COURSE

Important Course Update for This Week’s Race

This week, we’ve received unexpected news from the City of Santa Clarita that significantly impacts our event. Due to ongoing legal complications, the City is now denying access to most of the planned routes within Golden Valley Ranch Open Space, despite having reviewed and received verbal approval for these routes from City officials over a year ago.

This change is incredibly frustrating, especially after months of planning and preparing an epic course. After several days of intense discussions with City officials, we’ve secured approval to use the original 5K loop, a scenic and challenging route featuring epic hills, stunning ridgeline views, and a long, flowing downhill section.

What This Means for You

The race will now follow a lap format:

  • 5K – 1 lap (no change)
  • 10K – 2 laps
  • Half Marathon – 4 laps
  • 28K becomes 30K – 6 laps

To support you on course, we’ll have two strategically placed aid stations, plus a third at the start/finish line to keep you fueled and hydrated between laps. View the updated Course page below for full details.

Looking Ahead

We’re turning this challenge into an opportunity. Next year, we’re launching a brand-new "Ragnar-style relay" option with 6, 12, and 24-hour formats, plus fixed-distance races and camping. All designed to create a fun, adventurous, and unforgettable race experience.

We plan our events a year in advance and pour our hearts into every detail to deliver something truly special. While curveballs like this are tough, we remain committed to creating the best possible experience for our runners and volunteers.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We’re beyond excited to host this race and can’t wait to see you at the start line!

Know Your Course

Ready to hit the trails? The Santa Clarita Trail Race offers four exciting distances—5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and 30K—taking you through the breathtaking golden hills of Santa Clarita, CA. Whether you’re new to trail running or looking for your next big challenge, there’s a course for you!

The race route is a single 5-kilometer loop that runners will complete one or more laps to reach their distance.

Elevation gains range from 650+ feet in the 5K to a leg-burning 3,900+ feet in the 30K. We highly recommend incorporating hill training in the weeks leading up to race day to prepare for the climbs and descents.

Below, you’ll find a detailed course map, elevation profiles, and key information for each distance. Taking a few moments to review the details will help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make the most of your race day experience.

So gear up and get ready for an epic, fun-filled adventure on the trails!

Runner

Map

Course Map

Walkthrough

As this has turned into a lap race, all runners will complete the ORANGE loop one or more times, depending on their race distance.

From the Start, climb a 300-foot elevation gain, winding to the top of the mountain trails and reaching the East Walker Ranch ridgeline before coming to Station #2. From there, runners hit a fun extra-long downhill section to reach Station #3 right before the first tunnel to cross under Placerita Canyon Road and reach the Golden Valley Ranch Open Space.

Coming out of the tunnel, all runners follow the trail RIGHT to connect to the second tunnel crossing back to the East Walker Ranch side and following the single-track trail back to the Finish Line and Station #1 to complete the ORANGE loop, which is 3.2 Miles or 5.1 Kilometers.

Course Details

Click on the tab for your distance to view additional course details, including the elevation profile, facts, stations, and GPS files for each distance.

5K
5K

5K Laps

1-Lap

5K Difficulty

5K Cut-Off

2-Hours

5K ELEVATION

5K Elevation

5K Facts

5.1K / 3.2M

Distance

650 Ft

Gain / Descent

2,362 Ft

Highest Point

1,854 Ft

Lowest Point

5K Stations

5K runners will visit a total of 2 aid stations through the course. Below is the sequence and approximate mile mark for each station and the gap to the next station on the 5K course.

STATION MILE GAP NOTES
1. Start (Station #1) 0 0.85 Start of course
2. Station #2 0.85 1.2 After the ridge line, when crossing the road
3. Station #3 2.05 1.2 Before the first tunnel
4. Finish (Lap 1) 3.25 Finish Line

*Approximate mile mark distances.

5K GPS Tracks

The GPS files below can be saved to your computer or phone and uploaded to your app or GPS tracking device.  These are XML format files, once you click the button below, save the file then load it into your chosen destination.

*Note - Strava blocks out a section of the course around the start/finish line area.

10K
Half Marathon
30K

Course Markings

The course will be marked with ORANGE colored flags staked into the ground and/or flagging tape tied to branches, bushes, and grass. At intersections or key turning points, there will be extra flags and flags with red directional arrows leading into the turns. If you don't see any flags for about 300-500 feet, then you have most likely gone off course.

In addition to flagging tape, there will be signs at stations and key locations to help make sure you turn in the right direction. Study the map and elevation profile for your distance!

Flags with arrows

Aid Stations

Races by New Global Adventures are renowned for their top-notch organization, incredible volunteers, and fully stocked aid stations—so you can focus on what matters most: having your best race experience.

Our dedicated family of race crew volunteers are true superstars, always ready with smiles, encouragement, and high-fives. Be sure to thank them for the amazing support they provide throughout your journey!

Across the course, you’ll find up to well-placed aid stations—with runners hitting them 2 to 17 times depending on their distance. Each station is stocked to keep you going strong with water, Gnarly Nutrition electrolytes, sweet and salty snacks, fresh fruit, and ice at key points to help you stay hydrated, fueled, and ready to tackle the trails.

Aid station support goals:

  • Provide hydration and refueling support
  • Provide directional guidance
  • Provide emergency support

We’ve got you covered—so you can focus on conquering the course and enjoying every mile!

Aid Station

Disclaimer: Please note that race information here represents what is planned for the Santa Clarita Trail Race. Locations, course variations, and changes may apply depending on conditions, availability, and improvements. We strive to make the best experience for the runners. Thank you for your understanding.

Course Access

Many runners like to train and preview the course route before the race.  All of the course is part of the City of Santa Clarita's Open Space and the trails are accessible year-round.  Simply follow these guidelines:

  1. Park at either East Walker Ranch or Golden Valley Ranch open space parking lots.
  2. Do not block the driveway, gates, or other cars.
  3. Hide all valuables and lock your car.
  4. Run onto the trailhead or the race start area.
Important Notes:
  • Pack extra water and fuel, there is no access or amenities once you are on the trails.
  • Do not litter, pack out your trash.
  • These trails are popular with local mountain bikers. Be aware and listen for them coming up behind you.  Step aside to allow them to pass.
  • The trails are also popular with hikers. Alert them to your presence when passing.
  • Be respectful and share the trails.
sctr-ewr-gvr-map

RACE DAY: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025

Register today to experience the golden trail adventure at the Santa Clarita Trail Race.

Day
Hour
Minute
Second
REGISTER

SPONSORS

We are currently accepting sponsors for the 2025 race, grow your business as a sponsor at the Santa Clarita Trail Race!

BE A SPONSOR

The obsession with running is really an obsession with the potential for more and more life.

—George Sheehan

REGISTER