The Cocodona 250 is an iconic point-to-point ultramarathon spanning the most scenic lands of Central and Northern Arizona. Linking together communities such as Black Canyon City, Crown King, Prescott, Jerome, Sedona, and Flagstaff, the course serves as a celebration of the region's indigenous people, its vibrant mining history, and its breathtaking landscapes. Segments of this route are shared with runners from overlapping races, creating a dynamic trail environment.

This journey exposes runners to significant environmental shifts. Historical weather data shows that daytime temperatures in the exposed valleys of the Sonoran Desert and Verde Valley can surge near 29°C, while nighttime temperatures in higher elevations such as the Bradshaw Mountains, Coconino Plateau, and Mount Elden can drop to -4°C. Managing this extreme variance demands meticulous gear planning.

The 406.5 km course is a formidable test of endurance, characterized by 10,842 meters of total ascent and varied terrain surfaces. Just over 21 percent of the course is classified as Flat, primarily along dirt roads and open plateau, offering stretches of steady rhythm. However, nearly a quarter of the course consists of Challenging Inclines, Steep Declines, and other severe grades that require a low hiking gear or careful technical descending.

Expect relentless climbs such as the 8.7 km ascent up Mingus Mountain, and technical descents like the drop off Mount Elden near the finish. Success on this route relies on intelligent pacing through the heat of the early miles, preserving the quads on technical terrain, and managing core body temperature through freezing nights.

• 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 120 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 84 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. This pre-sunrise start means you will navigate the initial climbs under a headlamp before dawn breaks.

The course immediately climbs onto the Black Canyon Trail, twisting through the iconic Sonoran Desert among saguaros and ocotillos as the sun rises. Early miles alternate between rolling doubletrack and dry, rocky drainages like Slate Creek, giving you a taste of the rugged terrain ahead.

As you transition out of the desert and into the Bradshaw Mountains, the route introduces steep inclines and declines littered with loose, ball-bearing gravel. Temperatures here can be blistering during the midday hours, amplifying the physical toll.

You will eventually climb out of the desert heat and into the cooler, shaded Ponderosa pines as you approach Lane Mountain, before cruising down a smooth dirt road into the historic mining town of Crown King.

• Water Management: The long 40-kilometer stretch between Cottonwood Creek and Lane Mountain requires a mandatory 4-liter minimum water carry. Depletion here due to the extreme heat and elevation gain is a major race-ending risk.
• Rugged Terrain: The section crossing Boulder Creek features a massive pile of loose rocks and rollercoaster segments of steep ascents and descents. The ball-bearing gravel makes footing treacherous, even on fresh legs.
• Intense Heat: This exposed Sonoran Desert segment sees the highest daytime temperatures. Pacing conservatively and utilizing sun protection and electrolytes are critical.

• Climb #19: Km 23.11 to Km 26.39, 3.28 km, avg grade 11.71%, total gain 384.42 m
• Climb #34: Km 45.83 to Km 49.07, 3.24 km, avg grade 9.93%, total gain 321.89 m

• Descent #15: 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
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 5/4/26 9:50 AM
• Water Station 1 (Km 16.7)
  • Offerings: 1 liter/person only
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Water Station 2 (Km 39.6)
  • Offerings: 1 liter/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

• None.

Leaving the historic Crown King Saloon, you venture into the heart of the Bradshaw Mountains, a region long settled by the Yavapai people and later shaped by heavy mining activity. The route climbs past the Crown King Forest Service Ranger Station before transitioning onto beautiful singletrack and the gentle ridgelines of the Senator Highway.

This stretch rewards you with expansive views and stunning sunset light, but it doesn't take long before the realities of nighttime mountain running set in. As darkness falls, the course drops into a series of confusing dirt road intersections, followed by steep, loose singletrack climbs. The most notable of these is the Yankee Doodle Trail near Mount Union.

After cresting Mount Union, the course descends into Kamp Kipa. The miles that follow to Camp Wamatochick and down into Prescott offer a mix of rough singletrack and smooth residential dirt roads, ultimately delivering you to the town square of Prescott and the famous Whiskey Row.

• Drastic Temperature Drop: Nighttime temperatures in the Bradshaws will plunge to near 4°C. Proper cold-weather gear is mandatory, and moving efficiently is key to staying warm.
• Navigation in the Dark: The descent from Kamp Kipa features numerous faint doubletrack roads and confusing intersections. Close attention to your GPS device is critical here.
• Endangered Species Zone: The course passes through Mexican Spotted Owl nesting habitat near Camp Wamatochick. Runners must keep headlamps pointed down and maintain silence.

• Climb #56: Km 93.48 to Km 95.75, 2.27 km, avg grade 10.52%, total gain 239.33 m

• Descent #48: 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 (turkey/cheese/hummus/avocado); 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

• Davis Dunkirk Mine (~Km 101.84): Historical mining landmark along the South Senator Highway.

Departing Whiskey Row, the course transitions from urban surface streets into the Watson Woods Preserve and alongside Watson Lake. The terrain shifts here to the Granite Dells, where runners must navigate slickrock, boulder hopping, and scrambling close to the water's edge.

After clearing the rocks, the course opens onto the crushed granite of the Peavine Trail, stretching out into the high desert grasslands of Fain Ranch, a sprawling historic property in the Prescott Valley. The crossing of Fain Ranch introduces a challenging cross-country section over uneven dirt and grass, testing both ankles and route-finding abilities.

Departing the ranch, the Black Hills come into view and the real climbing begins. A sustained 8.7-kilometer ascent up Mingus Mountain follows, with vegetation shifting from sage and open grasses to pine, juniper, and piñon as the canyon narrows. This long climb culminates at the Mingus Mountain Camp.

