Pincushion Hill Climb

Pincushion Hill Climb: Mountain Goat Edition

1 mile. Straight up. Then keep climbing.

The Pincushion Hill Climb is a chip-timed, one-mile climb beginning at the San Joaquin River Trailhead in the South Finegold Picnic Area at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area (at the end of Sky Harbour Road) and finishing at the summit of Pincushion Mountain.

Mountain Goat Challenge

When you register for the four-hour Mountain Goat Challenge, you are automatically entered in the one-mile Pincushion Hill Climb—no separate registration is needed.

Your first ascent from the trailhead to the summit will be chip timed and scored as your official one-mile Hill Climb result. The first lap will begin in a staggered, time-trial format to spread runners out and reduce congestion on the trail.

The four-hour challenge clock begins when the first participant starts. From that moment, Mountain Goat runners have four hours—until noon—to complete as many summits as possible.

After reaching the summit for the first time, runners must take the designated longer route down, which is just over 1.5 miles. After that first descent, runners may descend using the same route they climb.

Trekking poles are allowed. To qualify as an official Mountain Goat finisher, you must complete at least two trips to the summit.

Mountain Goat Challenge standings will be determined by the total number of completed summits. If two or more participants complete the same number of summits, the runner with the fastest chip-timed first ascent will receive the higher placement.

Mountain Goat Aid Station

An aid station will be available at the bottom of the hill exclusively for Mountain Goat runners. Participants will be able to refill their water and refuel with electrolytes, gels, and a selection of other snacks between climbs.

Awards and Swag

For the one-mile Pincushion Hill Climb:

Special prizes for the top three male and female finishers

Awards for age-group winners

A custom finisher award and event shirt for every runner