The Cocodona 250 is a legendary point-to-point ultramarathon linking the historic towns of Black Canyon City, Crown King, Prescott, Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Sedona, and Flagstaff. This 250-mile journey traverses a remarkable variety of landscapes across Arizona. From the arid Sonoran Desert at the start, runners progress through the rugged Bradshaw Mountains, drop into the scenic Verde Valley, cross Sedona's famed red rock country, and finally ascend to the high-altitude Coconino Plateau.

You will also share portions of the route with runners from the Sedona Canyons 125, the Mingus Traverse 80, the Flagstaff Crest 40, and the Elden Crest 38, providing welcome bursts of fresh energy on the trail.

The race begins before sunrise at 5:00 AM with an immediate climb into the Sonoran Desert. Historical weather data shows an average high of 81°F and an average low of 61°F, but significant temperature variation is a defining feature of this course. The early desert and valley sections can be intensely hot during midday, with temperatures potentially reaching the mid-80s. At higher elevations in the Bradshaw Mountains and on the Coconino Plateau, nighttime temperatures can drop sharply to between 25 and 40°F. Preparing for this full range of conditions is essential.

The course totals over 35,500 feet of ascent and 30,600 feet of descent. Roughly 50 percent of the terrain falls into flat or minor incline and decline grades, giving the course a runnable foundation — though this is frequently interrupted by 128 significant climbs and 60 significant descents. Navigation is a critical skill throughout, particularly across less-defined trail sections, cross-country stretches, and areas with frequent turns.

Expect to continuously adapt to shifting terrain and changing conditions from start to finish.

• 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 128 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 60 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%

Beginning at 5:00 AM, this pre-sunrise start launches you directly into the Sonoran Desert before ascending into the Bradshaw Mountains. The early miles follow the Black Canyon Trail as it winds through saguaro cactus and ocotillo.

As the sun rises, temperatures climb rapidly. By the time you navigate the Slate Creek drainage and tackle the climbs past Cottonwood Creek, heat will be a primary adversary. Expect a challenging mix of loose gravel and steep grades throughout, as the desert eventually gives way to ponderosa pines and cooler temperatures near Crown King.

• Immediate Heat Exposure: The Sonoran Desert section from miles 0 to 30 is notoriously hot with average daytime highs in the mid 80s, demanding heavy hydration.
• Rugged Terrain: The 21 miles after Boulder Creek (Mile 10.4) are characterized by loose rock and challenging inclines, making traction difficult even on fresh legs.
• Water Capacity: You are required to leave Cottonwood Creek (Mile 7.4) with at least 4 liters of water to manage the exposed 25 mile trek to the next major aid station.

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

• Descent #1: Mile 18.04 to Mile 18.14, 0.1 mi, avg grade -53.44%, total drop 289.44 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 23.57 to Mile 24.59, 1.02 mi, avg grade -13.05%, total drop 704.53 ft

• Cottonwood Creek (Mile 7.4)
  • Offerings: Water and standard aid.
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 9:50 AM
  • Toilet: No
• Water Station 1 (Mile 10.4)
  • Offerings: 1 liter per person only
• Water Station 2 (Mile 24.6)
  • Offerings: 1 liter per person only
• Lane Mtn by UltrAspire (Mile 32.5)
  • Offerings: Water and standard aid.
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 10:45 PM
• Crown King by Tailwind (Mile 36.6)
  • Offerings: Pulled pork and black bean burgers, potato salad, potato soup, Tailwind slushies
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 11:55 PM

• Crown King Saloon (~Mile 36.6) (Spectator Zone): The oldest continuously operated Saloon in Arizona and a major crew access point.

Leaving Crown King, the course follows the high-altitude ridgelines of the Bradshaw Mountains. Expect a dramatic temperature drop as the day gives way to night, with lows frequently reaching 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The terrain shifts considerably through this stretch — from gentle, rolling doubletrack along Senator Highway to a demanding climb on singletrack over Mount Union. A long descent follows, navigating several potentially confusing dirt road intersections before the trail flows into Prescott and finishes at the historic Whiskey Row.

