Course Description Section by Section - Cocodona 250
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Course Description
Section by Section
1
Updated 3/23/21
History
The Cocodona 250 links up some of the most diverse terrain that Arizona has to offer and it also runs through
the most important historical towns in the state. Event founder Jamil Coury wanted to find a way to run from
the outskirts of Phoenix to downtown Flagstaff - from the Sonoran Desert to the ponderosa pine forest of his
home state while also incorporating some of Arizona's oldest towns. The goal is to inspire not only those
participating in this grand adventure on foot, but also the people who breathe life into these amazing
communities the race traverses through.
The name Cocodona is derived from "Coconino", the county where the race ends and "Sedona" one of the
most iconic towns surrounded by incredible red rocks we'll traverse through. 2021 will serve as the inaugural
year for an event that we anticipate will soon garner worldwide attention and land on the bucket list of every
serious ultra runner around the globe.
Course Description
The course is a 250ish-mile (currently 254.37 but we are working to get it to 250.00) point-to-point journey
through central Arizona, linking historic towns and trails off the beaten path. The rich history of the towns
combined with some of the little traveled mountain ranges makes this a one-of-a-kind tour of Arizona. From
the Sonoran Desert Saguaros to the red rock monoliths of Sedona and then on to the Ponderosa Pine forests
and big volcanic peaks of Flagstaff, not to mention all the mining towns and history along the way. This course
packs a lot of beauty in with a big challenge. We are beyond stoked to share the beauty of Central Arizona
with you through this rugged course.
Here is a link to the course file in CalTopo. The course is ever changing as permitting and other conditions
develop. We recommend downloading the final course file to your device a few days before the race.
2
Start (0.0) to AS1 Cottonwood Creek (11.1) (11.1 miles w/ +2,109’ and -1,925’)
The run begins at Rock Springs Cafe near Black Canyon City, the gateway to the Black Canyon National
Recreation Trail. After leaving the start corral, a few quick turns and less than a ¼-mile on dirt roads gets you
onto the beautiful BCT (Black Canyon Trail). Enjoy the sunrise as you twist through the Sonoran Desert among
Saguaro Cactus and Ocotillos. Around mile 1.5 the course crosses the Agua Fria River. As long as there are not
heavy rains leading up to the race, you should be able to rock hop to keep your feet dry (if you are worried
about it). At mile 7.5, the course will take a sharp right turn to leave the BCT for a double-track backroad. At
10.5 you will cross Cottonwood Creek where you can keep your feet dry if you are careful.
NOTES – You are required to leave the start line with the ABILITY to carry 3 liters of water. You don’t have to
leave the start line with 3 liters of water. The first aid station is 11-miles from the start, the second aid station
is another 21.5 miles further. Therefore, you will want to fill all 3 liters at AS1. The section from AS1 to AS2 can
(read - probably will) be really HOT. BE SURE you have electrolytes and sun gear. Take it easy. Depleting
yourself at this point can have some pretty disastrous consequences. Save your legs, start with poles.
3
AS1 Cottonwood Creek (11.1) to AS2 Lane Mountain (33.4) (22.3 miles w/ +7,953’ and -3,436’)
The course leaves AS1 on a rough beat-up old mining road that crosses Cottonwood Creek and then Boulder
Creek, both of which you should be able to keep your feet dry. Switch to your climbing gear at this point
because the next 7 miles are a pretty good grind, gaining 3K. At this point in the race, you are entering the
section of the course that is the hardest to access with a vehicle. Once you gain the ridge, the views in all
directions are pretty incredible and the steepness eventually levels out…only to give way to rollercoaster
sections of steep up and steep down for the next 10 miles. Even with fresh legs, you’ll probably slip on the
ball-bearing gravel a bit…we sure did. Jamil described this section as, “steep, rugged, and hot”. Yup.
Just before mile 30, a sharp right-hand turn (pay attention here) takes you off of a jeep road and onto the
Lane Mountain Trail. This is a great trail which, as it climbs 1,500’ over the next 2.5 miles, will give you more
and more shade as the hot Sonoran Desert gives way to Ponderosa Pines and cooler temps of the Bradshaw
Mountains. At the top, the views open up to endless ridgelines, valleys, and Lake Pleasant in the distance.
Once you pop off the single-track at the top, you’ll coast on nice double-track for another mile to AS2.
