The Schweitzer Hill Climb is a cycling event that includes two routes starting at the bottom of Schweitzer Mountain Road and ending at Schweitzer Village. The road route follows Schweitzer Mountain Road to the village, is 8.65 miles in length, and climbs 2,551 feet. The dirt route diverges from the road at the Lower Basin trailhead, follows Shedwater, Cedar Dreams, Yew Can Do It, and Ursa Major trails to the roundabout, and then Upper Basin trail to Telemark Road near the Schweitzer Mountain Road junction. The route then re-enters Schweitzer Mountain Road to the village. The dirt route is 7.69 miles in length and climbs 2,620 feet. Participants are allowed to ride human-powered bicycles (or unicycles!) of any type. eBikes are not allowed. The recommended bicycle of choice for the road route is a traditional road bike. A mountain bike or gravel bike are recommended for the dirt route. A traditional road bike is not recommended for the dirt route. Participants must wear a bicycle helmet; abide by State of Idaho laws as they pertain to bicycles on public roads, including not crossing road center lines, and respect event directional and safety signage. There will be no aid or feed zones on the route, and no unofficial nutritional support will be allowed. Participants shall be self-sufficient in terms of nutrition and mechanical support. Post-ride nutrition will be available at the finish line, and an award ceremony will take place in the vicinity of the Schweitzer Village Clock Tower or in the Lakeview Lodge, dependent on weather. Food and Beverages are available at various establishments in Schweitzer Village. SCHEDULE Saturday, September 19, 2026, 8:00 - 9:45AM: Late Registration and packet pickup. Red Barn Parking Lot at base of Schweitzer Mountain Road Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:45AM: Registration closes Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:45AM: Pre-Race Meeting. Intersection of Granite Ridge Drive & Schweitzer Mountain Road (just west of Rail Tracks) Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00AM: START. Intersection of Granite Ridge Drive & Schweitzer Mountain Road (just west of Rail Tracks) Saturday, September 19, 2026, Noonish: Awards. Schweitzer Village
Course & Travel Notes
The Schweitzer Hill Climb takes place in Sandpoint, Idaho on September 19, 2026, with races starting at 10:00 AM at an elevation of 4,692 feet. Sunrise occurs at 6:29 AM that day, giving early arrivals time to acclimate before the morning start. The nearest airport is Coeur D'Alene Airport - Pappy Boyington Field (COE), located 42 miles from the venue. Plan for typical September weather with highs around 72°F and lows around 42°F, with a 24% chance of measurable rain on any given day.
⛰️ 4,692 ft elevation☀️ Typically 72°F / 42°F · 24% chance of rain✈️ Coeur D'Alene Airport - Pappy Boyington Field (COE) — 42 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Schweitzer Hill Climb – in memory of Joe Claxston 2026 — Sandpoint, ID
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 19.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Sandpoint, ID.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Schweitzer Hill Climb – in memory of Joe Claxston 2026 — Sandpoint, ID?
Schweitzer Hill Climb – in memory of Joe Claxston 2026 — Sandpoint, ID takes place on September 19, 2026. The race is held in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Where is Schweitzer Hill Climb – in memory of Joe Claxston 2026 — Sandpoint, ID held?
Schweitzer Hill Climb – in memory of Joe Claxston 2026 — Sandpoint, ID is held at 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Where can I find hotels near Schweitzer Hill Climb – in memory of Joe Claxston 2026 — Sandpoint, ID?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Sandpoint. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
