MONARCH GRIND

59 MILES | 7,878 FT. ELEVATION GAIN

RACE STARTS: 8:00am PST

LOCATION: Squeeze Inn, 220 4th Avenue, Clark Fork, ID. Parking at Clark Fork High School, 502 N. Main St.

COURSE MAP

The 2026 Monarch Grind route is the same as 2025 edition, except that the start and finish will be at the Squeeze Inn, rather than at the Clark Fork High School. Parking will be at the high school. The 59-mile route starts at about 2,000 ft. above sea level, where riders make their way through the small town of Clark Fork, Idaho, across a gorgeous royal blue river, past lush fields, and climb beyond the iconic Green Monarchs into the Coeur d’ Alene Mountain, topping out at 5,200 ft with a cumulative elevation gain of 7,879 ft (hello leggies!)

A fully stocked aid station welcomes you at the top of the first major climb (about 11 miles in). Riders continue clockwise climbing still higher before an epic descent down the backside of Packsaddle Mountain with spectacular views of Lake Pend O’reille. Bottoming out at lake level, riders make their way through shady cedar forests along pristine mountain streams before the longest climb of the day, looping back to the same aid station to recharge before the final descent and push to the finish line.

Finishing where you started, you’ll be welcomed with a feast and drinks at the Squeeze Inn (meal + drink complimentary with entry fee).