"Fastest Known Times" Around RenoTahoe ⛰️

In addition to our weekly newsletter every Thursday, ActiveRenoTahoe will occasionally send out articles from members of the local endurance community highlighting our region. We are excited to bring you are first guest post!

Bri Jaskot is a local ultra-runner and coach. She is the owner and UESCA Certified Coach at High Desert Endurance, where she works with athletes of all levels to help them achieve their trail, mountain, and ultra-running goals.

Today, Bri is going to share more about “Fastest Known Times”, how to incorporate FKT efforts into your training, and highlight some great FKT routes in our region.

Using “Fastest Known Times” as Trail Inspiration

By Bri Jaskot

May is almost over, and summer is basically here. This means most trail runners have already dialed in and registered for their 2025 races. But in the lead-up to these races, long runs need to be done — especially for the ultra runner variety — so I’m here to ask: have you ever considered using the FKT website as inspiration for some long training runs? 

Let’s back up a little and briefly lay out what an FKT is and what the site is about.  

FKT stands for “Fastest Known Time,” and FastestKnownTime.com records the fastest times for iconic routes in an area. In short, the route should be “distinct enough that others will be interested in repeating it” — this is directly from the FKT website on what qualifies a route as an FKT.  

This is great because you know that when you find a route on this site, it’s been vetted to be “worthwhile.” And there is less chance of a dud day out.  

Using the FKT Website for Inspiration

Training for a trail race, especially an ultra, is demanding. It’s time-consuming and requires running a lot. I often see runners get bored with their usual routes, especially when they’re in the thick of training and the long runs are getting LONG. Planning out runs that allow you to explore new trails is a big part of keeping the training process fresh and exciting week after week.  

There are many ways to find inspiration for new routes… from saving routes on Strava to piecing your own route together using Gaia or CalTopo. But what about just going to a site that has a whole database of cool routes, detailed descriptions, GPX files, and leaderboards to stack up your efforts against others?

FastestKnownTime.com is the answer! 

Epic FKT Routes in the RenoTahoe region

RenoTahoe and beyond is an epic outdoor destination, and this area has SO many FKT routes from which to draw inspiration. There are point-to-points, summit routes, duathlons (bike + run), loops, circumnavigations, out-and-backs, and many more varieties.  

Today, I want to highlight five FKT routes that meet the following criteria:  

• Less than a 3-hour drive from RenoTahoe 

• A person could do the route without support (no point-to-point)  

Honestly, I could have selected many different variations of worthwhile FKT routes, but I wanted to make this list that someone could do completely solo. So, don’t take this as THE list. These routes are just a few of my favorite from our region.

1. Star Peak

Location: Lovelock, NV

Miles: 11.5 (out and back)  

Vert: 4.2k  

Terrain: Steep fire road  

What makes this route cool: Star Peak is considered an “ultra” peak, meaning it has more than 5,000 feet of prominence. It’s one of just 57 peaks in the lower 48 states to meet this criteria. It’s a non-technical summit route, making it a great training “run.” You can also add miles on the dirt road leading back to the start.  

*Note: The Star Peak FKT page description is just for the up, but this is an out-and-back route. 

2. Freel Peak - Jobs Peak Loop

Location: Lake Tahoe, CA

Miles: 11.3 (loop)  

Vert: 3.9k if you go clockwise (Freel, Jobs Sister, Jobs)  

Terrain: Single track, rocks, sand  

What makes this route cool: You summit 3 peaks — Freel being the highest around Lake Tahoe (10,881 ft). Freel is also the highest peak in the Carson Range. Unforgettable views of Big Blue from up here! The route is a sand slog in sections, so a downloaded track is smart, as there are a few sections you might want to reference. All three peaks are above treeline, so checking the weather before you go is advised.  

3. Clouds Rest

Location: Yosemite, CA

Miles: 12.5 (out and back)  

Vert: 3k  

Terrain: Single track with a good amount of rocks in sections. Granite highway to the top of Clouds Rest.  

What makes this route cool: Clouds Rest features arguably one of the best views in all of Yosemite — the view of Half Dome is breathtaking.

4. Mono Lake Circumnav

Location: Lee Vining, CA 

Miles: 41.5 (loop) 

Vert: Only 1,100k for 41.5 miles

Terrain: Some double track, single track, XC, SAND, dirt, light bushwhacking. 

What makes this route cool: Mono Lake is a salt water lake that has these really neat formations called “Tufas” along it’s shore. The lake has it’s own little volcanic island in the center - Pahoa Island. Mono Lake also sits inside the Long Valley Caldera - one of three super volcanos. 

5. Fourth of July Lake Loop

Location: Carson Pass, CA 

Miles: 16 (loop)

Vert: 3.3k 

Terrain: single track, with some rocky sections. 

What makes this route cool: You get to spend a good chunk of time on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and the views are incredible the entire time! The Carson Pass area, though close to Tahoe, can feel like you’re in a totally different area. 

A big thank you to Bri Jaskot for today’s post. Let us know if you attempt any of these FKT efforts or share some of your favorites from our region. Be sure to check out Bri’s coaching company, High Desert Endurance.

Until next time, stay active RenoTahoe!