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Leg 4

One of RTO's most iconic and challenging legs. Tackle a gorgeous but demading climb into the Sierras, leaving Nevada and entering California. There's an aid station halfway through, along with breathtaking views and rewarding summits. Most of this leg takes place on dirt roads. Due to its popularity and difficulty, this leg is timed and scored individually. You must carry water with you, there will be no van support. Run smart, your health and safety are more important than a fast time. Do not underestimate this leg!

8.0 MilesGain 1677 ftLoss 532 ft
Leg PDF
Runner Directions
  1. 1.Run on Bridge St. (back tracking what the leg 3 runner just ran) for about 0.3 miles, running WITH traffic.
  2. 2.Turn right on Dog Valley Road and proceed up the hill about 1.5 miles, crossing into California and continuing to the end of the paved road.
  3. 3.The paved road becomes a dirt road as you enter the Humboldt- Toiyabe National Forest, this becomes Henness Pass Rd.
  4. 4.Stay on the main road on a STEEP CLIMB UP the canyon for another 2 miles to the "false summit" where there is an aid station to top off your water bottle(s).
  5. 5.At this intersection, VEER LEFT continuing on the main road - DO NOT TURN RIGHT and descend into Dog Valley.
  6. 6.Gradually climb about 2 more miles to the real summit and enjoy that view of the Sierra Nevada peaks.
  7. 7.Continue straight on the main road downhill for the last two miles to the exchange.
Cautions
  1. 1.Runners must carry 1 or more water bottles with them for this leg. Do not rely on only the aid station.
  2. 2.Vans must drive the south loop to meet their runner at XP 5. DO NOT attempt to drive leg 4 with your runner.
Van Directions
  1. 1.From XP 3, return to Old U.S. 40. Turn right on that road and drive past the Gold Ranch and enter I-80 westbound. Drive 13 miles on I-80 and exit at Hirschdale Road (exit #194). Turn left and drive on the Stampede Dam-Meadows Rd. past Boca and Stampede Reservoirs. You will pass XP 5, Boyington Mill Campground, on your way to XP 4. DO NOT STOP at XP 5. Continue past XP 5 another 5.6 miles to reach your runner at XP 4.