HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMBRancho San Fernando Rey, Santa Barbara, United States🇺🇸
About HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026
HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 is a trail race held from Fri, Nov 13, 2026 to Sun, Nov 15, 2026 in Rancho San Fernando Rey, Santa Barbara, United States; the start is at 07:00.
Registration is open; the deadline is Sun, Nov 8, 2026. Dates, registration windows and fees on this page are refreshed every morning by scanning federation, timing and organiser sites; registration always happens on the official race site.
Someone running 30 km a week needs 17 weeks, about 4 months, to prepare for the 51K course of HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026; that start day was Fri, Jul 17, 2026, so the window has passed with 4 weeks left to the race.
California’s natural beauty is on full display at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB. Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley at Rancho San Fernando Rey, runners will enjoy natural landscape as they run along mountains, pastures, cliffs, vineyards, and olive groves. Previously closed to the public, this race offers an exclusive look into a quintessential California ranch. Join us for the opportunity to experience vintage California in this one-of-a-kind race experience.
Courses
There are 2 courses: 51K (1550 m D+); 25K (650 m D+).
Course map and elevation profile
What the weather is usually like here
- Over the last 5 years this week typically ran 11°C to 22°C here, with a high of 32°C and a low of 3°C.
- 17% of those days saw rain. A real forecast lands about two weeks out and will appear here then.
- Typical daily maximum wind was 11 km/h (calm), with 23 km/h the highest value in the sample.
- It has been hot here before: if race week trends warm, scale your fluid plan up.
- Sunrise 07:31, sunset 17:55. You start in the dark, so a headtorch is not optional.
The race is more than two weeks out, so these are averages of recent years for the same week, not a forecast. A real forecast appears here closer to the day.
Race briefing
51K course52 km · 1559 m gain · 27% uphill · 7 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
The published GPX measures 52 km with 1559 m of climbing, 30 m per km. The course sits between 261 m and 797 m of altitude. 62% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-5.3 km · Start → Redrock: 112 m up / 16 m down; close to flat.
- 5.3-13 km · Redrock → Loma Alta: 434 m up / 163 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 13-20 km · Loma Alta → Old Man Mountain: 245 m up / 392 m down; the stretch descends.
- 20-26 km · Old Man Mountain → Santa Cruz: 198 m up / 201 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 26-34 km · Santa Cruz → Cow Camp: 217 m up / 383 m down; the stretch descends.
- 34-41 km · Cow Camp → Boot Hill: 168 m up / 193 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 41-46 km · Boot Hill → Horse Canyon: 88 m up / 51 m down; gently rolling.
- 46-52 km · Horse Canyon → Finish: 102 m up / 166 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
The race climbs from the gun: 78 m over the first 4.1 km. Do not chase the crowd, the two minutes you win here get taken back with interest.
The backbone of the course runs from km 1 to km 10: 515 m over 8.8 km at 6% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 12%. Heaviest kilometres: km 10 99 m, km 8 92 m, km 9 90 m, km 7 84 m. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The climb between km 22 and km 29: net 316 m over 6.3 km at 5% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 14%, 384 m of climbing in total with 68 m given back. Heaviest kilometres: km 27 86 m, km 28 67 m, km 23 60 m, km 24 58 m. By the time you start it, about 51% of the day's climbing is behind you. Trying to run this costs far more than it saves. Shorten the stride, lean on the poles, keep moving.
The steepest wall stands between km 36 and km 38: 165 m over 1.5 km at 11% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 15%. Kilometre by kilometre: km 37 81 m, km 38 87 m. By the time you start it, about 77% of the day's climbing is behind you. Forcing a run up this climb takes more than it gives. Hike it and keep your heart rate away from the ceiling.
The longest descent starts at km 29 and loses 369 m by km 35 at 6% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 13%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 38 averages 12% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 6 km climb 127 m and then drop 166 m. Walk the climb, take the descent back, and hold the sprint until the drop is done.
A steep pitch starts within about 1.9 km of Cow Camp; keep the stop short and do not enter it on cooled-down legs.
- The organiser lists 51 km; the published GPX measures 51.7 km. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- This course reaches 797 m. At the high-point coordinate, the same week historically ran 9°C to 19°C. Typical daily maximum wind was 14 km/h, reaching 22 km/h in the sample. This is climate history, not the race-day forecast; keep the shell accessible if race week looks similar.
- Cut-off lands at 17:00 and sunset at 17:55, near enough the same moment. Go slower than planned and the last kilometres are in the dark, so pack the torch.
