Mt. Sneffel’s Half Marathon - Race Recap
This year, I had the opportunity to run the Mt. Sneffel’s Half Marathon, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! While the race didn’t follow its usual course from Ouray to Ridgway due to a landslide, the adjusted route still offered plenty of challenges and stunning views. Here’s a look at my experience, from where we stayed to tackling those uphill miles.
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Camping in Ouray: The Perfect Base Camp
We decided to make the most of our time in Colorado by camping at the 4J+1+1 RV Park in Ouray, and I have to say, it was the perfect spot! The campground was close enough to walk to downtown Ouray, which made exploring the area super convenient.
Ouray is called the Little Switzerland of America and I totally understand why! The mountain views are incredible. If you showed me a picture and told me it was from your trip to Switzerland I would totally believe you, and Ouray has the cutest little downtown to explore.
Plus, there was a lovely creek near the campground and a dog park for our two pups, who loved getting their energy out. It was a peaceful, scenic spot to unwind before and after the race, and is usually within walking distance of the starting line for the Mt. Sneffle's Half Marathon. Yeah, about the course...
The Course: An Adjusted Route
Due to a landslide on the usual course, this year’s route started in Ridgway, with a turnaround at 6.5 miles. Instead of the typical downhill run from Ouray to Ridgway, we faced a mix of challenging uphill climbs and rewarding downhill stretches.
The way out was mostly uphill, making the first half of the race tough, especially miles 4 to 6.5, which were a serious grind. I won’t sugarcoat it - those miles tested me. But once we turned around, the downhill stretch from miles 6.5 to 9 gave me a chance to catch my breath and enjoy the run.
What Made the Race Unique
One thing that stood out was how peaceful the course was. There weren’t many aid stations or cheering crowds along the way, so it was just me, the road, and the breathtaking scenery. While the quietness might not be for everyone, it gave me a chance to soak in the beauty of the area.
And, bonus: no lines for the porta-potties!
The stunning mountain views really carried me through the tougher parts of the race. The scenery was so beautiful it made even the steep climbs feel worthwhile.
Things to Do in the Area
If you’re heading to Ouray for the race (or just for a visit), there’s so much to explore in the area. Here are a few must-dos to make the most of your trip:
1. The Million Dollar Highway
This scenic drive between Ouray and Silverton is an absolute showstopper. With winding roads and jaw-dropping views of the mountains, it’s no wonder it’s considered one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Just be prepared for some sharp turns and steep drop-offs - this road isn’t for the faint of heart!
2. The Gondola Ride in Telluride
Take a short trip to Telluride and hop on their free gondola ride. It’s the perfect way to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Plus, it’s a fun, relaxing way to experience the beauty of the area without breaking a sweat (perfect post-race activity!). It is pet friendly, but since our dogs are a little anti-social we left them in the car with the AC running. The entire thing took around a half an hour.
3. Soak in the Hot Springs in Ouray
After tackling those hills during the race, nothing feels better than soaking your tired muscles in the Ouray Hot Springs. We opted to go to Wiesbaden Hot Springs, a short walk from downtown Ouray and it was a great experience! The pool outside that is fed from the hot springs was my favorite part. The mountain views are gorgeous and it's not as extreme as the inner caves. I think itf would be even better in the winter after a day of skiing!
Final Thoughts
Even with the course change, the Mt. Sneffel’s Half Marathon was a fantastic experience. The combination of a challenging route and breathtaking views made it one of the most memorable races I’ve run. And of course, I’m thrilled to have checked Colorado off my 50-state list this year!
If you’re considering this race, know that it’s usually much easier. And if you can, plan to stay in Ouray - it’s not only a charming town and the perfect base for exploring the area, but usually within walking distance of the start line.
Have you run this race before or experienced any course changes like this? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
