The Cocodona 250 has fast become one of the world's premier ultra-endurance events. Starting in Black Canyon City, the course stretches 252.6 miles across Arizona to culminate in Flagstaff.

This epic journey traverses a stunning variety of landscapes, moving from the arid Sonoran Desert into the rugged Bradshaw Mountains, through the scenic Verde Valley, across Sedona's famous red rock country, and finally ascending to the high-altitude Coconino Plateau. The route overlaps with several other events, meaning runners will periodically share the trail with participants from the Sedona Canyons 125, Mingus Traverse 80, and Elden Crest 38.

The race begins in the pre-dawn darkness at 5:00 AM, immediately challenging runners with a climb out of Deep Canyon Ranch. Participants should be prepared for extreme temperature swings throughout the course. The early desert and valley sections can be intensely hot during the day, with historical averages showing highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit and relentless sun exposure. In contrast, the higher elevations of the Bradshaw Mountains and Coconino Plateau bring nighttime temperatures plummeting into the 30s. This dramatic range, combined with the course's diverse terrain, defines the unique challenge of the event.

The course features substantial elevation change, totaling over 35,500 feet of ascent and 30,600 feet of descent. While roughly 22 percent of the course feels level underfoot, significant portions include moderate inclines that will raise your heart rate, steep inclines requiring short bursts of effort, and challenging descents.

Runners will encounter a wide array of trail surfaces, including smooth double-track, technical single-track, rocky jeep roads, and cross-country sections, demanding versatility at every stage. Navigation is a crucial skill throughout the event, particularly on less defined trail sections and in areas with frequent, abrupt turns.

• Event Date: May 4, 2026
• Event Type: Trail 200+ Mile Ultra
• GPX Course Length: 252.61 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 451.23
• Total Ascent: 35571.43 ft
• Total Descent: 30642.29 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 100.75, 5.41 mi at an average grade of 6.83%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 118.85, 3.36 mi at an average grade of -6.33%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 61.34, 0.1 mi at an average grade of 14.19%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 18.04, 0.1 mi at an average grade of -53.44%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 11 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 10 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 21.9%
  • Minor Incline: 15.5%
  • Moderate Incline: 13.7%
  • Minor Decline: 12.6%
  • Moderate Decline: 10.4%
  • Challenging Incline: 8.2%
  • Challenging Decline: 7.1%
  • Steep Incline: 5.2%
  • Steep Decline: 4.3%
  • Extreme Decline: 0.6%
  • Extreme Incline: 0.5%

The race begins well before sunrise at 5:00 AM, leading runners out of Deep Canyon Ranch and immediately into a strenuous climb up to the Black Canyon Trail. The pre-dawn start provides a critical window of cooler temperatures to tackle the Sonoran Desert.

Around mile 2.4, the route shifts off the Black Canyon Trail onto rolling double-track, soon demanding a sharp drop into the dry Slate Creek drainage. Here you will navigate dry waterfalls and loose, unstable creek beds before reconnecting with single-track at mile 4.2. Pay close attention at mile 6.9 for a sharp right turn onto a backroad leading to the first aid station.

Leaving Cottonwood Creek, the terrain transitions onto heavily degraded mining roads. After cresting a steep climb and dropping back down, you will cross Cottonwood and Boulder Creeks. The next 21 miles up into the Bradshaws form one of the most rugged, exposed, and technically demanding stretches of the entire course. The surface resembles a massive pile of ball-bearing gravel, punctuated by relentless ascents and jarring drops. With midday heat setting in, this exposed section will rapidly deplete your reserves if you push the pace.

At mile 28.6, a sharp right turn pulls you off the jeep road and onto the Lane Mountain Trail. Over the next 2.5 miles, a steady climb carries you out of the desert heat and into the cooler shade of Ponderosa pines. Cresting this climb rewards you with sweeping views before a final smooth double-track descent delivers you to the historic mining outpost of Crown King.