• Temperature Plummet: As you stay above 5,000 feet, night temperatures will drop sharply. A mandatory gear check at Crown King ensures you are prepared.
• Mount Union Climb: Mile 60 features a 3 mile climb on rough, loose single track up to Mount Union, demanding patience in the dark.
• Navigation Focus: The descent from Kamp Kipa (Mile 60.8) includes a maze of dirt road intersections. Frequent GPS checks are required here.

• Climb #3: Mile 37.39 to Mile 38.51, 1.12 mi, avg grade 8.91%, total gain 526.8 ft
• Climb #4: Mile 58.08 to Mile 59.5, 1.41 mi, avg grade 10.52%, total gain 785.2 ft

• Descent #3: Mile 41.05 to Mile 43.71, 2.65 mi, avg grade -6.53%, total drop 914.9 ft

• Arrastra Creek (Mile 51)
  • Offerings: Roll ups, grilled cheese, potato soup, spring rolls
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 7:00 AM
• Kamp Kipa (Mile 60.8)
  • Offerings: Scrambled eggs, egg casserole, tofu, pancakes, bacon, potato soup
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 2:00 PM
• Camp Wamatochick (Mile 67.4)
  • Offerings: Burgers, potato soup, pancakes, bacon
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 4:45 PM
• Whiskey Row (Mile 75.6)
  • Offerings: Pizza, soup, oatmeal, quesadillas
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/5/26 10:00 PM

• Mount Union (~Mile 59.5): One of the highest points in the Bradshaw Mountains.
• Whiskey Row (~Mile 75.6) (Spectator Zone): Historic downtown Prescott and a major crew hub with sleeping arrangements.

Leaving Prescott, the route enters the iconic Granite Dells surrounding Watson Lake. This section demands focus, with slickrock granite and boulder hopping underfoot. Beyond the rocks, the course opens into the grasslands of Fain Ranch, where heat exposure and cross-country navigation become the primary challenges. The section culminates in the longest continuous climb of the entire race: a 5.4 mile ascent up Mingus Mountain.

• Watson Lake Navigation: The Granite Dells require scrambling and careful line sighting. Stay close to the water and watch for trail markers.
• Fain Ranch Cross Country: A 1.5 mile pathless stretch through grasslands will require diligent GPS checking.
• The Mingus Climb: The 5.41 mile climb starting at mile 100.75 averages a 6.83 percent grade, acting as a significant physical and mental hurdle.

• Climb #5: Mile 100.75 to Mile 106.16, 5.41 mi, avg grade 6.83%, total gain 1953.25 ft

• Descent #4: 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
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 3:30 AM
• 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
• 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

• Watson Lake Park (~Mile 82.8) (Spectator Zone): Scenic reservoir bordered by the Granite Dells and the start point for the Mingus Traverse 80.
• Fain Ranch (~Mile 94.4) (Spectator Zone): Expansive historic ranch land with high desert grasslands.

From the peak of Mingus Mountain, expect a technical descent into the historic mining town of Jerome. The environment shifts noticeably as you drop into the Verde Valley, trading alpine pines for scrub oak and desert heat.

After wading across the Verde River, the trail climbs gradually toward Sedona. The final 30 miles of this section wind through the iconic red rock spires that define the Sedona landscape.

• Mingus Descent: The drop from Mingus Mountain is technical and rocky, taxing fatigued quads.
• Verde Valley Heat: Crossing the valley floor during the day exposes you to mid 80s temperatures with little shade.
• Verde River Crossing: Near mile 128, you must wade knee deep through the Verde River. Proper foot care immediately following is crucial to prevent blistering.

• Climb #6: Mile 112.05 to Mile 113.77, 1.72 mi, avg grade 6.6%, total gain 598.43 ft
• Climb #7: Mile 150.51 to Mile 151.53, 1.02 mi, avg grade 9.56%, total gain 515.45 ft

• Descent #5: Mile 118.85 to Mile 122.21, 3.36 mi, avg grade -6.33%, total drop 605.74 ft
• Descent #6: 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
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/6/26 8:30 PM
• Dead Horse (Mile 132.5)
  • Offerings: Burritos, potato soup, oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 12:00 AM
• Deer Pass (Mile 146.5)
  • Offerings: Hot dogs, tomato soup, sandwiches, pancakes
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 4:45 AM
• Water Station 3 (Mile 153.1)
  • Offerings: Water and standard aid.
• 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

• Jerome (~Mile 123.7) (Spectator Zone): Historic mining town perched on the Black Hills.
• Verde River Crossing (~Mile 128.5): A mandatory knee deep river crossing offering an oasis in the heat.

