High in the Sierra Nevada the alpine meadows are encircled by a crown of glaciated granitic domes, peaks, and spires. Threading through the high passes, circling topaz lakes, and paralleling the cascading rivers are a network of trails that weave seamlessly into the landscape. This expanse has inspired countless poets, artists, and conservationists and while these mountains call out to the crowds, the emptiness of this landscape lies off the beaten path. This is the playground of the runners.
Runners of ALL abilities have the option to choose specific Short, Medium, and Long distances eah day. All routes have been curated by the Aspire team to highlight the most spectacular terrain, optimize logistics, and maximize experiences in wilderness terrain.
A fixed basecamp and revoling shuttles, means that friends, families, runners, and hikers of all abilities can all expereince the High Sierra together.
Th Eastern Sierra Transit Authority operates a shuttle between the Reno, NV airport and Lee Vinning, CA. This service, paired with Aspire shuttles, means a runner can travel to/from Tuolumne Meadows car free.
Meet your fellow runners and guides on the shores of Tioga Lake, Elevation 9,600'. This quiet and secluded camp avoids the chaos of large national park campgrounds, is minutes away from the park entrance, and is surrounded by stunning alpine peaks.
Personal vehicles, small recreational trailers, and vans are welcome at camp, though the majority of runners tent camp. Runners may simplify their travel by renting personal camping gear from Aspire.
Runners arrive to a set up basecamp, cold drinks and apres. Settle into camp, enjoy a delicous dinner, and review all the route, running, and ground truth details for the days ahead.
3 Distance Options
Long: Full Canyon Point-2-Point, 28 Miles, +5,759 Elevation Gain, 8-12 Hours Travel Time
Medium: Yong Lakes Loop, 14 Miles, +2,700' Elevation Gain, 4-6 Hours Travel Time
Short: Out-n-Back from Lembert Dome, Variable Miles, Elevation Gain, and Travel Time
Long : 10 Lakes to Tenaya, Point-2-Point, 20 Miles, 4,500' Elevation Gain, 6-10 Hour Travel Time.
Medium: May Lake to Tenaya, 14 Miles, 2,700' Elveation Gain, 4-6 Hour Travel Time
Short: Out-n-Back from Tenaya, Variable Miles, Elevation Gain, and Travel Time
LONG: 23 Miles, Point to Point with 5,500' of Elevation Gain, 6-10 Hours Travel Time.
MEDIUM: 19 Miles, Point-2-Point with 4,200' of Elevation Gain, 4-8 Hours Travel Time.
SHORT: Out-n-Back from Tenaya Lake, Variable Miles, Elevation Gain, and Travel Time.
LONG: 23 Miles, Point-2-Point with 3,737' Elevation Gain, 6-8 HOurs Travel Tim.
MEDIUM/SHORT: Out-n-Back, Variable Miles, Elevation Gain, and Travel Time
Vicotory Tacos, Guacamole, and margaritas.
Runners may opt for another night at Tioga or depart for home.
Runners who came into the vally via the YARTS will be shuttled to the pickup the following morning.
Hike the ups, shuffle the flats, run the downs. Runners average between 3-5 MPH including photo and snack stops.
Runners are NOT required to travel as a group. Pre-trip education and preparation allows runners to travel independently using digital maps, GPX routes, and paper maps for navigation. Aspire guides are on trail in case of emergency.
Reccomended: Completion of 50k Distance with 10,000+ feet of elevation gain within 30 days of the trip.
Front Country Tent Camping. Limited Cell Service. Flushing Toilets
Aspire prepares Seasonally Inspired Camp Cooked Dinners and Breakfasts catering to ALL dietary needs and preferences. Trail snacks, electrolytes, and packable lunch items provided. Runners are responsible for their personal favorite active nutrition.
Runners are responsible for their Personal Running Kit and personal camping gear. Camping gear is also available for rent from Aspire.
Course Fees are NON REFUNDABLE. We encourage all of our runners to purchase 3rd Party Trip Insurance.
POLICY: Aspire Cancellation Policy
Is to build a community of runners connected to wild spaces.
Wilderness experiences that humble and inspire
Stewardship and advocacy for wild spaces
An active and ego free community
Honoring the complex intersectionalty of history, culture, ecology, and choices that inform our relationship to place
Laughter, story, and the sharing of good food and drink
The relentless pursuit of physical, mental, and spiritual growth
Kindness, compassion, and respect for life in all its forms
Art as a practice of reflection, projection, and celebration of our creative power and awareness
Aspire organizes single and multi-day running adventures in wilderness terrain across Cascadia and Northern California. We provide logistical and emergency support paired with delicious meals and community for a unique and memorable backcountry running experience.