For mountain bikers tackling the Leadville Trail 100, few stretches are as eagerly anticipated—and as utterly thrilling—as the sweeping downhill from Tennessee Pass into Camp Hale. Known simply among veterans as “The Long Hill,” this seven-mile descent lets gravity do the work, but demands focus and finesse as you navigate rocky ledges, tight switchbacks, and fast-flowing singletrack.
Why It’s Legendary
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Altitude Drop: You’ll shed nearly 2,000 vertical feet, beginning at 10,425 ft on Highway 24 and finishing at 8,615 ft in the historic Camp Hale valley.
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Terrain Variety: The trail shifts from gravel fire roads to technical dirt sections pocked with talus and exposed roots—testing your line choice at every turn.
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Scenic Rewards: As you hurtle down, panoramic vistas of the Eagle River Canyon and the Gore Range unfold behind you, reminding you why this course was once the U.S. Army’s alpine warfare training ground.
Key Tips for Riders
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Brake Management: With sustained downhill grade, resist the urge to grab at your brakes continually. Feather your rear brake to maintain control without overheating.
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Body Position: Keep your weight back, elbows out, and knees bent to absorb impacts. This posture also helps you see upcoming obstacles earlier.
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Line Choice: In the looser sections, look for the compacted “bike highway” worn by decades of racers. On narrow singletrack, trust your pre-ride recon to find the smoothest path.
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Aid Station Strategy: Camp Hale is often a mid-race refueling stop. Even if you don’t need to pause, waving to the volunteers can keep your spirits high.
Beyond the Descent
Once you reach Camp Hale, you’ve conquered one of the trail’s most exhilarating segments. Take a breath, reload your bottles, and brace yourself—the climbing out toward Mayflower Gulch is just around the corner.
Whether you’re sharpening skills in training or chasing a PR on race day, mastering “The Long Hill” is a rite of passage for any Leadville Trail 100 rider. Keep these insights in mind, respect the mountain, and enjoy the ride down to Camp Hale!