NOTES – This is the longest stretch between aid stations, there is a big elevation gain, and it will probably be
HOT. Be sure to fill up with water before leaving AS1. BE SURE you are taking electrolytes and put on your sun
gear. Take it easy. Depleting yourself at this point can have some pretty disastrous consequences. Take a
minute at Lane Mountain Aid Station. You made it. It may not have been your darkest moments in the race
but it was one of the most challenging sections. Take your time. Hydrate. Save your legs, start with poles.
4
AS2 Lane Mountain (33.4) to AS3 Crown King (37.2) (3.8 miles w/ +338’ and -1,304’)
This a fairly easy cruise down to Crown King. The surface is double-track dirt road and it is mostly smooth. The
temps will be cooler and the light through the Ponderosa Pines will be golden. Smile. A quick left puts you
smack dab in the middle of an old mining “town”, which is basically just a store and the Crown King Saloon.
This is the oldest continuously operated Saloon in Arizona.
NOTES – Crown King is the first location with drop bags and Crew Access. And you can get a beer and a
shot. Put some wet wipes and a change of socks in your drop bag. Take the time to wipe the desert dust from
the first couple of sections off of your feet. DEAL with your foot issues NOW. Don’t wait.
You have another 34 miles before the next drop bag or crew access aid station, so you’ll need to load up with
cold weather and night gear at Crown King. Night time lows will likely be close to 40°F. Oh, and that 34
miles…it isn’t easy.
5
AS3 Crown King (37.2) to AS4 Battle Flat (52.0) (14.8 miles w/ +2,838’ and -2,928’)
This will be the first trail ultra-marathon to traverse the entire Bradshaw Mountain range which parallels the
Black Canyon Trail and leads north from Phoenix to Prescott. This diverse mountain range was settled by the
Yavapai people beginning in the 1100’s and later mined for gold, silver and copper in the early 1900’s.
This section is all nice double-track. From Crown King, you’ll climb slow and steady towards Towers Mountain.
Originally the course dropped into some really wild country on great single-track from the backside of Towers
but a pair of nesting Mexican Spotted Owls were there first. Maybe we can get back in 2022.
After the big climb, a left turn takes you down down down to Senator Highway (not a highway) where you can
stretch your legs on rolling double-track that keeps to the gentle ridgeline. This would be a great place to catch
sight of a black bear as you bask in your first sunset of the race.
NOTES – This is another good section for poles.
6
AS4 Battle Flat (52.0) to AS5 Kamp Kipa (65.0) (13.0 miles w/ +4,013’ and -2,199’)
Battle Flat to Kamp Kipa has a bit of everything; smooth double-track, great single-track, creek crossings, and
some STEEP rocky rugged ridge “paths”. Leave Battle Flat Aid Station on the nice smooth double-track of
Senator “Highway” and after 1.4 miles take a left (pay attention for this turn) to head up Arrastra Creek
single-track. The creek should be flowing and the little drainage is chocked full of vegetation. It can get pretty
cold and dark in this section but hopefully the half moon is high enough to give you some good light…if not,
there’s always Kogalla. The Arrastra Creek trail generally keeps close to the drainage mainline and bounces
back and forth across the creek a few times. You’ll be able to keep your feet dry if you care and pay attention.
After 1.25 miles the trail veers left out of the drainage and climbs steeply to Longfellow Ridge where a right
turn puts you on a faint eroded rocky double-track that honestly, is a bit of a bitch as it climbs steeply up and
then descends down the other side of hill after hill. Eventually (mile 60.5) the trail ends at a confusing 3-way
road intersection where you will take the middle road fork and then quickly a left turn onto the Yankee Doodle
Trail. Get ready for a good 3-mile climb as this single-track takes you up towards Mount Union, one of the
highest points in the Bradshaws. At mile 63.6 the trail spits you out onto a dirt road where you will take a left
and coast downhill to the Kamp Kipa Aid Station.
NOTES – You’ll encounter the first of many gates along the course through this section. Please help us
maintain our permits for future years by closing each gate behind you. Be prepared for COLD and dark here.
Yet another section that you’ll appreciate poles.
7
AS5 Kamp Kipa (65.0) to AS6 Camp Wamatochick (71.4) (6.4 miles w/ +570’ and -1,644’)
After leaving Kamp Kipa take an immediate right followed by a few more turns onto double-track roads as you
drop down nearly 1,000’ in a couple of miles. At mile 66.4 the course hangs a right back onto Senator Highway
(still not a highway) for 3 miles of really nice gradual downhill on smooth dirt road. It should be pretty quiet
that time of day but listen for vehicle traffic to be safe. Keep your eyes peeled for a right turn at mile 69.4 onto
another dirt road and then, less than half mile later, a left turn onto the beautiful Groom Creek Trail. Just as
you hit your rhythm on this nice single-track a right turn at mile 71.1 takes you up to AS6 Camp Wamatochick.
