A 214-mile high-desert odyssey around a living volcano with big-mountain vibes
Overview
Meet the new giant of the Eastern Sierra: a single-loop, 214-mile journey that circumnavigates a 760,000-year-old caldera and stitches together alpine lakes, golden fall colors, sage-brushed high desert, and the otherworldly tufa towers of Mono Lake. It starts and finishes in Mammoth Lakes, climbs to 11,053 feet on Mammoth Mountain, and threads through volcanic rock, Jeffrey pine forests, rolling hills, and quiet mountain towns.
This event carries the community DNA of Trailfest and adds podium prize money for both women and men. Expect world-class organization, a deep volunteer crew, and scenery that keeps you moving when the miles get long.
Course
Distance:
214
M
Course type:
Point-to-point
Elevation gain:
▲
30,663 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
30,663 ft
Max altitude:
11,053 ft
Start time:
Sep 26, 2025
6:00 AM
Cutoff time:
110HR
Course Description
A single grand loop starting and finishing in Mammoth Lakes that encircles the Long Valley Caldera. Runners traverse pristine alpine lakes and abandoned mines before rolling into the remote Glass Mountains. The route moves through volcanic geology, the world’s largest Jeffrey pine forest, high-desert sage country, and visits Mono Lake’s iconic tufa formations. The bookends are summits of Mammoth Mountain with expansive 360-degree views from 11,053ft. Final route subject to Forest Service approvals; GPX and elevation profile are provided by the organizer.
Logistics
The Village at Mammoth serves as a central hub with lodging, dining, and event space in Mammoth Lakes, California. Nearby commercial air service via Mammoth Yosemite Airport and regional drives from Reno-Tahoe and Bishop are typical approaches to Mammoth Lakes; consult local travel resources for current routes and conditions.
Driving Directions
Start and finish area: The Village at Mammoth, 6201 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. Use mapping to route to The Village at Mammoth.
Parking
The Village area offers a mix of paid general parking and free two-hour spaces, and it is the hub for free town shuttles serving multiple lines. Plan to park once and shuttle or walk.
Lodging
The Village Lodge sits in the heart of The Village with condo-style rooms and amenities steps from the plaza. Limelight Mammoth provides hotel accommodations close to the Village action. Additional lodging and dining options are available throughout The Village at Mammoth.
Aid Stations
Aid is provided by staffed stations across the loop, with typical ultra fare, water, and electrolytes. The organizer notes 18 or more aid stations and publishes details in the runner materials. Check the runners manual for final station list, cutoffs, and any drop-bag locations. More details in the runners manual.
Race Requirements
Mandatory Spot tracker pickup and gear check occur on race morning before the 6:00AM start. Runners must carry the assigned tracker to start.
Trail Work
Mandatory Gear
Cold Weather Kit depending on conditions, commonly including a waterproof jacket, cell phone, and an emergency blanket. Final requirements are communicated in the runners manual.
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crew access and any pacer allowances are defined in the runners manual and race communications. Spectators are encouraged to gather at the Village Plaza and other designated locations for finish celebrations and updates. Follow live tracking to time your cheering.
Volunteers
Land Acknowledgement
This race takes place on the traditional lands of the Mono and Paiute peoples in today’s Eastern Sierra. We honor their enduring relationship with this landscape and encourage all participants to learn about local Indigenous history and stewardship.
About
theMAMMOTH
Born from the success of Mammoth Trail Fest, theMAMMOTH is the latest big vision from race founder Tim Tollefson and race director Hilary Yang—an event that pushes limits while staying rooted in community and connection.
Tim, a professional ultrarunner turned race organizer, has already proven his ability to create unforgettable trail experiences. With Mammoth Trail Fest quickly becoming one of the most celebrated trail races in North America, he now brings that same energy and passion to theMAMMOTH, building a space where runners of all levels can chase bold goals against the backdrop of the Eastern Sierra.
Joining him is Hilary, whose deep background in ultrarunning media and creative direction uniquely shapes the identity of theMAMMOTH. As co-founder of the Women’s Trail Running Fund, she’s been a driving force in making trail and ultra spaces more inclusive, and she brings that commitment into every detail of this race.
Together, Tim and Hilary are crafting an event that’s not just about distance, but about discovery—of self, of community, and of the rugged beauty of the Sierra.
theMAMMOTH isn’t just a race. It’s an experience built to inspire.
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