• Granite Dells Scrambling: Navigating the slickrock and boulders around Watson Lake breaks your running rhythm and requires careful foot placement.
• Cross-Country Navigation: The miles crossing Fain Ranch consist of faint trails and uneven cross-country travel through sage and catclaw. GPS navigation is essential here.
• The Mingus Mountain Climb: The section finishes with a relentless climb gaining nearly 600 meters over 8.7 kilometers. Pacing this ascent correctly is vital to avoid burning out your climbing muscles.

• Climb #76: Km 162.14 to Km 170.86, 8.71 km, avg grade 6.83%, total gain 595.35 m

• Descent #63: Km 128.48 to Km 129.79, 1.32 km, avg grade -5.74%, total drop 75.6 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

• None.

From the top of Mingus Mountain, runners are treated to spectacular views across the Verde Valley toward the red rocks of Sedona. What follows is a highly technical descent into the historic, cliff-side town of Jerome, featuring rock-strewn dirt roads that wrap around the massive Verde mine and demand careful foot placement.

Leaving Jerome, the course drops sharply down to the Verde Valley floor. The crossing can be brutally hot during the day, but the route offers welcome relief as runners wade knee-deep through the cool waters of the Verde River. The trail then weaves through riparian greenery past the ancient Tuzigoot pueblo and into Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

The final push to Sedona covers a long 48-kilometer stretch of world-class, chunky singletrack. The trail rolls relentlessly, offering increasingly spectacular views of the towering red rock spires as you make your way toward the Sedona Posse Grounds.

• Quad-Busting Descent: The initial drop off Mingus Mountain is extremely steep and rocky, demanding careful footwork to protect your legs for the second half of the race.
• Verde Valley Heat: Daytime temperatures across the Verde Valley can hit 29°C. Heat management strategies are crucial before reaching the river crossing.
• Wet Feet: Wading across the Verde River guarantees wet feet. Taking time to address foot care at the Dead Horse aid station is highly recommended to prevent catastrophic blistering in the fine dust of the Sedona trails.

• Climb #114: Km 242.23 to Km 243.87, 1.64 km, avg grade 9.56%, total gain 157.11 m

• Descent #68: Km 173.81 to Km 177.23, 3.42 km, avg grade -13.48%, total drop 461.22 m
• Descent #75: Km 191.27 to Km 194.06, 2.79 km, avg grade -6.63%, total drop 184.63 m
• Descent #78: Km 200.96 to Km 203.75, 2.79 km, avg grade -11.24%, total drop 313.98 m

• 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
• 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: Standard aid station fare
  • 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

• None.

This section delivers the best of Sedona singletrack before the course undergoes a dramatic transformation. Runners pass beneath the highway and climb into the famed Hangover Trail, threading directly through towering red rock spires on exposed slickrock that will test anyone with a fear of heights.

After leaving the Verde Valley behind, the course turns to a demanding climb up Schnebly Hill Road, gaining significant elevation to reach the Coconino Plateau. Once atop the Mogollon Rim, the environment shifts entirely — you are now in the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world.

The terrain opens up into long stretches of well-graded dirt roads, offering a welcome opportunity to find your footing and settle into a rhythm. That said, navigating the network of roads demands attention, particularly as fatigue accumulates. This section concludes at the remote Kelly Canyon aid station.

• Slickrock Exposure: The Hangover Trail features technical slickrock and steep drop-offs that require intense focus and sure-footedness.
• The Schnebly Hill Climb: This is a major, sustained dirt road climb out of Sedona. Utilizing trekking poles here will save vital leg strength for the runnable miles on the plateau.
• Plateau Temperatures: Once on the Coconino Plateau, average nighttime temperatures drop sharply to around 3°C. The transition from Sedona's daytime heat to the plateau's nighttime cold is one of the most severe environmental shocks on the course.

• Climb #125: Km 270.79 to Km 276.53, 5.74 km, avg grade 5.94%, total gain 340.65 m

• Descent #78: 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: Standard aid station fare
  • 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

• None.

The final leg of the Cocodona 250 is a formidable push through the high country into Flagstaff. Leaving Kelly Canyon, runners pass through historic Fort Tuthill before joining the storied Arizona Trail. The singletrack hugs the scenic rim of Walnut Canyon before weaving toward the towering cinder cones of Wildcat and Sheep Hill.

Just as the finish feels within reach, the course saves its hardest test for last: Mount Elden. The climb grinds up a surprisingly punishing gradient to the summit, cresting the ridgeline at over 2,700 meters where high winds and freezing temperatures are common. The descent is notoriously steep and highly technical, dropping 610 meters through 40 relentless switchbacks with large step-downs.

Surviving that final descent brings you into Buffalo Park, where a flat, triumphant run along the cinder paths leads to the finish line at Heritage Square in downtown Flagstaff.

• The Mount Elden Climb: Positioned at the very end of the race, this massive ascent requires digging deep into your mental reserves. Pacing is slow, and the altitude makes breathing labored.
• Mount Elden Descent: Dropping 610 meters in just 3.2 kilometers over big, technical steps will shatter exhausted quads. Precision footwork is necessary to avoid injury this close to the finish.
• Extreme Alpine Cold: The summit of Mount Elden sees nighttime lows around -4°C, with wind chills plunging below -18°C. Layering up before the climb is mandatory to prevent hypothermia.

• Climb #151: Km 385.15 to Km 390.26, 5.11 km, avg grade 7.31%, total gain 374.05 m

• Descent #84: Km 393.23 to Km 397.53, 4.3 km, avg grade -16.36%, total drop 703.33 m

• Fort Tuthill (Km 338.9)
  • Offerings: Pasta; salad; bread; oatmeal
  • Drop Bags: Yes (A)
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 5/8/26 12:45 PM
• 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

• None.