• Intense Daytime Heat: Traversing the exposed Sonoran Desert and rocky climbs during midday will push your core temperature up. Proactive hydration and electrolyte management are mandatory.
• Rugged, Loose Terrain: The 21-mile stretch after Boulder Creek features exceptionally unstable footing on ball-bearing gravel, heavily taxing your stabilizing muscles.
• Long Water Carries: The significant gap between full aid stations necessitates leaving Cottonwood Creek with absolute maximum fluid capacity.

• Climb #1: Mile 3.14 to Mile 4.34, 1.21 mi, avg grade 4.99%, total gain 317.55 ft
• Climb #2: Mile 14.36 to Mile 16.4, 2.04 mi, avg grade 11.71%, total gain 1261.22 ft
• Climb #3: Mile 28.48 to Mile 30.49, 2.01 mi, avg grade 9.93%, total gain 1056.07 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 2.74 to Mile 3.04, 0.3 mi, avg grade -12.98%, total drop 206.1 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 8.74 to Mile 9.76, 1.03 mi, avg grade -9.3%, total drop 503.54 ft

• Cottonwood Creek (Mile 7.4)
  • Offerings: Standard aid
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 9:50 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Water Station 10.4 (Mile 10.4)
  • Offerings: 1 liter water/person maximum
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Toilet: No
• Water Station 24.6 (Mile 24.6)
  • Offerings: 1 liter water/person maximum
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Toilet: No
• Lane Mtn by UltrAspire (Mile 32.5)
  • Offerings: Standard aid
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 10:45 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Crown King by Tailwind (Mile 36.6)
  • Offerings: Pulled pork & black bean burgers, potato/pasta salad, potato soup, Tailwind slushies
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 11:55 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated

• None.

Leaving Crown King begins a 24-mile push deeper into the Bradshaw Mountains. Turn left out of the saloon, climb past the Ranger Station, and take a sharp right onto the Wagoner Trail single-track. This connects to Escape Route Road before dropping onto Senator Highway, a rolling double-track that hugs gentle ridgelines.

As darkness falls, temperatures will drop sharply, demanding a swift shift to cold weather gear. After miles of smooth double-track, the route hits a confusing three-way intersection where you must stay right, then quickly left onto the Yankee Doodle Trail. Here begins a strenuous 3-mile climb up Mount Union on steep, loose single-track. Nearing the summit, you will pick your way through an old burn scar before descending on a dirt road into Kamp Kipa.

The descent out of Kamp Kipa drops nearly 1,000 feet in short order and is riddled with confusing dirt road intersections, requiring careful navigation. A transition onto Groom Creek Trail provides two miles of spectacular single-track leading to an out-and-back at Camp Wamatochick. From there, a mix of residential dirt roads and the flowy, buffed-out single-track of Goldwater Lake carries you downward.

The section closes with 2.5 miles of pavement, delivering you straight into Prescott's famous Whiskey Row.

• Dramatic Temperature Drop: Nightfall in the Bradshaws brings temperatures near freezing. Transitioning to cold weather gear at Crown King is an absolute necessity.
• Navigational Complexity in the Dark: The descent out of Kamp Kipa involves numerous intersecting dirt roads. Check your digital map at every turn.
• Mount Union Climb: A demanding 3-mile single-track ascent up one of the highest points in the Bradshaws on heavily degraded terrain.

• Climb #4: Mile 37.39 to Mile 38.51, 1.12 mi, avg grade 8.91%, total gain 526.8 ft
• Climb #5: Mile 53.19 to Mile 54.72, 1.53 mi, avg grade 6.54%, total gain 528.35 ft

• Descent #3: Mile 41.05 to Mile 43.71, 2.65 mi, avg grade -6.53%, total drop 914.9 ft
• Descent #4: Mile 59.5 to Mile 60.73, 1.23 mi, avg grade -7.1%, total drop 460.73 ft

• Arrastra Creek (Mile 51)
  • Offerings: Roll-ups (turkey/cheese/hummus/avocado), grilled cheese, potato soup, spring rolls
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 7:00 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Kamp Kipa (Mile 60.8)
  • Offerings: Scrambled eggs, egg casserole, tofu, pancakes, bacon, potato soup
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 2:00 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Camp Wamatochick (Mile 67.4)
  • Offerings: Burgers, potato soup, pancakes, bacon
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 4:45 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Whiskey Row (Mile 75.6)
  • Offerings: Pizza, soup, oatmeal, quesadillas
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 10:00 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated

• None.

