Wildfires Force Removal of Crucial Sectors from Leadville 100 MTB Trail Race

Organizers of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB confirmed the iconic course will be rerouted for this year’s race after wildfires wrought havoc on the local region.

Life Time revealed Thursday a 102.1-mile route for 2026 that closely follows the iconic trail but loses several key features. The kingmaker Powerline section is out, as are Hagerman Pass Road and Sugarloaf Mountain.

The Columbine climb and descent have been saved.

“The team has worked closely with the local authorities to develop a revised route that ensures riders can safely take on the historic race while avoiding areas impacted by the Willow Fire,” read the statement from race officials.

“The Race Across the Sky returns for its 32nd edition, with a route that closely follows the traditional course, covering 9,916 ft of elevation across 102.1 miles. Athletes will head west from Harrison Ave as normal, first taking on St. Kevin’s climb before heading back east around Turquoise Lake to avoid the areas affected by the Willow Fire.

“Athletes will rejoin the original course at the bottom of the Powerline Descent, before heading into the Outward Bound aid station at mile 22.7. Riders will then ascend the iconic Columbine climb before heading back to town on the famous out-and-back course.”

Willow Fire hits Leadville

A possible re-route had been on the cards for some time. The Willow Fire that swept across the Colorado region earlier this summer burned large areas in proximity to the course.

In a statement at the start of the week, officials hinted they were scrambling to identify what was possible in the wake of the damage. For many participants, the historic, long-ridden trail is the entire allure of the event.

The out-and-back format of the race magnifies the impact of even a short alteration. The news this week that Powerline has been cut from the heart of the course will be hard felt.

The full details of the altered course can be found here.