NOTES – There are lots of turns through this section. Keep your phone (GPS Enabled Device) handy and check
that you are on course after every intersection. AS6 Wamatochick has crew/pacer access and drop bags. Come
join us in the Mess Hall for some warm food and sit by the fire to warm up. There are showers if you really
think it would help and the bunk rooms (heated) will be open for sleeping. We’ll provide the mattresses which
you can sleep on directly or bring your own sheets/sleeping-bag-liner/pillow/etc. Or keep going 9 more miles
downhill to AS7 Whiskey Row for another indoor (heated) cot sleeping aid station.
ENDANGERED SPECIES ALERT – The course crosses through Mexican Spotted Owl nesting habitat in this
Section. Please keep those headlamps pointed at the ground and be quiet. They were here first.
8
AS6 Camp Wamatochick (71.4) to AS7 Whiskey Row (80.7) (9.3 miles w/ +592’ and -1,661’)
Pull yourself away from the fire and leave Wamatochick on a dirt road, cross through the Groom Creek
Trailhead parking lot, cross Senator Highway, and then jump back onto the Groom Creek Trail. Then a few
turns on dirt roads through a residential area puts you back on single-track in the Goldwater Lakes area. The
single-track here is really nice buffed out fun flowy trail. Enjoy! Watch for a right turn at mile 76.6, if you hit
White Spar Campground you missed the turn. After 1.5 miles of great single-track you’ll hit the mouth of
Bannon Creek where a left will put you into a residential neighborhood. From here, it is 2.5 miles of pavement
with a few turns, down to the main square of Prescott and the infamous Whiskey Row. This was the first
capital of the Arizona Territory dating back to 1864 and the epicenter of Arizona mining history, not to
mention a great place for a shot of whiskey.
NOTES – This is the first section for which you can have a pacer. Yay for friends! There are lots of turns through
this section. Keep your phone (GPS Enabled Device) handy and check that you are on course after every
intersection. AS7 Whiskey Row is located in the courtyard of the Grand Highland Hotel directly on Whiskey
Row. We will have a large indoor (heated) space with cots setup for sleeping in the hotel ballroom. Or, book
yourself a room under the Aravaipa Running discounted block and walk upstairs to plush comfort without a
bunch of smelly snoring runners. Oh…and you really should have a shot of whiskey. Drop bags, pacers, and
crew will also be here.
9
AS7 Whiskey Row (80.7) to AS8 Iron King (94.3) (13.6 miles w/ +918’ and -1,279’)
I’m sure people have walked away from Whiskey Row looking worse, but probably not much worse. The
choices we make! Anywho… Continue straight past the aid station, crossing a few intersections before making
a right turn after 1.5 miles onto Ruth St. After another mile, turn right on Rosser St. Then it is straightaway for
2.5 miles sidewalk before you cross Hwy89 and enter the Watson Woods Preserve. Hang a left on a wide
cinder path that leads you through the Granite Creek riparian area. Cross Granite creek, turn left onto the
Peavine Trail, then stay left to go under a bridge, and stay left again to stay on the west side of Watson Lake.
By mile 87 you’ll be running…wait, who are we kidding…you’ll be walking with Watson Lake on your right. Pass
through two parking areas in Watson Lake Park, keeping the lake on your right and staying close to the water.
After the second parking area, it gets harder to navigate. The trail is part granite slickrock, part boulder
hopping, and part scrambling. Normally you TRY to navigate this trail by following spray painted white dots.
For the race, we will mark the crap out of the area but as a rule of thumb, keep the lake on your right and stay
close-ish to the water. It’s actually not that bad, just trying to managed your expectations. The Granite Dells
are actually quite amazing. At mile 89 you pass beneath the damn outflow through a magical lush green area
in a narrow canyon and then climb back up onto the granite rocks. Another ½ mile dumps you back onto the
Peavine Trail where a left takes you on a 4-mile easy downhill grade on crushed granite. As soon as you are
out of the rock formations, the view opens up to a wide grass valley and Mingus Mtn in the distance. Peavine
ends to sidewalk where you will continue straight for another mile, duck under a culvert bridge, and pop out
at Iron King Aid Station. Pacers and Crew have access to Iron King but NO drop bags. The aid station is in a
residential area, so please have your crew be quiet.
