Cirque Series - Mt Baldy, CA

Join us for inaugural year of Cirque Series at Mt Baldy.  9.1 miles featuring 3,926' ft vert.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course begins at 6,400 feet in the ski area parking lot, immediately pointing runners skyward toward Mt. San Antonio at 10,064 feet. From the start, the route wastes no time gaining elevation as runners climb the ski area service roads en route to the Notch. The early ascent is steady and unrelenting, quickly spreading the field as the developed base area gives way to high-alpine terrain and expanding views across the San Gabriel Mountains.

Upon reaching the Notch, runners transition onto the legendary Devil’s Backbone Trail — a dramatic ridgeline traverse known for its exposure and breathtaking sightlines. With steep drop-offs on either side, this section demands focus and sure footing as the summit block rises ahead with every step along the spine. The final push to the top of Mt. San Antonio is both grueling and inspiring. At 10,064 feet, runners are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views that can stretch from the Mojave Desert to the Pacific Ocean on clear days — a true summit in every sense.

After tagging the peak, the course descends across the Baldy Bowl via the Ski Hut Trail. This rugged alpine drop loses elevation quickly over technical terrain, delivering runners to the historic Sierra Club Ski Hut tucked beneath Baldy’s imposing north face. From the hut, the route continues downhill along forested single track before reconnecting with Falls Road. Legs will already feel the impact of the descent, but efficiency here is key as runners prepare for the final transition.

A short but notable climb leads runners up to Manker Cutoff — the last upward push on the course. From there, the race turns decisively downhill for the finishing run back toward the ski area. What follows is a fast but quad-testing descent where gravity takes over and runners empty the tank on the return to 6,400 feet.

The finish line awaits back at the parking lot where the loop began — completing a true cirque route showcasing Baldy’s most iconic terrain: ridge, summit, bowl, forest, and mountain road. A course as beautiful as it is demanding — and unmistakably Mt. Baldy.

SAFETY LANGUAGE
The course is steep, rocky, & extreme at times. Summit is high eleveation, potentially wet & slippery with potential exposure. You will be pushing hard for the summit, putting yourself to your capacity, lungs, grit, & strength. Please note, we will have the course well marked, it is imperative, for your safety, you follow precise path of flagging. Please be mindful of other competitors, if you encounter an injured competitor please inform the nearest course Marshall, EMT, Mt Baldy Patrol, or Rescue Services.  Course is well marked with orange flagging, if you suddenly find yourself on a path without immediate orange flags to indicate the route, please turn around, go back the way you came until you get back on trail with orange flags. 

**Every competitor is subject to a strict cut-off time at Aid Station #1 of 1 hrs 30 minutes (competitor will take walk back down). We typically see 2-10 people not make cutoff

**Course subject to be adjusted as necessary

**The race course is located in Angeles National Forest

We will provide hydration for all participants at two aid stations on course, summit water station, & finish line hydration station.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:  the race organizers reserve the ability to cancel the event due to unsafe weather, any variety of circumstances, etc. Race organizers will make the best decisions when it comes to protecting the safety of all runners. This means we reserve the right to adjust, cancel, reroute, or reschedule as we see fit.

Because the bulk of our costs come before the event even occurs we will not be able to extend refunds to those who wish to cancel their registration. We will assess things appropriately & fairly, to the best of our abilities. If the race is popular enough to create a waiting list, we will also treat your entry fairly with specifics TBD.

Race registration is non transferable & cannot be rolled over to subsequent races. We will always treat our community fairly but also ask that you be sympathetic about the realities of putting on a great event. Anyone running under a bib assigned to another athlete will be banned from future Cirque Series Races, we take this very seriously because it creates a safety issue.

CATEGORIES
*SPORT: This category is for people that don't have a ton of mountain experience, and wouldn't call themselves strong runners. But are ready to test themselves.

*EXPERT: This category is for people with a lot of mountain experience, consider themselves strong hikers with competent running skills.

*PRO: This category is for professional & sponsored athletes.

Average Race Category Stats Across Our Other races:
Sport Registrations: 71% of runners

Expert Registrations: 22% of runners

Pro Registrations: 7% of runners

Results will be posted here 48 hours after the event.

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CONTACT, Race Director: steve@cirqueseries.com

Founder: julian@cirqueseries.com 

Friday, Oct 2, 2026:  3pm-6pm - early bib pick-up: Mt Baldy Brewery, 2120 Porterfield Way, Upland, CA 91786

Saturday, Oct 3, 2026: 8:00am-9:30am - Bib pickup available at the race venue. Please arrive early enough to pickup your packet and get ready. We will start promptly at 10AM.