Leaving Prescott's urban footprint via surface streets, you will merge onto a cinder path leading into the Watson Woods Preserve. The trail winds closely alongside the lake, throwing a chaotic mix of granite slickrock, boulder hopping, and scrambling at your legs.

After passing the dam outflow through a lush canyon, a sharp left transitions you onto the Peavine Trail. From here, a long and gentle descent on crushed granite carries you into the open, grassy expanse of the Prescott Valley.

Navigating Fain Ranch introduces a new type of fatigue. You will scale several A-frame ladders to bypass barbed wire fences, picking your way cross-country through pathless grass, sage, and sandy draws. This 1.5-mile trackless approach to the Fain Ranch aid station demands careful attention to GPS navigation, as visible trails simply disappear.

The final challenge of this segment is the monumental climb up Mingus Mountain. Leaving the faint double-track of Fain Ranch behind, vegetation rapidly thickens from scrub to pine as the trail tilts sharply upward. This relentless 5.4-mile ascent demands a sustained hike before the grade finally eases near the summit.

After navigating a final web of dirt roads, you arrive at Mingus Mountain Camp, having conquered one of the course's longest and most sustained vertical challenges.

• Slickrock Scrambling: Watson Lake features uneven granite boulders and slickrock requiring careful foot placement.
• Cross-Country Navigation: The approach to Fain Ranch forces you off-trail through pathless terrain. Constant GPS checking is required to hold your bearing.
• The Mingus Mountain Ascent: A relentless 5.4-mile, highly strenuous climb averaging a 6.83 percent grade. Pace yourself appropriately to avoid burning out.

• Climb #6: Mile 100.75 to Mile 106.17, 5.41 mi, avg grade 6.83%, total gain 1953.25 ft

• Descent #5: Mile 79.83 to Mile 80.65, 0.82 mi, avg grade -5.74%, total drop 248.03 ft

• Watson Lake (Mile 82.8)
  • Offerings: Chili, cookies
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 3:30 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Fain Ranch by Satisfy (Mile 94.4)
  • Offerings: Potatoes/veggies/chicken, potato soup, pancakes, cookies
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 6:00 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Mingus Mountain (Mile 106.7)
  • Offerings: Lasagna, salad, pasta bake, bread, potato soup, pancakes
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 1:00 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated

• None.

From Mingus Mountain, you immediately trace a spectacular cliff edge before plunging down the highly technical North Mingus Trail. The descent into the Verde Valley is punishing, transitioning from single-track to deeply eroded, exceptionally rocky dirt roads that skirt the massive Verde mine.

You will pass directly through the historic streets of Jerome before continuing a jarring, steep drop through multiple cattle gates toward Clarkdale. Navigating through Clarkdale involves a series of abrupt urban transitions, ultimately bringing you beneath the Tuzigoot bridge, where you are forced to wade knee-deep across the cool waters of the Verde River.

Exiting the river, you enter a maze of green single-track winding beneath the ancient Tuzigoot pueblo ruins before arriving at Dead Horse State Park. The final stretch toward Sedona begins on the notoriously chunky Lower Raptor Trail, which runs through a designated no-passing zone established to protect endangered plant species.

This quickly gives way to the flowy Lime Kiln Trail, kicking off a rolling 30-mile stretch of high-quality single-track. As you crest successive ridges, sweeping views of the red rocks begin to dominate the horizon, carrying you toward the Deer Pass aid station.

• Technical, Jarring Descent: The drop from Mingus into Jerome features punishing, rocky dirt roads that will severely test thoroughly fatigued quads.
• Verde Valley Heat: Midday temperatures can soar into the mid-80s in the valley, making the exposed stretches highly taxing.
• Wet Feet: Wading across the Verde River is unavoidable. Proper moisture management afterward is essential to prevent blistering on the ultra-fine dust trails ahead.