Leaving Sedona, the course navigates the stunning but highly technical Hangover Trail before beginning a long, exposed climb up Schnebly Hill Road. Once at the top, runners enter the Coconino Plateau — a vast, flat expanse of Ponderosa Pine forest.

Dirt roads through this section allow for a faster, more rhythmic pace, but the wide open terrain also brings biting nighttime cold. The section concludes with rolling singletrack through Kelly Canyon and into Fort Tuthill.

• Hangover Trail Exposure: Navigating the red rock slickrock requires balance and can be intimidating for those with a fear of heights.
• Schnebly Hill Climb: The long, sustained grade up to the plateau is an exposed area during the day.
• Plateau Wind and Cold: Once on top, the lack of windbreaks combined with upper 30s temperatures makes forward progress essential for staying warm.

• Climb #8: Mile 168.26 to Mile 171.83, 3.57 mi, avg grade 5.94%, total gain 1117.62 ft
• Climb #9: Mile 176.18 to Mile 177, 0.81 mi, avg grade 3.56%, total gain 152.62 ft

• Descent #7: Mile 166.93 to Mile 167.14, 0.2 mi, avg grade -8.29%, total drop 88.75 ft
• Descent #8: Mile 187.04 to Mile 188.05, 1.01 mi, avg grade -6.81%, total drop 362.4 ft

• Water Station 4 (Mile 170)
  • Offerings: Water and standard aid.
• Schnebly Hill (Mile 175.6)
  • Offerings: Chili and pasta, oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/7/26 9:00 PM
• 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
• Kelly Canyon (Mile 202.2)
  • Offerings: Chicken tacos, potato soup, grits
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 8:00 AM
• Fort Tuthill (Mile 210.6)
  • Offerings: Pasta, salad, bread, oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 12:45 PM

• Schnebly Hill Summit (~Mile 175.6) (Spectator Zone): Transition point from the Sedona canyons up onto the Coconino Plateau.

The final push into Flagstaff brings a significant challenge. After navigating the rims of Walnut Canyon on the Arizona Trail, you will face Mount Elden — a 3.18-mile climb gaining over 1,200 feet, followed by a highly technical descent filled with tight switchbacks.

Clearing Mount Elden in the crisp alpine air sets the stage for an emotional final cruise through Buffalo Park and into Heritage Square, where the 250-mile journey comes to a close.

• Mount Elden Ascent: A sustained 3.18 mile climb at a 7.31 percent average grade pushes deeply exhausted legs to their limit.
• Mount Elden Descent: The drop from the summit is a steep decline, dropping over 2,300 feet in under 3 miles on technical, stair stepped trail.
• Extreme Alpine Cold: The summit of Elden sees temperatures around 25 degrees Fahrenheit with harsh wind chills dropping below zero.

• Climb #10: Mile 217.8 to Mile 218.72, 0.92 mi, avg grade 7.92%, total gain 383.56 ft
• Climb #11: Mile 239.32 to Mile 242.5, 3.18 mi, avg grade 7.31%, total gain 1227.2 ft

• Descent #9: Mile 244.34 to Mile 247.01, 2.67 mi, avg grade -16.36%, total drop 2307.51 ft

• Walnut Canyon (Mile 226.7)
  • Offerings: Breakfast burritos, roll ups, potato soup, fruit, oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 7:45 PM
• Wildcat Hill (Mile 233.7)
  • Offerings: Burgers, potato soup, quesadillas, pancakes, meats
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 10:45 PM
• Trinity Heights (Mile 249)
  • Offerings: Grilled cheese, quesadillas, tomato soup
  • Cutoff: 5/9/26 8:15 AM

• Mount Elden Summit (~Mile 242.5): The final major obstacle standing between you and the finish line, known for harsh winds and cold.
• Heritage Square Finish Line (~Mile 252.6) (Spectator Zone): The emotional finish line in the heart of downtown Flagstaff.