ridgway hosts smaller but rapidly growing race events and training weekends, including the San Juan Trail Tri.
For runners looking to experience the San Juans with easy access to Orvis Hot Springs and Ouray Hot Springs, check out Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa with superb amenities for athletes and their crews. The resort has several rooms with private hot tubs, plus common hot tubs with an outdoor lounge area and firepit, for all hotel guests. An outdoor pool, plus both a spa and restaurant on property make this a truly full-service option for the weekend or a longer stay.
New spa renovations include sauna and cold plunge facilities for wellness and recovery, making this an ideal location for racers. An outfitted exercise and fitness room for guests means athletes can easily keep up with stretching and weight routines.
San Juan Solstice 50 Mile – Lake City (June 20)
This grueling but epic 50 mile trail race begins and ends in Lake City and takes athletes on a loop that climbs to the Continental Divide and follows the CT/CDT for almost 10 miles, before dropping back down to cross through private and public lands.
The race benefits Lake City volunteer EMTs and a scholarship fund for graduating high school students, and other Lake City charities.
For experienced trail runners only, athletes must manage changing weather conditions, as well as cattle, as they navigate a course through some of the most scenic country in the region. Race entry is competitive.
Hardrock 100 – Silverton (July 10)
The legendary Hardrock 100 ultramarathon brings elite trail runners to Colorado’s rugged alpine terrain. While Silverton hosts the race, runners and crews often stay throughout the region due to limited lodging.
Nearby towns like Ridgway and Montrose offer larger lodging options, grocery stores, and recovery amenities. A smaller resort like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa in Ridgway offers a variety of room configurations including connecting rooms and suite-style rooms to accommodate families and larger groups traveling together.
Ouray 100 Mile Endurance Run – Ouray (July 17)
With ~42k feet of elevation gain, this 100 mile run will be one of the most difficult things you ever attempt. Ouray (aka the “Switzerland of America”) is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado. Situated in the stunning San Juan Mountain range in southwest Colorado, you will be overwhelmed with the views.
This race has a service requirement: each participant needs to complete (8) hours of volunteer service prior to July 1. This can be volunteering at a trail ultramarathon or performing physical trail work. Crewing/pacing/coaching do not qualify.
Opt Out Fee – Participants may opt out of the service requirement by making a $100 donation to Ouray Trail Group. This option is available at checkout when registering.
Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K – Silverton (July 18)
This race is an epic trail adventure. The 50K and Marathon (~26.7 miles) loop takes you through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, following the historic Alpine Loop jeep roads. Along the way, you’ll pass old ghost towns such as Howardsville, Eureka, Animas Forks, and Gladstone, which were originally mining towns. The course’s high point reaches a breathtaking 12,930 feet.
A shorter 8-mile out-and-back race option is also available, where runners can get a taste of the Alpine Loop as they make their way to Howardsville and back.
San Juan Gravel Classic – Ridgway (July 25)
The inaugural San Juan Gravel Classic in Ridgway, Colorado is destined to become a favorite annual ride. This new event is a fully supported gravel ride (not a race) through the wide-open backroads of Ouray County with quiet roads and fantastic big mountain views. Choose a 22-mile out-and-back with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain, or step up to the 44-mile route with just over 4,300 feet of climb. Enjoy a fun community event in an historic town.
Start and finish in Ridgway Town Park. Every mile ridden supports the Ouray Advocates for Kids Foundation (OAK), helping fund programs and opportunities for kids in Ouray County.
Lodging sponsor: Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa.
Telluride Mountain Run – Telluride (August 22-23)
The Telluride Mountain Run is a challenging and technical mountain race in the San Juan Mountains above the beautiful historic mining town of Telluride, Colorado. With five routes to choose from, runners navigate old mining roads, singletrack and alpine tundra over mountain passes, exposed ridgelines, and high summits. This is an extremely difficult race with big elevation gain at altitudes above 13,000 ft.
The focus of the race is the experience: the burn of high elevation and the striking colors of the San Juans. Consider staying in Ridgway for a more affordable option for lodging. Add days before and after the race to get oriented to the altitude and the course in advance of race day, or to rest and recover after.
Consider booking a lodge with hot tubs, a swimming pool, and massage services available.
Ouray 50 Mile Endurance Run – Ouray (August 29)
The Ouray 50-Mile Run is an exceptionally difficult mountain ultramarathon in Ouray, Colorado, featuring over 23,000 feet of elevation gain at an average altitude of nearly two miles high. It challenges runners with highly technical singletrack trails and unforgiving alpine terrain.
Location: Starts and finishes at Fellin Park in Ouray, CO
53rd Annual Imogene Pass Run – Ouray to Telluride (September 12)
The Imogene Pass Run is one of the most famous mountain races in the country. Runners climb from Ouray to Telluride over a 13,000-foot pass, creating a breathtaking but brutal course.
Hotels in both towns sell out quickly. Many runners stay in Ridgway, which sits just 15 minutes from Ouray and 45 minutes from Telluride.
Why Ridgway Is the Perfect Basecamp for Race Athletes and Spectators
Ridgway sits at the crossroads of the region’s biggest race destinations. From Ridgway you can reach:
- Ouray: ~15 minutes
- Telluride: ~45 minutes
- Montrose Airport: ~35 minutes
- Durango: ~2 hours via scenic highway
Racers can access multiple events while staying in a quieter, more relaxed mountain town in a full-service lodging destination suited for longer stays. Boutique resorts like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa are tailor-made for athletes and their support teams.
Ridgway also offers quick access to:
- Ridgway State Park for shakeout runs
- The San Juan Skyway scenic drive
- Hot tubs and hot springs
- Trail networks for training and cool-downs
Look for Lodging With Suites or Kitchenettes
Preparing race nutrition, storing hydration mixes, and organizing gear is much easier with extra space.
Suites, connecting rooms, and multi-room accommodations can also allow families or support crews to stay together.
Traveling with a Pet? Look for Pet-Friendly Properties
Trail runners and athletes like to travel with their best friends. Finding a lodging option that welcomes pets removes a lot of travel stress.
Extend Your Race Weekend in the San Juans
Consider booking an extra few days at the beginning or following race weekend. Many athletes extend their trip to explore the many outdoor options, from hiking to hot springs.
Popular post-race adventures include:
- Hiking Dallas Divide during peak wildflowers
- Paddleboarding at Ridgway State Park
- Soaking in hot springs
- Driving the San Juan Skyway scenic loop
- Exploring Telluride or Ouray historic downtown
Staying at a small resort like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, can make your stay exceptional. With an outdoor pool, hot tubs, dining on property and the Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN on property, athletes find the prep and recovery amenities they need to perform at their best.
Choosing the right destination lodging can make or break the race for athletes. Choose a small boutique resort to get the most amenities to ensure you perform your best. Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa is the perfect option for traveling athletes and their families and crew.