• Climb #7: Mile 112.05 to Mile 113.77, 1.72 mi, avg grade 6.6%, total gain 598.43 ft

• Descent #6: Mile 108 to Mile 110.13, 2.13 mi, avg grade -13.48%, total drop 1513.19 ft
• Descent #7: Mile 124.87 to Mile 126.61, 1.74 mi, avg grade -11.24%, total drop 1030.12 ft

• Jerome (Mile 123.7)
  • Offerings: Chicken tacos, potato soup, pancakes, cinnamon rolls
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 8:30 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Dead Horse (Mile 132.5)
  • Offerings: Burritos, potato soup, oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 12:00 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Deer Pass (Mile 146.5)
  • Offerings: Hot dogs, tomato soup, turkey/cheese/hummus/avocado sandwiches, pancakes
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 4:45 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated

• Jerome Historic Town (~Mile 123.7) (Spectator Zone): Historic mining town perched on a cliffside.

This segment introduces you to the crown jewels of Sedona. From Deer Pass, a complex sequence of dirt roads and paved crossings weaves through high-quality, flowy single-track.

Upon passing Red Rock High School, the route transitions to the Skywalker and Bandit trails. The views here are staggering, but daytime heat radiating off the slickrock can be brutal. You will dip in and out of the Sedona Posse Grounds via a short out-and-back.

Navigating deeper into Sedona requires extreme focus, as the route threads through tight suburban corridors and multiple underpasses. You soon reach the Huckaby-Schnebly Connector, leading to the famed Hangover Trail. This highly exposed slickrock path twists through towering red rock spires and demands precise foot placement — particularly for those with a fear of heights.

Clearing the red rocks deposits you at the base of Schnebly Hill Road, where a grueling, steady climb officially lifts you out of the Verde Valley and onto the Coconino Plateau. The transition brings an immediate and dramatic temperature swing as you enter sprawling Ponderosa pine forests, trading steep rock for long, well-graded dirt road miles leading into Munds Park.

• Exposure on Hangover Trail: Slickrock traversing with sheer drop-offs requires intense focus and steady footing.
• The Schnebly Hill Climb: A grueling, sustained dirt road ascent that physically marks the brutal transition out of the valley.
• Extreme Temperature Swings: Ascending from the hot Sedona valley to the Coconino Plateau brings a sudden, shocking shift to near-freezing night temperatures.

• Climb #8: Mile 150.51 to Mile 151.53, 1.02 mi, avg grade 9.56%, total gain 515.45 ft
• Climb #9: Mile 168.26 to Mile 171.83, 3.57 mi, avg grade 5.94%, total gain 1117.62 ft

• Descent #8: Mile 187.04 to Mile 188.05, 1.01 mi, avg grade -6.81%, total drop 362.4 ft

• Water Station 153.1 (Mile 153.1)
  • Offerings: Water only
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Toilet: No
• Sedona Posse Grounds (Mile 158.7)
  • Offerings: Burgers, scrambled eggs, tofu, bacon, pancakes
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 12:00 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Water Station 170.0 (Mile 170)
  • Offerings: Water only
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Toilet: No
• Schnebly Hill (Mile 175.6)
  • Offerings: Chili and pasta, oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 9:00 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Munds Park (Mile 189.5)
  • Offerings: BLT sandwiches, tomato soup, eggs, tofu, pancakes
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 2:45 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated

• Hangover Trail (~Mile 165): Exposed, world-class slickrock trail threading through red rock spires.

Departing Munds Park, you dive immediately back into sprawling, contiguous Ponderosa pine forest. The route traces a complex sequence of dirt roads beneath Interstate 17 and into the Kelly Canyon trail system, where the ground alternates unpredictably between soft pine needles and jarring, baby-head volcanic rocks.

Long, straight dirt road corridors dominate this stretch, presenting a real mental challenge as sleep deprivation peaks. From Fort Tuthill, you link up with the storied Arizona Trail. A sharp climb out of Walnut Canyon at Fisher Point puts you on the canyon rim, where you'll stay for a sustained 5-mile technical singletrack section requiring continuous micro-navigation. Staying right at junctions is paramount here.