- Consider bringing poles. The course averages 30 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 8.8 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- The climbing is stacked into the first half. Start easy; even with less climbing later, the descents and accumulated fatigue still have to be managed.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Cow Campkm 34
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A 15% pitch starts about 2.3 km after the station; do not enter it cooled down.
- Cut-off: 6h 30m after the start.
- The longest gap between official aid stations is 8 km, with 204 m of climbing in between, from Santa Cruz (km 26) to Cow Camp (km 34). Split your fluid accordingly.
- Drinks only, no food, at Redrock (km 5) and Santa Cruz (km 26) and 1 more. Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- Food is available at Loma Alta (km 13) and Old Man Mountain (km 20) and 2 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Start (km 0) and Finish (km 52). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The heaviest leg runs from Redrock (km 5) to Loma Alta (km 13): 8 km with 427 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Start (km 0), Loma Alta (km 13), Old Man Mountain (km 20), Cow Camp (km 34), Horse Canyon (km 46), and Finish (km 52). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- About 2 km after Cow Camp (km 34), a roughly 250 m section averaging 15% begins. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then enter the climb at a controlled effort.
- The overall cut-off is 10h, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Start to Cow Camp (km 34): the official time budget is 6h 30m for 34 km and 1206 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | Yes | — |
| Redrock | 5.3 | 5.3 | Drinks | No | No | — |
| Loma Alta | 13 | 7.7 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Old Man Mountain | 20 | 7.3 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Santa Cruz | 26 | 5.7 | Drinks | No | No | — |
| Cow Camp | 34 | 8.2 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 13:30 |
| Boot Hill | 41 | 6.9 | Drinks | No | No | — |
| Horse Canyon | 46 | 4.8 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| FinishDrop bag | 52 | 5.8 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 17:00 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
25K course25 km · 665 m gain · 22% uphill · 3 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
The published GPX measures 25 km with 665 m of climbing, 27 m per km. The course sits between 261 m and 797 m of altitude. 82% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-5.3 km · Start → Redrock: 112 m up / 16 m down; close to flat.
- 5.3-13 km · Redrock → Loma Alta: 434 m up / 163 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 13-19 km · Loma Alta → Horse Canyon: 9 m up / 320 m down; the stretch descends.
- 19-25 km · Horse Canyon → Finish: 111 m up / 167 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
The first 2 km are close to flat, good for settling in. Do not set your pace here, the real course starts after.
The backbone of the course runs from km 1 to km 10: 515 m over 8.8 km at 6% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 12%. Heaviest kilometres: km 10 99 m, km 8 92 m, km 9 90 m, km 7 84 m. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The longest descent starts at km 10 and loses 534 m by km 24 at 4% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 11%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it.
The last 3 km drop 66 m. If anything is left in your legs, spend it here.
- This course reaches 797 m. At the high-point coordinate, the same week historically ran 9°C to 19°C. Typical daily maximum wind was 14 km/h, reaching 22 km/h in the sample. This is climate history, not the race-day forecast; keep the shell accessible if race week looks similar.
- Even at cut-off pace you finish 4 hours 55 minutes before sunset. This one is run entirely in daylight.
- Consider bringing poles. The course averages 27 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 8.8 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- The climbing is stacked into the first half. Start easy; even with less climbing later, the descents and accumulated fatigue still have to be managed.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Horse Canyonkm 19
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A 12% pitch starts about 0.5 km after the station; do not enter it cooled down.
- Drinks only, no food, at Redrock (km 5). Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- Food is available at Loma Alta (km 13) and Horse Canyon (km 19). Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Start (km 0) and Finish (km 25). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The last aid station is Horse Canyon (km 19), leaving 6 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- The heaviest leg runs from Redrock (km 5) to Loma Alta (km 13): 8 km with 433 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Start (km 0), Loma Alta (km 13), Horse Canyon (km 19), and Finish (km 25). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- About 0.5 km after Horse Canyon (km 19), a roughly 250 m section averaging 12% begins. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then enter the climb at a controlled effort.
- The overall cut-off is 5h, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | Yes | — |
| Redrock | 5.3 | 5.3 | Drinks | No | No | — |
| Loma Alta | 13 | 7.7 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Horse Canyon | 19 | 6 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| FinishDrop bag | 25 | 5.8 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Sunday 13:00 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
Calculators for this race
Data sources: UTMB World Series, official site (pacifictrails.utmb.world) · Last checked:
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Frequently asked questions
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What is HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB?
California’s natural beauty is on full display at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB. Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley at Rancho San Fernando Rey, runners will enjoy natural landscape as they run along mountains, pastures, cliffs, vineyards, and olive groves. Previously closed to the public, this race offers an exclusive look into a quintessential California ranch. Join us for the opportunity to experience vintage California in this one-of-a-kind race experience.
