The Cocodona 250 has fast become one of the world's premier ultra-endurance events. Starting in Black Canyon City, the course stretches 406.5 kilometers across Arizona before culminating in Flagstaff. This journey traverses a remarkable variety of landscapes, from the arid Sonoran Desert at the start, through the Bradshaw Mountains, into the Verde Valley, across Sedona's red rock country, and finally ascending to the high-altitude Coconino Plateau.

The race begins before dawn at 05:00 AM with an immediate climb out of Deep Canyon Ranch into the Sonoran Desert. Competitors should be prepared for significant temperature swings throughout the event. Historical weather data shows that the early desert and valley sections can be intensely hot during the day, with average highs reaching 27 degrees Celsius. At higher elevations in the Bradshaw Mountains and Coconino Plateau, however, nighttime temperatures can drop near freezing. Managing this dramatic range is the defining environmental challenge of the race.

The route features substantial elevation change, totaling over 10,800 meters of ascent and 9,300 meters of descent. Competitors will encounter a wide variety of trail surfaces along the way, including smooth double-track, technical single-track, rocky jeep roads, and cross-country sections. Strong navigation skills are essential throughout, particularly in less defined cross-country sections and areas with frequent turns.

More than just a race, the Cocodona 250 is an immersive journey through Arizona's rich history and ecology. From the ancestral lands of the Yavapai people to old mining towns and endangered species habitats, the course offers a transformative physical and mental experience.

• Event Date: May 4, 2026
• Event Type: Trail 322+ km Ultra
• GPX Course Length: 406.54 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 451.23
• Total Ascent: 10842.17 m
• Total Descent: 9339.77 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 162.14, 8.71 km at an average grade of 6.83%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 191.27, 5.41 km at an average grade of -6.33%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 98.72, 0.17 km at an average grade of 14.19%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 29.04, 0.17 km at an average grade of -53.44%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 9 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 9 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 at 05:00 AM at Deep Canyon Ranch in Black Canyon City. Since the start takes place before sunrise, runners will need a headlamp to navigate the early kilometers.

A hard right out of the starting corral sets you immediately on an upward trajectory toward the Black Canyon Trail. The opening kilometers twist through the Sonoran Desert among Saguaro Cacti as the sun rises, bringing early heat to the day.

Around kilometer 4.8, the course descends into the Slate Creek drainage. This dry creek bed requires scrambling over loose rocks and dry waterfall features, giving you an early taste of the rugged Bradshaw Mountains.

As you advance toward the first major aid stations, you will travel through some of the hottest and most exposed sections of the course. The surface alternates between rolling double-track, single-track, and steep, rock-strewn mining roads.

The push toward Lane Mountain brings a sustained ascent where the hot desert brush slowly transitions into shaded Ponderosa Pines. At the crest, sweeping views over endless ridgelines and valleys serve as a reward before a smoother descent on dirt roads leads you directly into the historic mining settlement of Crown King.

• Pre-Sunrise Navigation: With a 05:00 AM start, immediate headlamp use is necessary. Stay alert on the early climbs and transitions from double-track to single-track to set a smooth rhythm.
• Midday Heat and Exposure: The segment from Cottonwood Creek to Lane Mountain is notoriously hot. Conserving your energy and carrying sufficient hydration (at least 4 liters) is vital. Treat this as a section to survive, not to surge.
• Rugged Ascents: The Slate Creek drainage and the push up to Lane Mountain feature loose rocks and strenuous inclines. Rely on your poles and maintain a measured hiking effort.

• Climb #1: Km 11.76 to Km 14.07, 2.31 km, avg grade 7.19%, total gain 165.85 m
• Climb #2: Km 23.11 to Km 26.39, 3.28 km, avg grade 11.71%, total gain 384.42 m
• Climb #3: Km 45.83 to Km 49.07, 3.24 km, avg grade 9.93%, total gain 321.89 m

• Descent #1: Km 14.06 to Km 15.71, 1.65 km, avg grade -9.3%, total drop 153.48 m
• Descent #2: Km 29.04 to Km 29.21, 0.17 km, avg grade -53.44%, total drop 88.22 m

• Cottonwood Creek (Km 11.9)
  • Offerings: Standard aid station fare. Minimum 4 liters capacity required.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 9:50 AM
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Water Station 1 (Km 16.7)
  • Offerings: 1 liter per person only.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Water Station 2 (Km 39.6)
  • Offerings: 1 liter per person only.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Lane Mtn by UltrAspire (Km 52.3)
  • Offerings: Standard aid station fare.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 10:45 PM
• Crown King by Tailwind (Km 58.9)
  • Offerings: Pulled pork & black bean burgers, potato/pasta salad, potato soup, Tailwind slushies.
  • Drop Bags: Yes (A)
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 11:55 PM

• Black Canyon Trail (~Km 3.9): The rugged trail that leads runners through the beautiful, cactus-filled Sonoran Desert.
• Crown King Saloon (~Km 58.9) (Spectator Zone): Historic settlement marking the end of the first massive climb out of the desert.

