The 40 mile route begins at the Cascade Rest Area along Highway 3, 30 min West of Manning Park Resort. The course travels along the Skagit Bluffs trail; a rolling single track to start the race. From Grainger Creek Aid Station, it climbs up to Nicomen Lake, then on to the Heather Trail, which is one of the most scenic trails in all of Manning Park. After a descent down from Blackwall Peak, its a quick run to the finish at Lightning Lake. Much of the course is along remote single track trails where you can enjoy the solitude of the Canadian wilderness. There are no creek crossings, and approx 8 miles (13 km) of road (gravel and paved combined). Total elevation gain is approx 8800 feet, or 2500 m.