Bighorn 100 Grade Profile
Terrain steepness breakdown for the Bighorn 100 in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains. Use this analysis for race planning and targeted training preparation.
98.9
Total Miles
21,032
Feet Gain
48
Ascent Miles
50.7
Descent Miles
Grade Distribution
| Direction | Grade | Miles | Race % | Feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ↓ Down | 25%+ | 1.7 mi | 1.7% | 2,771 |
| ↓ Down | 15-25% | 3.9 mi | 3.9% | 3,852 |
| ↓ Down | 10-15% | 6.4 mi | 6.5% | 4,130 |
| ↓ Down | 5-10% | 11.8 mi | 11.9% | 4,533 |
| ↓ Down | 0-5% | 26.9 mi | 27.2% | 3,233 |
| ↑ Up | 0-5% | 24.2 mi | 24.5% | 2,975 |
| ↑ Up | 5-10% | 12 mi | 12.1% | 4,536 |
| ↑ Up | 10-15% | 6.1 mi | 6.2% | 3,883 |
| ↑ Up | 15-25% | 4 mi | 4.0% | 3,999 |
| ↑ Up | 25%+ | 1.7 mi | 1.7% | 2,733 |
Grade Bands
0-5%
Flat/Gentle
5-10%
Moderate
10-15%
Steep
15-25%
Very Steep
25%+
Extreme
The bands describe the terrain, not a plan for how to move over it — what any runner runs or hikes depends on the distance, the day, and where they sit in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bighorn 100?
The Bighorn 100 is a 100-mile ultramarathon held annually in June in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains. The course travels through the Bighorn National Forest with elevations ranging from 4,600 to 9,400 feet.
How much of Bighorn 100 is steep terrain?
The course has 5.7 miles of steep climbing (15%+) and 5.6 miles of steep descent. Over half the course is gentle terrain under 5% grade.
What is the time limit for Bighorn 100?
The Bighorn 100 has a 36-hour cutoff. With 21,032 feet of climbing, you need to average roughly 580 ft/hr of vertical gain during climbing sections to finish comfortably.
How does Bighorn 100 compare to other mountain 100s?
Bighorn 100 has similar elevation gain to races like Crazy Mountain 100 (~21,000 ft), but features gentler grades, with over 50% of climbing in the 0-5% band. The high-altitude sections and June heat are the primary challenges.