When is HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB takes place on Fri, Nov 13, 2026 - Sun, Nov 15, 2026. Start time: 07:00.
Where does HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB take place?
HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB takes place in Rancho San Fernando Rey, Santa Barbara, United States.
What are the courses and distances of HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB offers 2 courses: 51K (51 km, 1550 m D+); 25K (25 km, 650 m D+).
How hard is HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
Difficulty is measured in km-effort: distance plus ascent divided by 100. The 51K course covers 51 km with 1550 m of climbing, which is 67 km-effort and falls in ITRA category S. All courses: 51K 67 km-effort (S), 25K 32 km-effort (XS).
Is registration for HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 open?
Registration appears to be open; the deadline is Sun, Nov 8, 2026.
When is the registration deadline for HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The registration deadline for HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB is Sun, Nov 8, 2026.
What is the official website of HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB?
Official website: https://pacifictrails.utmb.world/
Is the HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 course a loop or an out and back?
The 51K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 51.7 km. The 25K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 24.7 km.
Where is the hardest climb at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The biggest climb on the 51K course runs from km 1 to km 10: 8.8 km for 515 m at 6% average; its steepest roughly 250 m section averages 12%. It tops out at 795 m.
How high does HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 go?
The 51K course runs between 261 m and 797 m with 1559 m of total climbing.
Do you need poles at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The 51K course averages 30 m of gain per km with a longest climb of 8.8 km, so poles help noticeably.
Do you need a headtorch at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
51K: Cut-off lands at 17:00 and sunset at 17:55, near enough the same moment. Go slower than planned and the last kilometres are in the dark, so pack the torch.
What is the weather like at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
Over the last 5 years the same week here measured 11°C to 22°C, with a high of 32°C, a low of 3°C and rain on 17% of days. A real forecast lands about two weeks out.
Where are the aid stations at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The 51K course has 7 stations; the first at km 5 and the last at km 46. The longest gap between them is 8 km, between Santa Cruz and Cow Camp.
What is served at the HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 aid stations?
For the 51K course: Drinks only: Redrock (5. km), Santa Cruz (26. km), Boot Hill (41. km).
What are the cut-off times for the 51K at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
On the 51K course at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 the finish cut-off is Saturday 17:00. Intermediate cut-offs: Cow Camp (km 34) Saturday 13:30.
What time does HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 start?
Known start times: 51K 07:00, 25K 08:00, local time. Confirm against the organiser's schedule in race week.
What is the time limit at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The finish time limit is 51K Saturday 17:00. Intermediate stations carry their own cut-offs; the full list is in the checkpoint table on this page.
Is there a GPX file for HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
Yes. The GPX files for the 51K, 25K courses can be downloaded from the course section on this page, next to the route and grade profile.
Which HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB course should you choose?
The shortest option is 25K (25 km, 650 m D+) and the longest is 51K (51 km, 1550 m D+). With little trail experience the 25K is the safer start; the 51K demands an all-day effort and cut-off management.
What are the gradients like at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The 51K course averages 30 m of climbing per km, with 1559 m of total ascent and 1563 m of descent. The steepest kilometre averages 13%.
How runnable is the HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 course?
Expect a mix of running and power hiking: 30 m of gain per km; hiking the long climbs is normal, and the longest climb runs 8.8 km.
Where is the steepest part of HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The steepest kilometre of the 51K course averages 13% and sits inside the climb between km 36 and km 38.
How many climbs does HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 have?
The 51K course has 5 distinct climbs. The biggest: km 1-10 (515 m at 6%); km 22-29 (316 m at 5%); km 14-16 (185 m at 7%).
Is there a long climb at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
Yes. The longest climb runs 8.8 km from km 1, gaining 515 m at 6% average, topping out at 795 m.
What are the descents like at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
There is 1563 m of descent in total. The longest drop runs 6.4 km between km 29 and km 35, losing 369 m.
Are there flat sections at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
Partly: about 31% of the course is near flat, the rest climbs or descends.
Is the hard part of HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 early or late?
62% of the climbing sits in the first half; the day is hard early and flows later.
What is the elevation range at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The lowest point of the 51K course sits at 261 m and the highest at 797 m, a range of 536 m.
Where does HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026 reach its high point?
The course tops out at 797 m, reached around km 10.
Are poles mandatory at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
The organiser has not announced a pole requirement. Based on the profile poles help noticeably.
Do you need to carry water at HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB 2026?
Recommended: the longest gap between aid stations is 8.2 km, which on a hot day means carrying water.