Black Canyon Ascent
- Date Sat 16th May 2026
- Time 7:00AM MDT
- Location Montrose, Colorado
- Price $55.00
- Races 2 races
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Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Black Canyon Ascent on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in beautiful Montrose, Colorado! This iconic race, celebrating its legacy since 1977, showcases the stunning beauty of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park while serving as a vital community fundraiser. Runners will tackle a challenging 6-mile point-to-point course that ascends nearly 2,000 vertical feet, beginning at an elevation of 6,500 feet along Colorado Highway 347. With two aid stations to keep you hydrated, this event is perfect for both seasoned runners and Challenge Walkers eager to take on the climb to the clouds.
After conquering the ascent, participants are welcomed at the South Rims amphitheater for a vibrant post-race celebration featuring delicious breakfast burritos and breathtaking views of the park’s signature piñon-juniper forest. Don’t forget to cherish the camaraderie with fellow runners, as the community spirit is what makes the Black Canyon Ascent truly special. Plus, your race bib serves as your ticket for re-entry into the park and a complimentary beverage at Montrose’s Pomona Brewing Company. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event in Montrose—mark your calendars for May
After conquering the ascent, participants are welcomed at the South Rims amphitheater for a vibrant post-race celebration featuring delicious breakfast burritos and breathtaking views of the park’s signature piñon-juniper forest. Don’t forget to cherish the camaraderie with fellow runners, as the community spirit is what makes the Black Canyon Ascent truly special. Plus, your race bib serves as your ticket for re-entry into the park and a complimentary beverage at Montrose’s Pomona Brewing Company. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event in Montrose—mark your calendars for May
Organiser's Description
ABOUT THE EVENT
Since 1977, the Black Canyon Ascent has been one of the most beloved races in the region and is a flagship event for the San Juan Mountain Runners [https://www.sanjuanmountainrunners.com/]. Originally started to celebrate the rugged beauty of Montroses "backyard," the Ascent has evolved into an important community fundraiser. This year, proceeds will benefit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
PRE-RACE
Runners must park in Montrose at the Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club (1869 E. Main Street, Montrose) for the shuttle bus to the start line. A post-race shuttle will return you to your car. Look for a more detailed schedule soon!
THE COURSE: A CLIMB TO THE CLOUDS!
The Black Canyon Ascent is a 6-mile point-to-point challenge that demands respect and rewards effort. Starting at an elevation of roughly 6,500 feet, the course gains nearly 2,000 vertical feet over a steady 5-mile climb up Colorado Highway 347. Note the road is not closed, and participants must stay on the left side of the road for their safety and to allow traffic to pass. Two aid stations along the route will help keep you hydrated.
The Surface: The entire course is run on a two-lane paved road, making it accessible for both runners and Challenge Walkers.
The "Kick": At Mile 5, you officially enter the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. As you pass the entry kiosk, the road finally levels out, offering a brief, fast downhill stretch toward the campground that will test your "jelly legs" right before the finish.
The Finish Line: Youll finish at the South Rims amphitheater, surrounded by the parks signature pi~non-juniper forest and the crisp mountain air.
POST-RACE
The "Ascent" is famous for its post-race atmosphere. After conquering the climb, participants gather at the parks amphitheater to enjoy:
* An awesome breakfast burrito: A long-standing tradition of post-race fuel.
* The Views: Stick around after the race and explore the rim overlooks. Or after catching the shuttle back to your car, drive back into the Park on your own to explore. Your race bib is your ticket for re-entry into the Park (it can also serve as a discount if you want to upgrade to a National Parks Annual Pass in the Visitors Center).
* Our amazing community: Whether you finish in 45 minutes or 2 hours, the camaraderie at the top is what keeps people coming back year after year.
HANG ON TO YOUR RACE BIB! Not only does it get you back into the Park, but after taking the shuttle back to your car, your race bib is your ticket for a free beer or soda at Montroses POMONA BREWING COMPANY. Just show the bartender your bib!
WARNING CRITICAL RACE LOGISTICS WARNING
* NO START-LINE PARKING: Because the race finishes inside the National Park, there is NO parking at the start line (except for volunteers).
* RUNNER SHUTTLES: A mandatory shuttle service will take you from Montrose to the start line, and bring you back down after the race.
* DROP BAGS: Drop bags may be left at the start line (please label it with your bib number) and will be waiting for you at the finish line. Clothing not claimed by the time the last shuttle departs will be donated to a local charity. Mornings can be chilly especially when just standing around waiting for the race to start!
* SPECTATOR INFO: There is no parking at the finish line or the adjacent campground. Friends and family must park at the Tomichi Point overlook (0.5-mile hike to the finish) or the Visitor Center (1-mile hike). Note: Family and friends are responsible for their own park entrance fees.