Leaving Crown King, runners transition fully into the higher elevations of the Bradshaw Mountains. The route heads up a dirt road past the local Ranger Station before joining the Wagoner Trail. This single-track winds up to Escape Route Road, dropping onto the rolling double-track of the Senator Highway. The elevated terrain brings noticeably cooler air, particularly as daylight begins to fade.

The trek past Arrastra Creek leads into a mix of smooth dirt roads, rugged trails, and sustained single-track climbing on the Yankee Doodle Trail. The surface here can be steep and loose, demanding steady, deliberate effort. Runners will pass through the remnants of the Crooks Fire on the approach to Mount Union, one of the highest points in the range. Nighttime navigation becomes a primary concern as the course weaves through a confusing network of dirt road intersections before eventually dropping down to Kamp Kipa.

After descending from Camp Wamatochick, runners are rewarded with excellent, well-maintained single-track near Goldwater Lake. The segment concludes with a transition onto paved residential streets leading into the heart of Prescott and the historic Whiskey Row.

This is a long, taxing segment. Diligent foot care and thoughtful thermal regulation are essential to arriving in Prescott in good shape.

• Extreme Temperature Drops: As night falls in the high Bradshaws, temperatures drop drastically. You must leave Crown King fully prepared for near-freezing conditions to prevent rapid heat loss.
• Navigation Fatigue: The complex web of dirt roads leading toward Kamp Kipa can be confusing when tired. Keep your GPS device readily accessible and habitually check it at every junction.
• Steep Single-Track: The Yankee Doodle Trail presents a demanding, loose climb. Stay patient and focus on consistent upward progress rather than speed.

• Climb #4: Km 85.6 to Km 88.07, 2.46 km, avg grade 6.54%, total gain 161.04 m
• Climb #5: Km 93.48 to Km 95.75, 2.27 km, avg grade 10.52%, total gain 239.33 m

• Descent #3: Km 79.54 to Km 80.84, 1.3 km, avg grade -8.26%, total drop 107.44 m
• Descent #4: Km 98.88 to Km 101.68, 2.79 km, avg grade -8.66%, total drop 241.99 m

• Arrastra Creek (Km 82.1)
  • Offerings: Roll-ups, grilled cheese, potato soup, spring rolls.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 7:00 AM
• Kamp Kipa (Km 97.8)
  • Offerings: Scrambled eggs, egg casserole, tofu, pancakes, bacon, potato soup.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 2:00 PM
• Camp Wamatochick (Km 108.5)
  • Offerings: Burgers, potato soup, pancakes, bacon.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 4:45 PM
• Whiskey Row (Km 121.7)
  • Offerings: Pizza, soup, oatmeal, quesadillas.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 10:00 PM

• Whiskey Row (~Km 121.7) (Spectator Zone): Historic downtown Prescott, marking a major milestone and a heavily crewed checkpoint.

Departing from the comforts of Whiskey Row, runners thread through Prescott's streets before reaching Watson Woods Preserve. The path skirts Watson Lake, easing gradually from city sidewalks to crushed granite and boulder hopping. Through the Granite Dells, careful attention to markers is essential, as the slickrock terrain weaves over and around ancient rock formations at the water's edge.

After clearing the lakes, the course opens dramatically into the vast grasslands of Fain Ranch. This cross-country segment is notorious for faint, indistinct trails, requiring heavy reliance on GPS navigation. Expect to climb A-frame ladders over barbed wire fences, with wandering herds of Pronghorn Antelope as likely company. From the plains, the Black Hills rise ahead, marking the start of the long ascent up Mingus Mountain.

The climb up Mingus Mountain is one of the most sustained efforts on the course. Runners labor up switchbacks as the vegetation shifts back to pine and juniper, eventually giving way to sweeping views of the Verde Valley and the distant red rocks of Sedona.

Prepare your quads for what follows. The descent into Jerome is technical and rock-strewn, dropping runners into the historic mining town perched precariously on the mountainside below.

