The 50K is an extremely challenging course with four major climbs. Starting at Cool Firehouse, the course follows the Western States Trail to No Hands, toward China Bar and Auburn Overlook, to Oregon Bar and up Cardiac, back to Auburn, toward Robie Point, back to No Hands, then up K2, crossing Salt Creek to Knickerbocker Creek, then continuing past Knickerbocker on a five-mile loop to Northside School and back to Cool.