10AS8 Iron King (94.3) to AS9 Fain Ranch (104.4) (10.1 miles w/ +680’ and -341’)
This section is a nice easy cruiser. Take a left out of the Iron King Trailhead parking area onto a surface road
and then another quick left onto a dirt road. Use the A-Frame ladder (the first of a few in this stretch) to cross
over a barbed wire fence and onto Fain Ranch Land.
The Fain family has been ranching the Prescott Valley since 1870’s and at one point the ranch encompassed
the entire valley floor. We are lucky to be able to traverse this ranch with its high desert grasslands and large
bounding herds of Pronghorn Antelope.
Another A-Frame ladder will take you back onto surface streets for a little over a mile and then again, over the
fence to cross the large section of Fain Ranch. At mile 99.5 you’ll squeeze through a gap in a barbed wire fence
and walk 300’ through a pipe culvert to get under Fain Road. Celebrate the 100-mile mark with a fist pump
and then link up with the fabled Man Against Horse race course to get to the Little Windmill, the location of
the aid station.
Our good friends at Kogalla are crewing the Fain Ranch Aid Station and we’re sure they’ll have it lit up bright.
Fain Ranch Aid Station has pacer and crew access but NO drop bags.
11AS9 Fain Ranch (104.4) to AS10 Mingus Mountain Camp (112.9) (8.5 miles w/ +2,544’ and -242’)
Leave Fain Ranch Aid Station headed west on a very faint trail. You are now on the same path as the Man vs
Horse race. After 1.8 miles of picking your way through grass and sage, open plain and sandy draws, you’ll
come to the last A-Frame ladder over a barbed wire fence and leave Fain land. Turn left on a wide well graded
dirt road and then a mile later a right onto a faint double-track that will slowly turn into a very nice single-
track. Stretching diagonally across Central Arizona, the Black Hills rise up to almost 8000 feet and separate the
Prescott Valley from the Verde Valley. Enjoy the views of the pass ahead and watch as the vegetation quickly
turns to pine, juniper, and pinon the further you get up canyon. Hit your first switchback and gear down for a
worthy 2-mile climb. By mile 112 the grade has slacked off and you come to a trail intersection where you will
stay left and then hit a dirt road where you will again stay left. One mile down the road you’ll turn right on
another dirt road and then another mile will bring you to Mingus Mountain Camp
NOTES – The swing in temperature from daytime in the Prescott Valley to nighttime at the top of Mingus can
vary by 40°F. Be prepared. You’ll encounter a couple of gates through this section. Please help us maintain our
permits for future years by closing each gate behind you. AS10 Mingus Mountain Camp has crew/pacer access
and drop bags. Join us at the firepit, grab some food in the Mess Hall, get a hot shower, and then pass out in a
bunk room (heated). We’ll provide the mattresses which you can sleep on directly or bring your own
sheets/sleeping-bag-liner/pillow/etc. This is a good section for poles.
12AS10 Mingus Mtn Camp (112.9) to AS11 Jerome Historic State Park (126.0) (13.1 miles w/ +1,231’ & -3,929’)
Turn left out of the camp, left again 1/3 of a mile down the road, and then hit a campground at mile 114.
Continue straight out at the end of the road and behold the rest of your adventure, laid out before you. The
views from atop Mingus, across the Verde Valley to the red rock walls of Sedona and the peaks of Flagstaff
beyond are some of the most spectacular of the course. Fill your lungs with the view and continue a half mile
further along the cliff edge before the North Mingus Trail hangs a left for a technical descent. Hang on for a
mile to a right turn and then another half mile to a left, as the grade slacks to an old roadbed now eroded to
single-track. At mile 117 a sharp left, almost U-turn, puts you onto a rocky dirt road which will eventually drop
you into Jerome. This road will mess with your mind. You’ll turn a bend and feel closer to Jerome, which you
can see ahead clinging to the cliff, but the further you go the further Jerome appears. Will you ever get there?
After passing a few streams pouring off of Mingus and more and more mining evidence, you finally will.
Jerome is a historic mining town, now an artist’s enclave and tourist stop. Runners will tour directly through
the old town perched on the north side of the Black Hills at an elevation of 5,000’ with sweeping views of the
northern parts of the course. After passing through one of the most unique towns in the West, you’ll arrive at
the aid station, overlooking the Verde Valley, Sedona, and the peaks above Flagstaff.
NOTES – Jerome is an extremely sensitive permit for us. Runners must be courteous of vehicles and
pedestrians. Run on sidewalks, not in the road, and cross streets with caution giving cars the right of way.
Jerome has crew/pacer access but NO drop bags.