After descending to cross under Interstate 40 and briefly touching Historic Route 66, you weave between the massive Sheep Hill and Wildcat Hill cinder cones. The final approach to Wildcat Hill passes the Rio de Flag narrows and ancient petroglyphs, offering a brief moment of historical grounding before finishing with a short out-and-back at the water treatment plant aid station.

Come prepared to maintain steady output throughout. Nighttime temperatures on the plateau frequently hover near freezing.

• Hypothermia Risk: Continuous exposure to upper-30s night temperatures on the plateau demands constant movement and proactive layering.
• Volcanic Rock: Sections of the trail are littered with chunky baby-head sized rocks, severely punishing tired feet.
• Mental Fatigue on Dirt Roads: Long, straight stretches combined with severe sleep deprivation can cause dangerous lapses in concentration and route finding.

• Climb #10: Mile 217.8 to Mile 218.72, 0.92 mi, avg grade 7.92%, total gain 383.56 ft

• Descent #9: Mile 224.2 to Mile 224.71, 0.51 mi, avg grade -6.54%, total drop 176.67 ft

• Kelly Canyon (Mile 202.2)
  • Offerings: Chicken tacos, potato soup, grits
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 8:00 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Fort Tuthill (Mile 210.6)
  • Offerings: Pasta, salad, bread, oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 12:45 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Walnut Canyon (Mile 226.7)
  • Offerings: Breakfast burritos, turkey/cheese/hummus/avocado roll-ups, potato soup, fruit, oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 7:45 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated
• Wildcat Hill (Mile 233.7)
  • Offerings: Burgers, potato soup, quesadillas, pancakes, Pete's Meats
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 10:45 PM
  • Toilet: Not indicated

• None.

The final major obstacle of the Cocodona 250 is the formidable Mount Elden. Due to Forest Service mandates protecting endangered owls, this section must be completed without a pacer.

Leaving Wildcat Hill, a complex web of trail intersections feeds you onto the New Heart Trail. The climb is a surprisingly steady 4-mile ascent averaging under 500 feet per mile, cresting the ridgeline above 9,000 feet through shimmering aspen groves.

At the summit, you immediately drop into the Elden Lookout Trail. This is a brutal, highly technical descent that loses 2,000 feet in just 2 miles via 40 massive switchbacks with large step-downs. The impact on already battered legs is severe.

At the bottom, stay sharp — a tangled network of social trails must be navigated carefully to reach Trinity Heights.

The final four miles to the finish line are mercifully flat. The Pipeline and Lower Oldham Trails carry you into the heart of Buffalo Park. With the snowcapped San Francisco Peaks at your back, you will touch the buffalo statue at the park entrance before merging onto cinder paths and surface streets. Finally, you will make the famous left turn on Birch Avenue to cross the finish line in Heritage Square.

• The Elden Descent: Dropping 2,000 feet in 2 miles over 40 steep, technical switchbacks will require every ounce of remaining quadriceps strength.
• Freezing Summit Winds: The summit of Mount Elden is notoriously windy, with nighttime wind chills frequently dropping below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mandatory Self-Reliance: Pacer bans over the final mountain mandate absolute independence during the most physically and emotionally exhausting miles of the race.

• Climb #11: Mile 239.32 to Mile 242.5, 3.18 mi, avg grade 7.31%, total gain 1227.2 ft

• Descent #10: Mile 244.34 to Mile 247.01, 2.67 mi, avg grade -16.36%, total drop 2307.51 ft

• Trinity Heights (Mile 249)
  • Offerings: Grilled cheese, quesadillas, tomato soup
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/9/26 8:15 AM
  • Toilet: Not indicated

• Mount Elden Summit (~Mile 244): Highest point of the final push with sweeping views of the Flagstaff area.
• Heritage Square Finish Line (~Mile 252.6) (Spectator Zone): The culmination of the 250-mile journey in the heart of Flagstaff.