Quad Rock 50 / 25
About this race
A challenging trail race on the single-track and hills west of Fort Collins, looping through Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Park. Both distances run the same 25-mile loop clockwise from Soldier Canyon; 50-milers complete a second loop the opposite way. The course is 85% single-track, 15% dirt road.
Choose your distance
50 Mile
What's included in your entry
- Well-marked and challenging course
- Fully stocked aid stations with volunteer staff
- Choice of fitted or straight-cut race t-shirt
- Finisher award & free race photos
- Finish-line meal and awards — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free & non-alcoholic options
- Professional medical & emergency coverage
- Real-time results with splits; weekly organized training runs
The course
The race loops the trails and hills west of Fort Collins through Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Park, taking in the Fort Collins skyline, eastern views into Nebraska, and Longs Peak roughly 30 miles west.
Both distances run the same 25-mile loop clockwise from Soldier Canyon; 50-milers complete a second loop in the opposite direction. Trails are marked with pink flagging and pin flags, directional arrows, and flour ground markings. Wildlife includes Abert squirrels, deer, and black bears.
Race weekend timeline
Aid-station cut-off times
| Soldier Canyon (mi 24.9, 50M) | 12:15 pm |
| Arthur's Trailhead (mi 17.5 / 32.3) | 2:30 pm |
| Horsetooth Trailhead (mi 39.5, 50M) | 4:35 pm |
If you're not leaving an aid station by its cut-off you'll get a ride back to the finish. Sweeps leave at cut-off, taking course markings with them.
Aid stations
The course has 12 aid stations (one unmanned, water-only). Full-service stations stock Gnarly Fuel2O; Naak gels, purees, bars and waffles; water & ice; salty snacks; fruit; sweets; soda; hot drinks; sandwiches, quesadillas, ramen, boiled potatoes and popsicles. GF/vegan alternatives for nearly all offerings.
Drop bags & crew access
Drop bags allowed at Horsetooth Trailhead (miles 10.3 & 39.5) and Soldier Canyon (mile 24.9). Horsetooth bags must arrive by 5:25 am, labelled with name and bib.
Bags aren't returned until the aid station closes (after 5 pm); you may pick up early at Horsetooth Trailhead, ~30 min from the start.
Getting there & lodging
Directions
- Start/finish is Soldier Canyon, Lory State Park (708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue). Parking opens 4:00 am (50M) and 5:45 am (25M), carpool priority for 2+. A state park pass is required ($10/day or annual); passes are provided for those without one.
- Crew access: Soldier Canyon (start/finish), Arthur's Trailhead (2 mi south), and the Horsetooth Trailhead upper lot (~13 mi / 30 min away).
Good to know
- Quad Rock typically turns over 75–80 runners between the two distances via the waitlists. Toilets at Soldier Canyon, Arthur's and Horsetooth trailheads.
- Pacers are not allowed; crewing at designated aid stations only. Dogs are prohibited.
- Transfer/deferral credit: 100% until Jan 31, 75% Feb 1–Mar 31, 50% Apr 1–May 4. 25-milers may upgrade to 50 (pay the difference); 50-milers may drop to 25 free until Friday packet pickup.
Awards
Awards are given on a rolling basis as categories fill, including 25-mile and age-group awards. 50-milers who drop after the first loop receive a 25-mile finish time but are not eligible for 25-mile awards.
Discounts, deferrals & transfers
Plans change. Discounts, deferral windows, and bib-transfer rules are the same across every Gnar Runners race — see the details on our Discounts & Deferrals page.
Who puts this on
Directed by Nick Clark & Brad Bishop. Questions? Email racedirector@gnarrunners.com.