After enduring the intense heat of the desert, the Race Across America (RAAM) undergoes a complete transformation. From the Tuba City plateau, riders enter the stunning landscape of the Navajo Nation and Utah, before climbing into the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. This alpine sector, spanning Time Stations 10 to 20, shifts the battle from extreme heat to thin air, freezing nights, and relentless mountain climbs that test the limits of human endurance.
1. Utah & Navajo Nation: Red Rocks & Forrest Gump Hill
The passage through Utah is visually spectacular. From Kayenta (TS 11) to Mexican Hat (TS 12), the route runs through Monument Valley. Riders tackle the famous "Forrest Gump Hill" view along US 163, dealing with long, exposed stretches that are highly susceptible to strong headwinds.
Throughout Utah and Colorado, roads are intersected by metal cattle guards. Some of these guards have gaps wide enough to trap a road bike tire. Riders must cross them with caution to avoid flats or severe crashes.
As the route heads toward Montezuma Creek (TS 13) and Cortez (TS 14), teams cross into Colorado. Here, daytime leapfrog support becomes mandatory, ensuring the safety of the rider on narrow state highways lacking shoulders.
2. Colorado: Entering the High Country
Reaching Durango (TS 15) is a major milestone: it marks the finish line for the Race Across the West (RAW). For RAAM riders, however, Durango is simply the gateway to the massive climbs of the Southern Rockies.
From Durango, the road climbs steadily toward Pagosa Springs (TS 16) and begins to penetrate the San Juan Mountains. The air grows noticeably thinner, forcing the cyclist to manage their effort carefully to prevent early muscle damage with over 2,000 miles still remaining to the finish line in Atlantic City.
3. Wolf Creek Pass & La Veta: Over 10,000 Feet
The most iconic climb of RAAM is the legendary Wolf Creek Pass, crossing the Continental Divide at an elevation of 10,856 feet (3,309 meters). The climb requires low gearing and a steady cadence. At the summit, even in June, overnight temperatures regularly plummet below freezing, and sudden snowstorms are not uncommon.
Following the long descent to South Fork (TS 17) and Alamosa (TS 18) across the San Luis Valley, riders face their second major pass: La Veta Pass (9,413 feet / 2,869 meters). Temperature management is key here: transition garments must be easily accessible in the follow car to prevent hypothermia on the fast descents.
4. Mountain Crew Logistics & Safety
In Colorado, the crew must monitor vehicle brakes closely. Descending steep mountain passes with heavy RVs requires using low gears to prevent brake fade. Furthermore, acute mountain sickness (AMS) can affect both riders and crew members, leading to headaches, nausea, and delayed reaction times.
It is highly recommended to carry supplemental oxygen bottles in the support cars for the rider's recovery stops, and to focus on warm, carb-heavy meals to offset the massive caloric burn caused by the combination of cold and high altitude.