Yellowstone Gateway 30K

🏞️ Race Overview

Yellowstone Gateway 30K runners will know why “Yellowstone is more Valuable than Gold”!

🌄 General Description

• Distance: This race spans just over 18 miles.
• Elevation Change: Climbs 2,609 ft and descends 2,366 ft.
• Course Type: Entire course is off-road, with trails, gravel roads, and scree-covered jeep paths.
• Starting Point: Begins at the 2024 MICHELIN Guide awarded Sage Lodge trails.

🚩 Details

At the start at the Sage Lodge, you will run double track trails over rolling foothills past the historic Chico Cemetery, then past the historic Yellowstone City gold settlement (c. 1864-1866) where some of the first gold seekers came to Montana to find fortune. Continue to Old Chico and turn right up Emigrant Gulch and begin climbing up an increasingly steep gorge cut by a dirt/scree jeep road between steep canyon walls and past abandoned mines and where a recent industrial gold mine was halted when local residents and the federal government decided that “Yellowstone is more valuable than gold.” Your feet will get wet crossing Emigrant Creek and the East Fork of Emigrant Creek on the way up and again on the way down. After turning around at the aid station near the closed St. Julian Mine (c. 1906) you will descend out of the gulch, turn right at Old Chico Road and join the Chico Hot Springs Ranch 635 trails to the finish at Chico Hot Springs. The elevation varies from 4,966 feet at the start at the Sage Lodge in Emigrant to 7,618 feet at the top aid station east of Emigrant Peak, and 5,250 feet at the finish at Chico Hot Springs in Pray Montana.

🛠️ Packet Pick-Up

• Early Pickup: Time and location will be announced closer to race day, typically in Livingston.
• Race Day: Sun (9/21) 7:30 AM-8:45 AM at Sage Lodge Mud Room.

🍹 Aid Stations

There are three aid stations on the 30K course. Each aid station will be stocked with water, Tailwind Nutrition Fuel drink, gels, and various standard trail food. Pack your own nutrition if you have specific needs. This is a cup-less race so you must bring your own bottle or bladder for water/Tailwind, and we recommend wearing a trail running vest or waist pack to carry your bottles, layers, and snacks.

Cutoff Times

Cutoff times are established for the consideration of our volunteers but are generous, allowing participants to average 20-minute miles. See aid station information below for specific cutoff times.

1. Old Chico Aid Station: 3.8 miles from the start
2. Emigrant Gulch Aid Station: 7.0 miles
3. St. Julian turnaround: 10 miles. Cutoff time: 12:45 pm
4. Emigrant Gulch Aid Station: 13.0 miles Cutoff time: 1:45 pm
5. Old Chico Aid Station: 16.0 miles Cutoff time: 2:35 pm
6. Chico Finish! 18.2 miles

⚠️ Safety

Running downhill on steep rocky slopes can be hazardous. Emigrant Creek is ankle to shin deep at the crossing, and while the current won’t wash you away, the rocks are slick underfoot. We picked September because it is often great for running, but it could be cold and snowy or hot and dry on race day. Check the Point forecast for Emigrant Gulch frequently as race day approaches for the latest forecasts. This is not a closed course, and off-road vehicle users may be present in the Gulch. Park County Search and Rescue Volunteers will be on the course with off-road vehicles to assist if you become ill or injured.

🌱 Our Commitment to Sustainability

• Cupless: You must bring your own cup/water bottle/hydration pack.
• Reducing Waste: Happy Trash Can will help us compost and reduce our footprint at the post-race picnic.

🔦 Course Markings

The course will be well marked with flags, cones, and paint. Race volunteers will be at critical junctions to ensure that no one makes a wrong turn.

👟 Shoes, Terrain, and Equipment

The upper part of the course is very rocky and uneven in places. Trail shoes are the best choice. If you like poles, they will help you on the steep uphill and downhill sections and water crossings. Water depth at both crossings is often ankle to calf deep.

🐻 Bear Spray

There will be many runners and volunteers on the course which is a deterrent to bears. You may wish to carry bear spray in your pack for protection in upper sections that are less frequented by humans, but it is not required.

🅿️ Parking

Due to limited parking at the start at Sage Lodge, we encourage you to take the free and short shuttle from Chico to Sage Lodge. Parking for the shuttle is at the "Field of Dreams" parking lot above the Day Spa at Chico Hot Springs. Signs will direct runners to the shuttle pickup.

🚎 Shuttle - Chico Hot Springs to Sage Lodge

The shuttle Bus will depart Chico “Field of Dreams” Parking area at the following times: 7:10 am, 7:30 am, 7:50 am, 8:10 am, and 8:30 am. Any schedule changes will be announced via email prior to the race.

🎒 Drop Bag Transport

Participants are encouraged to bring a bag to drop at the start at the Sage Lodge. Your drop bags will be taken to the finish line. Please write your name and phone number on your drop bag.

🏅 Prizes

Everyone will receive a Yellowstone Gateway 30K hat with the Lynx logo. Awards will be given for top three male and female finishers, 1st male and female masters, and first place male and female age group winners. There will also be door prizes at the finish line from our sponsors.

📣 Support and Spectating

Spectators are encouraged to get out on the course and cheer for family and friends. Please do not attempt to drive vehicles up the Gulch as you could block course monitors and Park County Search and Rescue (SAR) off-road vehicles.

❌ Opting Out

If you pick up a packet but don't run, please inform a volunteer or the race director at 406-548-1249. If you drop out of the race, you must inform a volunteer.

🍽️ Post-Race

After the race, runners can relax at Chico Hot Spring’s lawn with a beer and lunch provided by Chico Hot Springs. All finishers and volunteers get a free swim pass!

📜 History

This area has a long history of indigenous peoples, hard rock mining, settlements, and tourism. The Yellowstone Gateway 30K is a celebration of a community’s determination and love of place.

📬 More Information

Updates will be emailed to registered participants before race day and also posted on the Yellowstone Gateway 30K Facebook page. For further inquiries, contact the Race Director at bl2deyoung@gmail.com.