Course and Transportation
Course Description
Strike Gold on the Legendary AR50 Course!
Get ready, adventurers! The slightly revised AR50 course is here, and it’s more legendary than an Old West gold rush! You’ll kick things off at Folsom Point, setting out on a 7.4-mile prospector’s loop using the service road to strike a rich vein of trail over at Browns Ravine, then looping back to Folsom Point before you drop like a runaway mine cart down the dam hill! From there, you'll carve your path around Lake Natoma, scale the bluffs like a true trail outlaw, and push onward to Beal’s Point—where a little detour (thanks to levee projects) will have you circling the perimeter before charging up the park entrance road to follow the orange-marked cone path onto the winding lower singletrack trail.
Once you hit the lower trail, you’ll reconnect with the levees (3 & 4) and set your sights on Granite Bay Horse Assembly, the gateway to some of the most breathtaking riverfront trails around. Then it's on to Horseshoe Bar, Rattlesnake Bar, Dowdins Post, and Last Gasp—where you’ll dig deep for that final push to the golden finish line at Overlook Park in Auburn. With epic views, flowing rivers, and trails steeped in adventure, this year’s AR50 is set to be one for the history books. Grab your grit, bring your best gold-panning spirit, and get ready to strike endurance gold!
The American River 25 Mile event, which starts at 7 A.M. will start at Beal's Point and follows the second half of the AR50 course. *** NO PACERS ALLOWED FOR AR25 ***
American River 25 Mile Endurance Run - "Strike Gold on the Trails!"
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the historic American River, where gold miners once chased their dreams—and now, you’ll chase yours! The American River 25 Mile Endurance Run begins at Beal’s Point, Folsom Lake, setting the stage for an epic journey through rolling hills, scenic riverfront trails, and rugged singletrack.
Your quest for endurance starts with a swift trek up the park road before striking out on the American River Bike Trail, a chance to cover early miles on smooth pavement. After a quick one-mile out-and-back, you’ll return to Beal’s Point and follow the orange-marked cone path onto the winding lower singletrack trail. From here, you’ll weave through golden foothills and along the river’s edge, where echoes of the Gold Rush still whisper through the canyons.
As the trail reconnects with the levees, you’ll push onward to Granite Bay Horse Assembly, then forge ahead to Horseshoe Bar, Rattlesnake Bar, and Dowdin’s Post—all storied landmarks of the area’s rich mining past. But the real treasure awaits: a final 2.4-mile ascent to the legendary Overlook Park in Auburn. With every step, you’ll be digging deep, just like the miners of old, but this time, the gold you’re after is your own strength, resilience, and triumph.
This isn’t just a race—it’s a test of grit, a journey through history, and a celebration of what’s possible. So lace up, dig in, and claim your golden finish at the Overlook!
The American River 10 Mile event, which starts at 9:00 A.M. will start at Rattlesnake Bar (but not the aid station, about 1 mile before the aid station)! *** NO PACERS ALLOWED FOR AR10 ***
American River 10 Mile Endurance Run
Are you ready to conquer the final 10 miles of the legendary AR50 course? The American River 10-Mile Endurance Run is your chance to test your grit, embrace the challenge, and soak in the beauty of Northern California’s iconic trails.
Starting at the historic Old Horse Assembly at Rattlesnake Bar, runners will traverse breathtaking single-track trails along the river, winding through the same terrain that has tested trail legends and weekend warriors alike. This course is a perfect mix of speed and strength, leading you through rolling terrain before tackling the infamous 2.4-mile Last Gasp climb—a true test of endurance before reaching the triumphant finish at Overlook Park in Auburn.
AWith two well-stocked aid stations, epic views, and the camaraderie of fellow runners pushing toward the same finish line, this race is built for those who love a challenge and the thrill of the trail. Whether you're chasing a PR, building confidence for longer distances, or simply here to enjoy the ride, the American River 10-Mile will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready for more.
Step up. Dig deep. Finish strong.
No trekking poles for participants or pacers, no dogs, no bikes, no horses.
Official Course Cut off for American River 50 is 14 hours
Plotaroute Mapping
Transportation
Option 1 - BEST CHOICE, HIGHLY ENCOURAGED BY RACE DIRECTOR/STAFF!
Drive car to the finish at Overlook Park - 855 Pacific Ave, Auburn. Free parking at Overlook, Railhead Park and on local streets. Buses leave at 4:30 a.m., taking runners to the start at Folsom Point in Folsom.
Remember to keep the noise down as this is a residental area, and the residents are sleeping!!
Morning bus $20, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
Option 2
For runners staying at partner hotels in Folsom, there is a complimentary shuttle to the start at Folsom Point at 4:45AM. There is no need to sign up for this service, just be in front of your hotel prior to 4:45 am. Be sure to check with the hotel for the departure point.
For the return, those staying at the partner hotels in Folsom, the bus (Folsom Cordova District Busses) will depart from Overlook Park at 8:00PM, returning to same Folsom morning pick up points.
Evening bus FREE, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
If your expected finish time is later than 8:00 p.m. you must choose a different option.
Option 3 - LEAST FAVORABLE DUE TO CLOSURE OF PARKING AREA AT 8PM
Drive car to the start at Folsom Point, park for the day, pay parking fee ($12). Early arrival critical, lot will be temporarily closed from 5:20 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
For the return, the bus will depart Overlook Park at 8:00PM, returning runners to Folsom Point and the proceed to the hotels. Lot closes at 8:00 p.m., no exceptions.
Evening bus FREE, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
If your expected finish time is later than 8:00 p.m. you must choose a different option.
Option 4 – CREW
Have your driver drop you at the start, entrance to lot closes temporarily from 5:20 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
*Driver can connect with runners at approved aid stations.
*Entrance to the AR50 Race Start parking lot will be temporarily closed from 5:20 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. on race morning.
**Buses do not return to aid stations – pacers must make own arrangements to return to their vehicles.
AR25 Bus Transportion - two options
1. Drive car to the finish and park at Overlook Park - 855 Pacific Ave, Auburn. Free parking at Overlook, Railhead Park and on local streets. Buses leave at 5:30 a.m. the Overlook Parking Lot, taking runners to the start at Beals Point.
2. Have a friend or family member drop you off at Beals Point. Keep in mind, you will still need a CA State Park Poppy Pass OR purchase a day use pass to enter at Beals Point.
Remember to keep the noise down as this is a residental area, and the residents are sleeping!!
Morning bus $20, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
AR10 Bus Transportion - two options
1. Drive car to the finish and park at Overlook Park - 855 Pacific Ave, Auburn. Free parking at Overlook, Railhead Park and on local streets. The bus leaves at 8:00 a.m. the Overlook Parking Lot, taking runners to the start at Rattlensake Bar start.
2. Have a friend or family member drop you off at Rattlesnake Bar. Keep in mind, you will still need a CA State Park Poppy Pass OR purchase a day use pass to enter at Rattlesnake Bar. If your friend or family member wishes to watch the start of the AR10, they must park in the main Rattlesnake Bar boat launch lot which is an approximate mile walk to the star
Remember to keep the noise down as this is a residental area, and the residents are sleeping!!
Morning bus $20, sign up here: https://raceroster.com/store/94521/listing
IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR BUS STATUS, EMAIL STAFF@NORCALULTRAS.COM.