13AS11 Jerome State Park (126.0) to AS12 Dead Horse Ranch State Park (134.9) (8.9 miles w/ +374’ & -2,010’)
This section will tip you from the first half of the course to the second half. Psychologically it is a big step.
Leave the aid station on surface streets for 1.5 miles and then pass through a gate (BE SURE TO CLOSE IT
BEHIND YOU) to access a beat-up dirt road that’ll drop you down 1,000’ in the next mile. Go through two more
gates (you know the drill) and hang a right on a dirt road for a gentle downhill grade for ¾ of a mile. At this
point continue straight down a dirt driveway, DO NOT take the switchback to continue up the dirt road. We
pass through some private property to access the Bitter Creek Wash. Use a faint trail on the right to climb out
of the wash, cross the street, and turn left on Main Street which will take you straight past Clarkdale’s main
square. At mile 140 take the left road fork to stay on Main Street and then turn right on an old railroad grade
turned cinder path. This path will turn to single-track and then spit you out to a dirt lot. Work your way left
and through the dirt lot to a trail above the bridge and cross Tuzigoot Road. USE EXTREME CAUTION
CROSSING TUZIGOOT RD. Climb up the embankment on the far side of the road, pass through a gate
(yes…close it), follow the single-track, and another gate (yep…you know what to do) and then for a special
treat, wade across the Verde River. Enjoy the cool knee-deep water. There’s no keeping your feet dry here.
Something magical about a clear river oasis in the desert. Clear the river and turn right through a corridor of
Cottonwoods and lush green grasses. Look up to see the ancient Tuzigoot pueblo perched on the cliffs above
and follow the twists and turns of the single-track and double-track maze into Dead Horse State Park and the
welcoming (covid distanced) arms of our aid station volunteers.
NOTE – Crossing the Verde Valley in the daytime can be a hot affair, expect temps in the mid 80°Fs. Good
thing you can lie down in the Verde River to cool off. AS12 Dead Horse Ranch State Park Aid Station has
pacer/crew access and drop bags. Grab some sleep on a cot in an individual sleeper tent. BYO sleeping bag.
14AS12 Dead Horse Ranch State Park (134.9) to AS13 Deer Pass (145.0) (10.1 miles w/ +1,277’ & -575’)
Leave the Dead Horse Aid Station, cross the parking lot, and run along the Verde River and big Cottonwoods
one last time before hanging a left on the Creosote Trail. Cross the Dead Horse State Park main road and
immediately turn right onto the Lime Kiln Trail which, through a few intersections, will take you all the way to
the Deer Pass Aid Station. The Lime Kiln Trail is your start of a 40 mile stretch of near continuous high quality
single-track. Views go from great to amazing to bonkers as each crest feeds you more of the red rock vistas to
come in Sedona. Pay attention near mile 143 as you pop onto a dirt road and make a couple of turns before
crossing through a pipe culvert under Hwy89A and continue on to Deer Pass Aid Station.
NOTE – You might want to give some time for your feet to dry out at Dead Horse Aid Station after crossing the
Verde. The trail surface from Dead Horse to Sedona can be super fine dust, so pay attention to footcare.
15AS13 Deer Pass (145.0) to AS14 Sedona-Saint John Vianney (160.8) (15.8 miles w/ +2,439’ & -1,999’)
Time for some magic. This section may be our staff pick for favorite of the entire course. The single-track is
world class and the views are mind boggling. Continue on Lime Kiln Trail. The trail quickly crosses Deer Pass
Road and then crosses through a gate. Pay close attention for the next 4 miles as the trail turns a few times
and jumps on and off dirt roads. Around mile 149 you will cross a paved road (Red Rock Loop Rd) and then
make a left onto Schuerman Mountain Trail. Near mile 152, be prepared to work your way right (east) around
Red Rock High School, cross another paved road (Red Rock Loop Rd again), and jump onto Skywalker Trail (SO
GOOD). Just after mile 153 Skywalker will end at a 4-way intersection and you’ll continue on Old Post Trail. At
mile 155 Old Post ends and you turn right on Bandit (if you end up in a neighborhood, you missed the turn). In
less than ½ mile bandit dead ends into the Airport Loop Trail where you will turn right to take a loop around
the airport. The first 3-miles of the Airport Loop are pretty rough and rocky BUT…the views…holy cow! To the
southwest you’ll have an unobstructed view of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and the Twin Buttes. Once you get
to the northeast end of the airport, you’ll come to a bunch of trail intersections. Just say right and eventually
you’ll find yourself on Brewer Trail which will spit you out onto Brewer Rd where you will turn left. After ¾ of a
mile of pavement, turn left into a driveway/parking lot that will give way to a dirt trailhead (if you miss this left
you end up at a major road round-about). Look right in the trailhead and you’ll find a trail through pinon and
juniper that will take you into a wash and then through a large pipe culvert under Hwy89A. From here take
Grand Central Trail to Crusty, and Adobe Jack, staying left each time. For the next ½ mile you will have out-
and-back traffic to the aid station. Turn right on the Hwy89A sidewalk, right again on North Airport Rd, and
finally leave the road and scramble up a hill to the most spectacular view you’ve ever seen from an aid station.