• Watson Lake Rock Scrambling: The Granite Dells require agility and balance. Keep the lake on your right and scan for trail markings closely to avoid getting lost on the slickrock.
• Fain Ranch Navigation: Faint trails and cross-country travel through high desert grass make this section mentally taxing. Trust your GPS track over game trails.
• The Mingus Mountain Climb: A massive, unbroken ascent that requires serious climbing legs. Lock into a sustainable hiking pace and lean heavily on your poles to save your quads for the descent.

• Climb #6: Km 162.14 to Km 170.85, 8.71 km, avg grade 6.83%, total gain 595.35 m

• Descent #5: Km 173.81 to Km 177.23, 3.42 km, avg grade -13.48%, total drop 461.22 m
• Descent #6: Km 191.27 to Km 196.68, 5.41 km, avg grade -6.33%, total drop 342.17 m

• Watson Lake (Km 133.3)
  • Offerings: Chili, cookies.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 3:30 AM
• Fain Ranch by Satisfy (Km 151.9)
  • Offerings: Potatoes/veggies/chicken, potato soup, pancakes, cookies.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 6:00 AM
• Mingus Mountain (Km 171.7)
  • Offerings: Lasagna, salad, pasta bake, bread, potato soup, pancakes.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 1:00 PM
• Jerome (Km 199.1)
  • Offerings: Chicken tacos, potato soup, pancakes, cinnamon rolls.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 8:30 PM

• Granite Dells at Watson Lake (~Km 134.4): Unique, massive granite rock formations bordering the lake.
• Jerome Historic Town (~Km 199.1) (Spectator Zone): An old mining town perched on a hillside with incredible views of the course ahead.

Leaving the elevated town of Jerome, the course drops sharply down steep, loose dirt roads into the arid Verde Valley. The change in altitude brings a swift return to daytime heat as runners navigate through Clarkdale before descending alongside the Verde River.

Expect a mandatory, knee-deep wade across the Verde River. The crossing is refreshing, but wet feet require careful management in the miles that follow.

From the Verde River, the route climbs to Dead Horse Ranch State Park and transitions onto a near-continuous stretch of premium single-track. The Lower Raptor and Lime Kiln trails feature chunky, rock-strewn terrain that demands focus. This area provides habitat for endangered species, and designated No Passing Zones are in effect throughout.

As you press on toward Sedona, the landscape opens into iconic red rock vistas. The single-track winds through striking scenery, passing Red Rock High School and twisting along the Skywalker Trail. Cathedral Rock stands out prominently in the distance, offering a welcome boost of motivation despite the punishing daytime heat. This segment culminates with your arrival at the Sedona Posse Grounds.

• Verde River Crossing: Your feet will get soaked. Given the fine, dusty trails that follow, taking the time to dry out and address footcare at the Dead Horse Aid Station is critical to preventing race-ending blisters.
• Valley Heat: Expect temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius during midday in the Verde Valley. Proactively manage your core temperature with ice and consistent hydration.
• Rocky Single-Track: The Lower Raptor Trail is filled with jagged rocks that test your ankle stability. Keep your eyes locked on the trail immediately ahead of you.

• Climb #7: Km 242.23 to Km 243.87, 1.64 km, avg grade 9.56%, total gain 157.11 m

• Descent #7: Km 200.96 to Km 203.75, 2.79 km, avg grade -11.24%, total drop 313.98 m

• Dead Horse (Km 213.2)
  • Offerings: Burritos, potato soup, oatmeal.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 12:00 AM
• Deer Pass (Km 235.8)
  • Offerings: Hot dogs, tomato soup, turkey/cheese/hummus/avocado sandwiches, pancakes.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 4:45 AM
• Water Station 3 (Km 246.4)
  • Offerings: Water only.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Sedona Posse Grounds (Km 255.4)
  • Offerings: Burgers, scrambled eggs, tofu, bacon, pancakes.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 12:00 PM

• Verde River Crossing (~Km 208.5): A mandatory wet crossing through knee-deep water.
• Cathedral Rock Vistas (~Km 248): Breathtaking views of Sedona's famous red rock spires from the Skywalker Trail.

The journey out of Sedona is arguably the most visually stunning stretch of the entire route. Runners navigate urban paths before linking up with the Huckaby and Munds Wagon Trails, eventually reaching the crown jewel of this section: the Hangover Trail. This technical, exposed slickrock traverse weaves through towering red rock spires and clings to steep cliff edges, demanding careful attention from anyone uncomfortable with heights.