* CAMPING: Park campgrounds are currently closed due to last year's fire damage. Dispersed camping is available on nearby BLM land (click here [https://thedyrt.com/camping/colorado/blm-near-black-canyon-dispersed] for details).
Since 1977, the Black Canyon Ascent has been one of the most beloved races in the region and is a flagship event for the San Juan Mountain Runners [https://www.sanjuanmountainrunners.com/]. Originally started to celebrate the rugged beauty of Montroses "backyard," the Ascent has evolved into an important community fundraiser. This year, proceeds will benefit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
PRE-RACE
Runners must park in Montrose at the Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club (1869 E. Main Street, Montrose) for the shuttle bus to the start line. A post-race shuttle will return you to your car. Look for a more detailed schedule soon!
THE COURSE: A CLIMB TO THE CLOUDS!
The Black Canyon Ascent is a 6-mile point-to-point challenge that demands respect and rewards effort. Starting at an elevation of roughly 6,500 feet, the course gains nearly 2,000 vertical feet over a steady 5-mile climb up Colorado Highway 347. Note the road is not closed, and participants must stay on the left side of the road for their safety and to allow traffic to pass. Two aid stations along the route will help keep you hydrated.
The Surface: The entire course is run on a two-lane paved road, making it accessible for both runners and Challenge Walkers.
The "Kick": At Mile 5, you officially enter the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. As you pass the entry kiosk, the road finally levels out, offering a brief, fast downhill stretch toward the campground that will test your "jelly legs" right before the finish.
The Finish Line: Youll finish at the South Rims amphitheater, surrounded by the parks signature pi~non-juniper forest and the crisp mountain air.
POST-RACE
The "Ascent" is famous for its post-race atmosphere. After conquering the climb, participants gather at the parks amphitheater to enjoy:
* An awesome breakfast burrito: A long-standing tradition of post-race fuel.
* The Views: Stick around after the race and explore the rim overlooks. Or after catching the shuttle back to your car, drive back into the Park on your own to explore. Your race bib is your ticket for re-entry into the Park (it can also serve as a discount if you want to upgrade to a National Parks Annual Pass in the Visitors Center).
* Our amazing community: Whether you finish in 45 minutes or 2 hours, the camaraderie at the top is what keeps people coming back year after year.
HANG ON TO YOUR RACE BIB! Not only does it get you back into the Park, but after taking the shuttle back to your car, your race bib is your ticket for a free beer or soda at Montroses POMONA BREWING COMPANY. Just show the bartender your bib!
WARNING CRITICAL RACE LOGISTICS WARNING
* NO START-LINE PARKING: Because the race finishes inside the National Park, there is NO parking at the start line (except for volunteers).
* RUNNER SHUTTLES: A mandatory shuttle service will take you from Montrose to the start line, and bring you back down after the race.
* DROP BAGS: Drop bags may be left at the start line (please label it with your bib number) and will be waiting for you at the finish line. Clothing not claimed by the time the last shuttle departs will be donated to a local charity. Mornings can be chilly especially when just standing around waiting for the race to start!
* SPECTATOR INFO: There is no parking at the finish line or the adjacent campground. Friends and family must park at the Tomichi Point overlook (0.5-mile hike to the finish) or the Visitor Center (1-mile hike). Note: Family and friends are responsible for their own park entrance fees.
* CAMPING: Park campgrounds are currently closed due to last year's fire damage. Dispersed camping is available on nearby BLM land (click here [https://thedyrt.com/camping/colorado/blm-near-black-canyon-dispersed] for details).
Races
-
The 6-Mile Ascent (Run)
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 16th May 2026 (7:30AM MDT)
$55.00
Ready for the ultimate uphill challenge? Choose this option to tackle the 2,000-foot climb at a running pace. (And don't worrythere's no shame in taking walking breaks on this beast of a course!) Expect stunning views, the ultimate post-race burrito, and bragging rights for the rest of the year. t-shirt SWAG ALERT: Register by Sunday, April 12th at 11:59 PM to guarantee your race day long-sleeve T-shirt! (Extras ordered after this date are strictly first-come, first-served and we're likely to run out). -
The 6-Mile Ascent (Challenge Walk)
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 16th May 2026 (7:00AM MDT)
$55.00
Want to conquer the canyon at a steadier pace? The Challenge Walk gives you a 30-minute head start to take on the 6-mile climb, soak in the spectacular scenery, and still make it to the top in time for our legendary post-race party. Note: Walkers are not officially timed. t-shirt SWAG ALERT: Register by Sunday, April 12th at 11:59 PM to guarantee your race day long-sleeve T-shirt! (Extras ordered after this date are strictly first-come, first-served and we're likely to run out).
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Location
9800 Hwy 347, Montrose, 81402, CO, United States
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Black Canyon Ascent
