Big Bend Ultra
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua, TX, TX
One of the most remote and atmospheric race venues in the country — a bucket-list desert adventure for anyone willing to embrace true wilderness.
- When
- January 17, 2027
- Distances
- 10K · 20K · 35K · 55K · 100K
- Surface
- Trail
- Course
- Out-and-back
- Elevation gain
- —
- Altitude
- 2,300 ft–5,135 ft
- Weather
- Cool
- Nearest airport
- MAF
- Suggested trip
- 3 nights
Score breakdown
7.7/10Strong. A strong destination race with real appeal.
Also worth knowing (not weighted)
Editorial score (v0.1) — full method on How we score. Never affected by sponsorships.
Weather
| Month | Avg high / low | Band |
|---|---|---|
| January | 42–62°F | Cool |
Historical averages for planning — not a forecast. Always check conditions before race week.
Route & course
10K
Out-and-back · Trail · starts 8:00 AM- Elev gain
- —
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- Turnaround at the midpoint; the second half retraces the first
- Aid stations seen twice
Out-and-back format due to inability to access route by vehicle; no aid station. New alignment for 2026.
20K
Loop · Trail- Elev gain
- —
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- Start and finish in the same area
- Easier spectating and repeated aid access
Course format assumed loop; not explicitly confirmed by official source. Desert single-track, dirt roads, and riverbeds.
35K
Loop · Trail- Elev gain
- —
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- Start and finish in the same area
- Easier spectating and repeated aid access
New route for 2026 (formerly 30K); more single-track and climbing than prior years. Steep climbs and descents, rocky terrain, possible river crossings.
55K
Loop · Trail- Elev gain
- —
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- Start and finish in the same area
- Easier spectating and repeated aid access
New route for 2026 (formerly 50K); significantly more single-track and climbing. cX rating 176.4 (Hard) per TrailChamps. Drop bags accessible at named aid stations including Right Hand Shut Up, Paso Solitario, and West Contrabando.
100K
Loop · Trail · starts 6:00 AM- Elev gain
- —
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- 5,135 ft
- Low point
- 2,300 ft
- Start and finish in the same area
- Easier spectating and repeated aid access
Brand-new single-loop 100K added in 2026; field capped at 100 runners; strict 20-hour cutoff (finishes by 2 AM). cX rating 219.3 (Hard). Zero cell service; Amateur Radio Club provides course communications. Buckle awarded to all finishers. Drop bags at named aid stations.
Travel
- Base town
- Terlingua
- Nearest airport
- MAF · 90 min
- Rental car
- Recommended
- Rideshare
- Poor
- Lodging
- Limited
- Facilities
- Limited
- Trip length
- 3 nights
- Travel complexity
- 8/10
Terlingua is one of the most remote race venues in Texas; nearest major airport (El Paso, ELP) is ~3.5 hrs away. Marfa is the closest small airport. A rental car is essential; there is no rideshare. Lodging books out months in advance.
Book lodging in Terlingua or Study Butte well in advance — supply is very limited for race weekend. Midland-Odessa (MAF, ~3 hrs) and El Paso (ELP, ~3.5 hrs) are the practical fly-in options. Plan extra nights to explore Big Bend Ranch and Big Bend National Park.
Best for / avoid if
Best for
- Desert trail runners seeking remote, rugged terrain
- Runners wanting a bucket-list Big Bend experience
- Texas Trail Championship points chasers
- Cold-weather desert racing fans
- seasoned trail ultrarunners
- self-sufficient adventurers
- lovers of remote desert landscapes
Avoid if
- You need cell service or reliable communication on course
- You dislike remote logistics with minimal crew access
- Cactus, rocky terrain, and loose desert footing aren't your thing
- you prefer easy logistics
- you need strong cell service
- you dislike remote environments
First-timer mistakes
Underestimating the cold at the 6 AM start (35–45°F in the desert) and not layering; ignoring the zero-cell-service reality and failing to study the course map in advance.
Where to stay, eat & explore
Local picks for the weekend.
311,000-acre wilderness park; hiking, mountain biking, and river access. Non-runners can explore for days.
- Big Bend National Park Activity
Neighboring national park ~1 hour east; a world-class destination pairing perfectly with race weekend.
- Terlingua area lodging (general) Lodging
Terlingua and Study Butte have limited lodging (cabins, glamping, small inns); book months ahead for race weekend.
- Stargazing at Big Bend Ranch State ParkActivity
World-class night skies and star viewing after the race.
- Terlingua Ghost TownActivity
Historic mining town with shops and photo opportunities.
Runner reports
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Race history
Race-trip notes
Terlingua is extremely remote — book lodging in Terlingua or Study Butte months in advance, especially for the Saturday night before the Sunday race. Nearest services are sparse; bring cash, extra food, and plan for a multi-night stay to explore the park.
About this race
Organized by Trail Roots since 2004, the Big Bend Ultra runs out of the Barton Warnock Visitor Center in Terlingua and covers 95% unpaved terrain: loose rocky single-track, cactus fields, and desert riverbeds with steep climbs reaching toward 5,000 ft. The 2026 edition reshaped the 35K and 55K routes with more single-track and climbing, and added a brand-new 100K single-loop capped at 100 runners. Zero cell service on course; communications handled by the Big Bend Amateur Radio Club. Part of the Texas Trail Championship series.
Last verified June 29, 2026. Race details can change — always confirm with the official race website.
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