NOTES – This is a section you may want to consider seeing during daylight. The Sedona-St.John Vianney Aid
Station has crew/pacer access, drop bags, and indoor cot sleeping (BYO sheets/sleeping-bag-liner/pillow) or
book a room next door at the Sky Rock Inn (use this link for a 15% discount) for a shower and plush bed. The
next few sections are remote. You’ll not have drop bag access or a sleep station until AS18 Cinder Pit.
16AS14 Sedona-Saint John Vianney (160.8) to AS15 Huntley Tank (174.0) (13.2 miles w/ +1,894’ & -1,890’)
Leave Saint John Vianney the way you came, out North Airport Rd, left to the Hwy89A sidewalk, left at the
Adobe Jack Trailhead, down a few switchbacks, and then left to continue on Abode Jack to leave the out-and-
back traffic. After mile 162 take the right fork for Power Line Plunge, quickly the left fork for Shorty, and even
more quickly a left to Grand Central which will take you up and over Ant Hill. Just before mile 164 you come to
a mess of trails and an interesting rock deformation on your right, the Devil’s Kitchen Sink Hole. From here
head west on Tea Cup Trail. A little past mile 165 there will be a ton of trails headed down and left, stay high
here and jump onto Andante Trail to continue west. Turn left at 166.4 onto Thunder Mountain and then right
on Chimney Rock as you wrap around the classic Chimney Rock monolith. Continue on Summit as you drop
down to Dry Creek Road. Turn right on Dry Creek Road and continue for about 100meters and then turn left
to leave the road for Two Fence Trail as you drop down in elevation. Merge onto Girdner and then Rupp as
drop to and then cross Dry Creek. As Rupp starts to climb away from Dry Creek, turn and have a look behind
you for great views of Chimney Rock. Rupp dead ends into the Cockscomb Trail and you’ll turn left to work
your way around a residential area, cross a paved road, and continue on Cockscomb. Pop out to a trailhead
parking area at mile 172.4 and hang an immediate hard left to an old forest road that seems as if it hasn’t
been used in a long time. After a mile, turn left on to a very well used dirt road (Boynton Pass Road/FR152C). A
mile later, find the Huntley Tank aid station. Expect ATV traffic on this road during daytime hours.
NOTES – Highly recommend seeing this section in daylight. The trail network in Sedona is expansive. Not a bad
idea to check your location periodically if you haven’t seen a course marking in a bit. Cross Dry Creek Road
with caution. Be aware of vehicle and ATV traffic on dirt roads. Vehicles have the right of way and will NOT
stop for you. If you are on this section during daytime, it may be good to carry a buff for ATV dust. Huntley
Tank is barebones, no pacer/crew access and no drop bags.
17AS15 Huntley Tank (174.0) to AS16 Black Tank (181.5) (7.5 miles w/ +633’ & -554’)
This section is a nice easy. Dirt roads and ATV trails. Leave Huntley Tank Aid Station on (Boynton Pass
Road/FR152C) and in less than a mile turn right onto another dirt road (Loy Butte Rd / FR525). In 0.8 miles
keep your eyes peeled for a left to leave the road onto Trail 9549 / Outlaw OHV Trail. Expect ATV traffic on this
section during daylight hours. Two miles into this ATV trail (mile 177.6) turn left and then another mile turn
right. At this point you’ll turn right to jump back onto a well-used dirt road (Sycamore Pass Rd / FR525C) for
another 2.5 miles to the Black Tank Aid Station. Be prepared for two-way crew/pacer vehicle traffic for this
last 2.5 miles to the aid station.
In early May 2020 the wildflowers, specifically Purple Owls Cover, were amazing through this section.
Hopefully you will get a glimpse of this amazing desert bloom.
From Black Tank Aid Station, you can see the beast climb to come. At night, the headlamps working their way
up the Casner Mountain Grade switchbacks will look a bit daunting.
