Mount Disappointment Mountain Race
About the race
The Mt. Disappointment Mountain Race is a classic Southern California trail challenge set in the heart of the Angeles National Forest, beginning near the historic Mt. Wilson Observatory and winding through some of the San Gabriel Mountains' most spectacular terrain.
Runners can choose between two distances: the 25K and the 50K ultra. Both courses test leg strength and mountain savvy, with relentless climbs and technical descents amid towering peaks and shaded canyons.
Fully stocked aid stations support runners along the way, and high saddles such as Markum offer breathtaking 360° summit panoramas. Whether you are chasing a breakthrough performance or simply seeking a true mountain run, Mt. Disappointment delivers a test of grit and reward.
The course
The race starts near the Mt. Wilson Observatory and runs through the Angeles National Forest. The 25K climbs toward Mt. Disappointment and loops back through forest trails. The 50K ultra uses historic trails including the Gabrielino, Colby Canyon, Strawberry Peak, and a final ascent up the Kenyon Devore Trail to Mt. Wilson. Courses combine singletrack, steep fire roads and ridge lines.
The 25K course
The 25K delivers a bold punch of vertical right out of the gate, rewarding runners with sweeping views as they climb toward Mt. Disappointment and loop back through diverse forest trails.
The 50K course
The 50K prix-fixe ultra goes farther into the wilderness, with extended sections on historic trails including the Gabrielino, Colby Canyon, Strawberry Peak, and a final ascent up the Kenyon Devore Trail to Mt. Wilson.
Location
City insight: Mt. Wilson
Mount Wilson is a name shared by several places, and the California entry is a mountain, one of several US listings that include the Mount Wilson Observatory. The same name also appears for peaks and settlements in Antarctica, Australia and New Zealand, so the exact site should be confirmed before planning an event. Climate varies sharply with elevation in California's mountains, from hot dry summers in lower areas to snowy winters at height, so late spring and early autumn are generally the best seasons to race.
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