Bighorn Trail Run 2026
Top 10 Hardest Ultras in America · Bighorn National Forest · Since 1993
June 19–20, 2026 · Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming
4 Distances: 18 / 32 / 52 / 100 Miles · UTMB Qualifier · Rocky Mountain Slam
Register at bighorntrailrun.com Book Your Race Weekend Stay
Race at a Glance
When: June 19–20, 2026. The 100-mile starts Friday at 5 AM; the 52, 32, and 18-mile races start Saturday. All distances finish at Scott Bicentennial Park in Dayton, WY.
Where: Bighorn National Forest. Finish line at Scott Park, Dayton. Packet pickup in downtown Sheridan.
Distances: 18 / 32 / 52 / 100 miles. Note: the 18-mile is sold out for 2026. A waitlist is available at bighorntrailrun.com.
The Numbers: 20,500 ft of ascent. 76 miles of technical single-track on the 100-mile course. 35-hour cutoff. Running since 1993.
Race Distances
Four distances through some of the most remote terrain in Wyoming. All courses finish at Scott Park in Dayton.
18 Mile: Sold Out
The entry-level distance. Technical enough to earn it. The 2026 field is full; join the waitlist at bighorntrailrun.com.
32 Mile: Mountain Runner
A full day in the Bighorns. Very challenging terrain with significant elevation gain. Still available for 2026.
52 Mile: Ultra
A proper ultra. Pacers allowed at designated points. Expect deep mud, exposed ridgelines, and a finish line you'll remember.
100 Mile: The Real Deal
Rated one of the top 10 most difficult ultramarathons in the United States. 20,500 ft of ascent, 76 miles of technical single-track, notorious mud, and a 35-hour cutoff that requires an average pace of 2.94 mph. UTMB World Series qualifier. Part of the Rocky Mountain Slam alongside Hardrock, Bear, and Wasatch. Also qualifies for Western States and Hardrock.
Race Weekend Logistics
Dayton Finish Line
Scott Bicentennial Park, Dayton WY, 25 minutes from Sheridan. Showers, food, beer, live music, and awards at the finish celebration.
Packet Pickup
Best Western Sheridan Center, downtown Sheridan. Walking distance from most Wyo Stays properties. The day before race start.
Crew and Pacers
Crew access is limited on the course. Pacers are allowed for the 100-mile and 52-mile at designated points. Check bighorntrailrun.com for specific crew access points and pacer rules by distance.
Wildlife Advisory
You're running through remote Bighorn National Forest. Elk, deer, moose, black bear, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes at lower elevations are all possible. The course is well-marked but genuinely wild. Stay alert.
Getting to Sheridan
Fly into Sheridan County Airport (SHR) via Denver, or Billings MT (BIL) about 2 hours north. Sheridan is on I-90 with grocery stores, gear shops, and restaurants for final race prep.
Where to Stay for Race Weekend
Packet pickup is at Best Western Sheridan Center in downtown Sheridan. Runners, pacers, and crew need a real base, not a hotel room with a mini fridge.
Why a vacation rental works better for race weekend:
- Full kitchen for pre-race fueling and recovery meals
- Washer and dryer (you will need this after 100 miles of mud)
- Space for crew and pacers to sleep and stage gear
- Drop bag prep space: spread out, organize, focus
- Multiple bedrooms for team and family logistics
- Quiet recovery with no hotel hallway noise at 3 AM
Filter by what your crew needs:
- Downtown Sheridan: near packet pickup
- Sleeps 8+: space for crew and pacers
- Pet-friendly: bring the whole team
- Book direct and save 16–20% vs Airbnb
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Bighorn Trail Run 2026?
June 19–20, 2026. The 100-mile race starts Friday morning at 5 AM; the 52, 32, and 18-mile races start Saturday. All races finish at Scott Bicentennial Park in Dayton, Wyoming.
Where Should I Stay for the Bighorn Trail Run?
Most runners stay in Sheridan, Wyoming (25 minutes from the Dayton finish). Packet pickup is at Best Western Sheridan Center in downtown Sheridan. Wyo Stays offers 40+ vacation rentals with full kitchens, crew space, and washer/dryers. Book direct and save 16–20%.
Is the Bighorn 100 a UTMB Qualifier?
Yes. The Bighorn 100 is a UTMB World Series qualifier and part of the Rocky Mountain Slam (Bighorn, Hardrock, Bear, Wasatch). It also qualifies for Western States and Hardrock.
How Hard Is the Bighorn 100?
It's rated one of the top 10 most difficult ultramarathons in the United States. The course has 20,500 feet of ascent, 76 miles of technical single-track, and is notorious for deep mud. The 35-hour cutoff requires an average pace of 2.94 mph.
Is the Bighorn 18-Mile Still Available for 2026?
No, the 18-mile distance is sold out for 2026. A waitlist is available at bighorntrailrun.com. The 32-mile and 52-mile may still have spots.
Where Is Packet Pickup for the Bighorn Trail Run?
Packet pickup is at the Best Western Sheridan Center in downtown Sheridan, WY. Pickup is the day before race start.
Can I Have a Pacer for the Bighorn Trail Run?
Yes, pacers are allowed for the 100-mile and 52-mile distances at designated points. See bighorntrailrun.com for specific pacer rules and crew access points.
Where Does the Bighorn Trail Run Finish?
All distances finish at Scott Bicentennial Park in Dayton, Wyoming (25 minutes from Sheridan). The finish celebration includes showers, local burgers, beer, live music, and awards.
What Wildlife Might I Encounter on the Bighorn Trail Run?
The course passes through remote Bighorn National Forest. Elk, deer, moose, black bear, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes at lower elevations are all possible. The course is well-marked but genuinely wild.
How Do I Get to Sheridan Wyoming for the Bighorn Trail Run?
Fly into Sheridan County Airport (SHR) via Denver, or Billings MT (BIL) about 2 hours north. Sheridan is on I-90. The town has grocery stores, gear shops, and restaurants for final race prep.
Keep Exploring
- Dead Swede Gravel Race 2026: another big Sheridan County race weekend
- Browse Race Weekend Rentals: full kitchens, crew space, washer/dryer
- All Sheridan County Events
- Complete Race Guide: Bighorn Trail Run 2026