Leaving the single-track behind, the course turns to a grinding climb up Schnebly Hill Road, a dirt road that serves as the gateway to the Coconino Plateau. As you crest the rim, you enter the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world. The terrain flattens into well-graded dirt roads, offering a welcome opportunity to stretch your legs and settle into a steady rhythm.

The plateau brings with it a dramatic shift in environment. Temperatures can drop close to freezing after dark, so runners should be prepared for the change. After passing through Munds Park, the course enters the Kelly Canyon trail network, where the terrain weaves relentlessly through the woods and transitions between soft pine needles and jagged volcanic rock. Frequent junctions make navigation a priority as you push toward the major staging area at Fort Tuthill.

• Hangover Trail Exposure: The slickrock sections in Sedona are beautiful but technical. The steep cliff edges require deliberate, confident footing. Take your time if you are uncomfortable with heights.
• Schnebly Hill Climb: A long, grueling dirt road climb. Settle into a rhythm and use the consistent grade to systematically tick off the kilometers.
• Extreme Plateau Cold: The Coconino Plateau brings severe temperature drops at night. Limit your stationary time at aid stations to avoid uncontrollable shivering.

• Climb #8: Km 270.79 to Km 276.53, 5.74 km, avg grade 5.94%, total gain 340.65 m

• Descent #8: Km 301.02 to Km 302.64, 1.62 km, avg grade -6.81%, total drop 110.46 m

• Water Station 4 (Km 273.6)
  • Offerings: Water only.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Schnebly Hill (Km 282.6)
  • Offerings: Chili and pasta, oatmeal.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 9:00 PM
• Munds Park (Km 305)
  • Offerings: BLT sandwiches, tomato soup, eggs, tofu, pancakes.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 2:45 AM
• Kelly Canyon (Km 325.4)
  • Offerings: Chicken tacos, potato soup, grits.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 8:00 AM
• Fort Tuthill (Km 338.9)
  • Offerings: Pasta, salad, bread, oatmeal.
  • Drop Bags: Yes (A)
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 12:45 PM

• Hangover Trail (~Km 265): Technical slickrock traversing through iconic Sedona spires.
• Coconino Plateau (~Km 285): The entry into massive ponderosa pine forests marking the high-altitude section of the course.

The final push departs Fort Tuthill on the Soldier Trail, immediately plunging runners into a maze of cinder paths and trail junctions. The route weaves around the airport before connecting with the Arizona Trail, followed by a steep climb out of Walnut Canyon. This sets up a scenic, slightly technical traverse that hugs the canyon rim before intersecting historic Route 66, passing ancient petroglyphs and cinder cones that dot the Flagstaff landscape.

As the finish draws near, the course presents its ultimate obstacle: Mount Elden. The climb on the New Heart Trail is a sustained leg-burner, pushing runners well above 2,700 meters in elevation. The summit rewards with views of aspen groves, though the physical toll by this point is considerable. The descent follows the Elden Lookout Trail — a punishingly steep and technical drop navigating 40 switchbacks with large step-downs.

Having survived the descent, the route crosses through Buffalo Park with the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks fading into the background. A final transition onto urban sidewalks and roads funnels runners into the heart of Flagstaff. The famous left turn onto Birch Avenue leads down Cocodona Alley to the finish line at Heritage Square.

• Mount Elden Ascent: A sustained climb late in the race. Your legs will be heavily fatigued, making this high-altitude push a true test of mental resilience. Rely on a steady hiking cadence.
• Elden Lookout Descent: A treacherous, technical plummet featuring 40 steep switchbacks. Manage the eccentric impact on your quads carefully to avoid a late-race injury.
• Final Navigation and Wind Chill: Navigating the urban run-in requires focus. Extreme wind chill near Mount Elden can drop temperatures into sub-zero territory, so keep moving efficiently toward the finish.

• Climb #9: Km 385.15 to Km 390.26, 5.11 km, avg grade 7.31%, total gain 374.05 m

• Descent #9: Km 393.23 to Km 397.53, 4.3 km, avg grade -16.36%, total drop 703.33 m

• Walnut Canyon (Km 364.8)
  • 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
• Wildcat Hill (Km 376.1)
  • Offerings: Burgers, potato soup, quesadillas, pancakes, Pete's Meats.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 10:45 PM
• Trinity Heights (Km 400.7)
  • Offerings: Grilled cheese, quesadillas, tomato soup.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/9/26 8:15 AM

• Mount Elden (~Km 390): The final major obstacle of the course, featuring a massive climb and brutally steep descent.
• Heritage Square Finish (~Km 406.5) (Spectator Zone): The ultimate destination in downtown Flagstaff.