NOTES – Be aware of heavy vehicle and ATV traffic in this section during the day. Vehicles have the right of
way and will NOT stop for you. If you are on this section during daytime, it may be good to carry a buff for ATV
dust. Black Tank has pacer/crew access but no drop bags. This is your last aid station before the big climb up to
the Coconino Plateau and colder temps.
18AS16 Black Tank (181.5) to AS17 Turkey Butte (195.3) (13.8 miles w/ +3,819’ & -1,283’)
Big worthy climb ahead. Leave Black Tank Aid Station continuing on the dirt road (Sycamore Pass Rd /
FR525C). The road will go down a draw and then switch back to the left, just after this point be ready to turn
right on a rough dirt road (FR9529). Gear down and get ready to climb the 12 switchbacks up the Casner
Mountain Grade following a powerline cut the entire time. As you top out, the views just keep getting better,
off to the left the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and to the right Sedona and the Red Rock-Secret Mountain
Wilderness. The road drops off on either side and the transition from red rock desert to high ponderosa pines
is very apparent. After the big 3 mile climb the grade levels off and you stay on the main dirt road, pretty
much keeping to the powerline, all the way to Turkey Butte Aid Station.
NOTES – You’ll want poles for the burly climb up Casner. Average nighttime temps up on the Coconino Plateau
are in the upper-30s°F. That’s pretty cold if you have an issue and stop moving. BE PREPARED. Turkey Butte
Aid Station is another barebones station, no pacer/crew access and no drop bags.
19AS17 Turkey Butte (195.3) to AS18 Cinder Pit (204.5) (9.2 miles w/ +767’ & -602’)
Now officially up on the Coconino Plateau, you are entering the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in
the world. The next couple of sections have long stretches of well graded dirt roads. Work those legs out and
make some good time after that big climb up Casner.
Leave Turkey Butte Aid Station on a really nice dirt road (FR538) on which you will stay, through many
intersections, for the next 8 miles. Turn left at a four-way intersection at mile 203 onto (Woody Mountain Rd /
FR231). At this point you’ll be on the same road as crew/pacer vehicles arriving and leaving Cinder Pit Aid
Station. Continue another 1.5 miles and hang a left into the aid station.
NOTES – Average nighttime temps up on the Coconino Plateau are in the upper-30s°F. That’s pretty cold if you
have an issue and stop moving. BE PREPARED. Cinder Pit Aid Station has pacer/crew access and drop bags.
Grab some sleep on a cot in an individual sleeper tent but be sure to BYO sleeping bag because it’ll be chilly at
night. Be aware of vehicle traffic at the end of this section during the day. Vehicles have the right of way and
will NOT stop for you. If you are on this section during daytime, it may be good to carry a buff for dust.
20AS18 Cinder Pit (204.5) to AS19 Fort Tuthill (218.9) (14.4 miles w/ +951’ & -1,180’)
Enjoy this section of nice and easy well graded dirt roads and smooth rolling single-track.
Turn right out of the aid station, continuing on the same gravel road you came in on (Woody Mountain Rd /
FR231). The road is flat and straight and you can probably grab some mini-shut-eye sessions as you run. A few
spots allow for great views of the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden, your final challenge. But don’t
fret…you are so close, just keep moving forward. WAKE UP…CRITICAL TURN - At mile 209 you turn right to
leave the road for the Gold Digger single-track followed quickly by another right at a trail junction. Just after a
short climb at mile 211, make a right turn onto the Roger Lake Connector Trail. Elk herds love to hang out in
this section. After a downhill section with some switchbacks, you continue straight on the trail across two dirt
roads and then stay right at a trail junction to stay on Rogers Lake Connector Trail. Cross one more dirt road,
hang a right on the Flagstaff Loop Trail, and then cross another dirt road. This will bring you into Fort Tuthill
County Park. Hang a left and then a right onto Soldier Trail, straight across the bridge trail, and the stay right
to pass through a campground area. Then you will pop out into a parking area. Look right and head toward the
buildings where you will find the aid station.
NOTES – Average nighttime temps up on the Coconino Plateau are in the upper-30s°F. That’s pretty cold if you
have an issue and stop moving. BE PREPARED. Fort Tuthill Aid Station has crew/pacer access, drop bags, and
indoor cot sleeping (BYO sheets/sleeping-bag-liner/pillow). Be aware of vehicle traffic in this section. Vehicles
have the right of way and will NOT stop for you. If you are on this section during daytime, it may be good to
carry a buff for dust.
