Operation IRON PEAK 2025
Sat, Aug 09
|Washington
Summit your limits with Operation IRON PEAK in the breathtaking Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Time & Location
Aug 09, 2025, 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM EDT
Washington, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA
About the Event
Operation IRON PEAK
August 09, 2025 | Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA, USA
Distance: 9 / 13 / 16 +/- miles
Weight: 20 lbs dry
Elevation: 2,831 / 4,406 / 8,868 +/- elevation gain
Brief Start Time: Saturday, August 09, 2025 at 0630 hrs
Event Start Time: Saturday, August 09, 2025 at 0700 hrs
Start Location: Esmeralda Trailhead, WA
Event Finish Time: Saturday, August 09, 2025 at 1700 hrs
Finish Location: Esmeralda Trailhead, WA
Situation
Operation IRON PEAK in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offers three distances: 9, 13, and 16 miles. This stunning area of Washington State is renowned for its rugged beauty, featuring pristine alpine lakes, lush forests, and towering peaks. Every route will take candidates to the summit of Iron Peak at almost 6,500 ft, providing breathtaking vistas and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. For those looking for the ultimate challenge, Operation IRON PEAK MAX is in a league of its own, with the goal of reaching the summit of Mount Stuart at nearly 9,500 ft. This pinnacle of endurance and determination is perfect for those aiming to push their limits in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Pacific Northwest.
Mission
Operation IRON PEAK MINI. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 9 +/- mile route in under 5 hours to pass and under 3.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation IRON PEAK Dog Tag.
Operation IRON PEAK. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 13 +/- mile route in under 7.5 hours to pass and under 6 hours to earn the GBF Operation IRON PEAK Dog Tag.
Operation IRON PEAK MAX. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 16 +/- mile route in under 9 hours to pass and under 7.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation IRON PEAK Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.
Execution
Candidates will meet at the Esmeralda Trailhead. At 0630 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0700 hours.
Service Support
Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.
Route. Ensure you download the map for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed
The route for Operation IRON PEAK MINI is here.
The route for Operation IRON PEAK is here.
The route for Operation IRON PEAK MAX is here.
Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 20 lbs dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.
Equipment
Mandatory Equipment
- Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
- Phone (fully charged)
- Phone charger
- LifeStraw (or similar water filtration system)
- Head Torch (spare batteries)
- Hydration bladder(s)
- Whistle
- Compass
- Emergency rations (see below)
- Emergency shelter
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Micro Spikes
Strongly Recommended
- Maps (waterproofed)
- GPS
- Blister kit
- Pocket knife
- Chem-light/Cyalume
- Hiking poles
- MRE(s)
Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice. A warm jacket is strongly advised.
Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route.
Water. There will be bottled water at the finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance plus 3 additional miles, in case they get lost.
Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.
Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.
Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement.
Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432
The Fine Print
Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 30. Minimum number of candidates 15.
Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.
Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.