Runners depart southwest from the aid station on a trail leading up Mt. Hilyer. The one-mile climb tops out at 6,198’ before a bobsled-style descent through cabin-sized boulders. The trail has numerous off-shoots worn in by climbers, so the runners must keep their heads up to ensure they’re on the main trail. (This area was a favorite hideout of a horse thief, Tiburcio Vasquez, in the mid-1800s. He was able to hide full-grown horses amongst the rocks, so you can see why we’d caution you not to get lost.)
After another mile of downhill, runners eventually bottom out at the right turn on the Silver Moccasin Trail. From there, it’s a quarter-mile traverse to another 0.9-mile descent down to a paved road. Turn left at the road and run 0.4 miles to the right turn across the wash, directly into the Chilao Aid Station, mile 44.8, elevation 5,250’.
2017 AC100 Chilao Aid Station. Photo: Steve Hofbauer
This was my 10th year as the checkpoint leader at Chilao. I could not do it without the support of my family and friends. Congratulations to all who took on the challenge of the Angeles Crest 100! Here is your 2019 Chilao crew.
2022 CHILAO AC100 Chilao Aid Station Leader Hat Collection. Photo: Dave Emmons
Ken gives each aid station captain an AC baseball hat with the aid station name embroidered on the back. This is my Chilao collection of which 3 are missing. I have another 8 from Millard in a storage box in my attic. You might say I’ve been at this a while. Though my best running days have long passed, volunteering helps keep me connected to the ultra community that I love. This years race will certainly be a challenge for all involved. There will be many changes and patience will be required. Good luck to everyone!
