Kilian Jornet in the USA: The American Odyssey of a Trail Legend

STATES OF ELEVATION: HOW KILIAN JORNET LINKED 72 AMERICAN PEAKS IN 31 DAYS

In September 2025, Kilian Jornet embarked on one of his most ambitious projects: States of Elevation. The goal? To link the 72 peaks over 14,000 feet (the famous "fourteeners") spread across the Western United States. A colossal challenge that took him from Colorado to California, passing through Washington State.

The stats of this odyssey are dizzying: 3,197 miles (5,145 km) covered and 403,690 feet (123,045 meters) of elevation gain devised in just 31 days. To put these numbers in perspective, it is as if Jornet had climbed Everest fourteen times in a row while running the distance between Paris and Moscow... twice!

The project began with Colorado's 56 peaks, a true concentration of altitude and technicality. Jornet then tackled the Californian Sierra Nevada before finishing with Mount Rainier in Washington State. Each stage presented a unique challenge:

• Days exceeding 20 hours of continuous effort;
• Cycling transitions between certain massifs (where a helmet is essential);
• Meticulous management of recovery and nutrition;
• Constant adaptation to changing weather conditions.

Beyond the impressive numbers, States of Elevation represents a new way of discovering American mountains. Jornet transformed what could have been a simple collection of summits into a true spiritual crossing of the American West.

WHY THE WESTERN STATES REMAINS A SPECIAL PLAYGROUND FOR KILIAN JORNET

The Western States 100, a mythical 100-mile race with 18,000 feet of elevation gain, holds a special place in Kilian Jornet's heart. This legendary event, which traverses the Californian Sierra Nevada, represents the very essence of American ultra-trail running.

In June 2025, Jornet returned to this race where he has triumphed multiple times. Even though he finished third that year, his performance remains remarkable against a sharp new generation of American runners. The Western States perfectly embodies the blend of tradition and innovation that characterizes trail running in the US.

What makes this race so special for Jornet is its unpredictability. Extreme weather conditions, with temperatures that can exceed 104°F (40°C) in the canyons, add a unique strategic dimension. Hydration management, gear choice, from shoes to speed glasses and adaptability become just as important as pure physical conditioning.

THE UNIQUE TRAITS OF AMERICAN TRAIL RUNNING THAT FASCINATE JORNET

The American approach to trail running differs significantly from European culture. The distances are longer, the spaces vaster, and autonomy becomes paramount. This philosophy aligns perfectly with Jornet's vision, as he constantly seeks to explore new ways of experiencing the mountains.

American trails also offer exceptional terrain diversity: from the scorching deserts of Arizona to the humid forests of the Pacific Northwest and the snowy peaks of Colorado. This variety allows athletes like Jornet to push their limits in ever-changing environments.

WHAT ARE KILIAN JORNET’S NEXT ADVENTURES IN THE AMERICAS?

After States of Elevation, one might think Jornet has exhausted American challenges. Yet, the Catalan never stops looking toward new horizons. The vast spaces of Alaska, with their extreme conditions and total isolation, represent a playground still unexplored by him.

The trail community waits with bated breath to see if Jornet will tackle other iconic projects, such as a full traverse of the Cascade Range or a record attempt on the Appalachian Trail. These challenges would perfectly fit his philosophy: going beyond pure performance to create adventures that inspire and redefine the impossible.

Jornet’s influence on the American trail scene goes far beyond his results. He has helped evolve the perception of the sport, showing that it isn’t just about running fast, but also about creating deep connections with the landscapes traversed. This holistic approach to the mountains finds a particular resonance in American outdoor culture.

Kilian Jornet's adventures in the United States remind us that limits exist only in our minds. Whether you are an experienced runner or a simple nature lover, his exploits invite us to look at the surrounding mountains differently. Perhaps your next challenge awaits somewhere between two summits, on a trail you haven't dared to take yet. After all, as Jornet proves, it is by stepping out of our comfort zone that we truly discover who we are.