The High Desert Howler

Backyard Ultra • Rawlins, Wyoming

September 5th, 8:00 AM Start | Rochelle Ranch Golf Course | Rawlins, WY

Welcome to The High Desert Howler, a backyard ultra in the heart of Wyoming’s high desert.

Set against the wide-open landscape of Rawlins and hosted at Rochelle Ranch Golf Course, this race is all about one thing: how long can you keep going?

There’s no set finish distance. No traditional finish line. No predetermined mileage goal.

Just you, the course, and another lap waiting for you at the top of every hour.

Supporting Rawlins Outdoors

Friends of Rawlins Outdoor Group (FROG) is the local organization bringing this exciting race format to Rawlins, Wyoming in cooperation with the City of Rawlins Parks and Recreation Department.

Founded in early 2026, FROG was created with a simple goal: to improve access to outdoor recreation for the citizens of Rawlins and the surrounding community.

Our initial projects are focused on developing and improving multi-use, non-motorized trails that provide accessible opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and enjoy the natural spaces around our community.

When you participate in The High Desert Howler, you're doing more than signing up for a race. You're helping support the future of outdoor recreation in Rawlins.

Proceeds and support from events like this help FROG work toward:

- Future multi-use trail development around Rawlins
- Maintenance and upkeep of a local park and a community demonstration garden
- Youth outdoor education and recreational opportunities
- Monthly community recreation activities and outdoor events
- Creating more opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors

We believe that access to outdoor recreation strengthens communities, creates healthier lifestyles, and gives people more opportunities to connect with the place they call home.

Thank you for running with us, supporting FROG, and helping build a more outdoor-friendly Rawlins.

Run far. Give back. Build Rawlins Outdoors.

The Course

The High Desert Howler Backyard Ultra takes place on a 4.17-mile loop through Rochelle Ranch Golf Course, following the winding cart paths as they snake their way around the course.

The majority of the loop is made up of crushed asphalt, with a few short sections of concrete pathway. The result is a smooth, predictable running surface that allows you to focus on your pacing, fueling, and the task at hand — making it back in time for the next lap.

Each loop includes approximately 100 feet of elevation gain and is entirely runnable and non-technical. After all, this is a golf course!

There are no rocky climbs, technical descents, or singletrack surprises waiting for you. Just a consistent loop, wide-open Wyoming scenery, and plenty of opportunities to settle into your rhythm.

Details

The start and finish line are next to the club house of the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course near the practice green.

Aid Station
FROG will be manning an aid station for use by all runners, we will have a selection of drinks and foods that you would typically see at any ultra.

Crew Areas
Runners are encouraged to bring crews and set up their own aid stations. A space will be provided on the East side of the club house for crews to set up tents, no more than a 10'x10' tent should be used. Remember, this is Rawlins, we are windy, have a way to secure your tent, Nebraska is likely tired of getting our 'things'.

There will not be any available electricity for crews to use, power banks are great but generators are not. Cooking is permitted in the crew areas but current local fire restrictions and regulations will be followed at all times for everyone's safety. Parking is available in the main parking lot to the golf course.

Swag
There will be swag, most definitely, but what it will be is pending and this section will be updated when details are finalized.

Club House
The Rochelle Ranch Club House is home to the Crowbar & Grill at Rochelle Ranch, a fine establishment for crew to find a bite to eat right at the start line!

Course Map

Refunds

We are a small race put on by a small non-profit. We are unable to offer refunds or rollovers. All entry fees are non refundable and non transferable, including if you cannot attend. Entry fees are used to cover the cost of putting on the event.

After expenses, any remaining funds will be donated to Friends of Rawlins Outdoor Group to support our mission.

Event's current local time: 9:12 PM MT