SOLD OUT
"When clambering a mountain, we always hope the hill we are on is the last. But it is the next, and the next, and still the next.”
— Thomas Jefferson, 1786
Join us for a special community event as we “climb the mountain” together, marking the launch of Monticello's new strategic plan, "Climb the Mountain, Discover America." Starting at the base of the Saunders-Monticello Trail, participants can walk, run, or stroll along the scenic, family-friendly, 2-mile route up to the iconic West Lawn of Monticello.
Once on the West Lawn, enjoy free coffee and donuts courtesy of local vendors, performances from historic interpreter Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson, and hands-on fun at the Mountaintop Activity Center.
Event Details
- Registration includes a free Grounds Ticket for the day.
- All ages are welcome. The trail is stroller friendly.
Learn more about the trail » - To ensure safety, the trail will be open to pedestrians only during the event, and the Route 53 and Route 20 trail parking lots will be closed.
- Make sure to dress for the weather and to bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
- Please arrive to the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival, you will board a shuttle to the Route 53 trail head parking lot, where the walk will begin.
- Due to shuttle transportation, pets are not allowed during this event.
8:30 AM | Park at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and shuttle to the Route 53 trail head parking lot
9:00 AM | Community walk begins at the Saunders-Monticello Trailhead
10:15 AM | Free coffee and donuts, family-friendly activities, and remarks on the West Lawn by President Jane Kamensky and other Monticello leaders
Frequently Asked Questions
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Saunders-Monticello trail; however, they cannot ride the shuttle buses. If you’d like to bring your dog, please either allow enough time to walk from the visitor center down to the trail head (approximately 45-minute walk), or you can walk the shorter trail from the visitor center up to the West Lawn.
Park at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center at Monticello (1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22902). Shuttles will bring guests to the Route 20 trailhead. Shuttles can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.
Yes. If you would prefer to just walk or take a shuttle from the visitor center to the house, you can do so. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk or 10 minutes to shuttle up from the visitor center. Remarks begin at 10:20 a.m. on the West Lawn.
It takes walkers approximately 1 hour to walk the 2.5 miles from the Route 20 trail head to the West Lawn of Monticello.
Guests can tour the mountaintop and restored South Wing, Mulberry Row, and exhibit spaces under the house. They can also take advantage of the seasonal Garden Tour, daily Slavery at Monticello Tour, and get a picture of the iconic West Lawn view. While this pass provides access to the All-Weather Passage and Main House Cellars, it does not provide admittance to the first, second, or third floor of Thomas Jefferson’s home. Learn more here.
The trail winds its way toward Monticello in a manageable 2 miles. A maximum grade of 5% keeps it completely accessible to walkers, cyclists, and those in wheelchairs or with strollers. Learn more about the trail here.
The shorter trail from the visitor center to the historic mountaintop and West Lawn is not accessible. Shuttles from the visitor center to the historic mountaintop will be available for all guests.
There will be staff assisting in guiding you through the Saunders-Monticello Trail and up to the West Lawn. The walk will begin from the Route 20 trailhead and go along the Saunders-Monticello trail to the Monticello visitor center, then up the shorter trail to the West Lawn.
Along the Trail, there are signs to help guide you, and staff will be positioned throughout the walk for questions. There are several points of the Trail where you may walk across a road; please be safe and aware of oncoming traffic.
Once you reach the visitor center, you will go through the security screening and will need to have your ticket available to be able to continue walking up the shorter trail or take a shuttle to the historic mountaintop and West Lawn.
Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors for Their Support
Wegmans
Constellation Culinary Group
