Estimated arrival time: 3pm
Lewis Campground at French Meadows marks the endpoint of this long stage.
Here we are: the hardest stage of the relay in California. Preparation is essential, as services are non-existent and supply vehicle access will be limited. The day often follows the Western States Trail, though not always, so keep an eye on that track! The lone settlement of the stage, Michigan Bluff, sits roughly 6 miles from Foresthill. (You'll pass through the old town sites of Deadwood and Last Chance, but they're long gone.) After that, it's just you and the Sierra Nevada mountains, moving through a series of canyons--Poor Mans, El Dorado and Spring--not to mention the Devils Basin.
From a low of 2000 feet around the 8-mile mark, you'll climb to a high of nearly 7000 feet near Duncan Peak, around 31 miles in. Mercifully, the last leg is easier, trending downhill much of the time, and with the added bonus of the scenic beauty of the French Meadows Reservoir, which sits just south of the trail.
Support: A support vehicle will be accessible at Michigan Bluff (5.8 miles), (IF POSSIBLE) Last Chance Road - near Greek Store (22 miles), (IF POSSIBLE) Robinson Flat Campground (31.7 miles), Mosquito Ridge Road (38 miles). Water will be available to top off bottles, along with all necessary participant gear.