21AS19 Fort Tuthill (218.9) to Walnut Canyon (234.6) (15.7 miles w/ +1,337’ & -1,578’)
Leave the aid station on the main paved Fort Tuthill road and turn left after a half mile to go back onto Soldier
Trail. A quarter mile later, take two quick rights on a network of trails that will merge to go under I-17. Directly
after the underpass turn left out of the wash and then cross Pulliam Rd, watching for traffic. The next 1.5 miles
weave through a number of wide cinder running paths. Pay attention for numerous turns through this section
as you work your way around the airport on the Flagstaff Loop Trail. Cross Lake Mary Road, again looking for
traffic, and then continue along YX Ranch Road for a ¼-mile before turning right back onto the Flagstaff Loop
Trail. A quick succession of turns (L, R, L) takes you into Skunk Canyon. At this point there are two trails
running parallel with each other, one in the middle of the draw and one just a bit higher on the bench on the
left. Stay on the higher trail to the left. Turn left at mile 224.5 to climb out of Skunk Canyon and then right at
your next trail junction. You are now on the storied Arizona Trail (The AZT spans 800 miles South-to-North
across the entire state from Mexico to Utah) which will drop you all the way down to the mouth of Walnut
Canyon at Fisher Point, a really amazing viewpoint up the canyon with a cool little cave. Turn left here to climb
steeply out of Walnut Canyon and stay on the AZT. The next 5 miles of trail is great single-track, a little
technical at times, that keeps closely to the rim of Walnut Canyon. Through this section there are lots of
junctions for trails and roads off to the left. Other than two trails that go off to lookouts points on the right,
the course takes all right junctions in this 5-mile stretch. At mile 233 the trail starts to climb steeply away from
the canyon and after two switchbacks, leads you up to a forest road trailhead. Continue on the AZT for a
couple of turns and then you’ll find yourself at the next to the last aid station of the course, Walnut Canyon.
NOTES – Average nighttime temps up on the Coconino Plateau are in the upper-30s°F. That’s pretty cold if you
have an issue and stop moving. BE PREPARED. Walnut Canyon Aid has crew/pacer access and drop bags.
22Walnut Canyon (234.6) to Mount Elden (247.0) (12.4 miles w/ +3,065’ & -780’)
Leave the aid station by turning left onto Old Walnut Canyon Rd and quickly turn right onto an old double-
track. Keep what wits you have left about you as the next 2.5 miles has numerous turns back and forth on
double-track before jumping back onto single-track to cross under the I-40 culvert. Turn left on Historic Route
66 (taking care for vehicles) for a quarter mile and then right onto a dirt road and then a quick left back onto
the AZT. Weave your way through a handful of intersections as you gaze up across the top of a cinder cone
(sheep Hill) at your new best friend, Mount Elden. We aren’t going to lie, the final climb of the course is a
doozy, gaining over 2K’ in 2 miles. But it will also bring runners to an amazing view and the highest point on
the entire race. Sorry…and you’re welcome? Cross under Hwy89 and then pay close attention as the course
works its way southwest, through a maze of intersections, before turning right onto the Elden Lookout Trail.
40 switchbacks later, topping out above 9,000’, you’ll be at the top, well…we actually bypass the very top, but
you get it. Stay right at the saddle and the last aid station will be directly in front of you.
NOTES – Poles might help you get up Elden. The 2-mile climb has some big steps and by now, your legs will be
toast. Average nighttime temps up on Elden are around 25°F and the wind is often whipping. BE PREPARED.
Mount Elden Aid Station has NO crew/pacer access and NO drop bags but that’s ok, don’t stick around…it’s
time to finish this thing out!
23Mount Elden (247.0) to THE FINISH LINE (255.8) (8.8 miles w/ +541’ & -2,674’)
Stagger away from the last aid station (YAY!) on the sunset trail, enjoying views to the east as the mountain
drops dramatically off to the right. Enjoy a couple of stands of Aspens and then turn left to get on the Elden
Lookout Road. We’d prefer a single-track descent but the Mexican Spotted Owls had other ideas. That said,
the 3-mile road section is actually quite nice, dropping around 400’ per mile so you can really let loose if your
legs are not destroyed…wait, never mind…everything is destroyed at this point. Ok, then your legs will be
destroyed-er after the road. At mile 250, (we know…we wish it was over now too) turn right off of the road on
to Upper Oldham Trail which parallels the road for ¾ of a mile before veering south along the ridgeline. Stay
left through a couple of trail intersections and then pay attention to the course markings as there are a TON of
spur trails as you drop down into Buffalo Park. As the grade levels out to a wide cinder path, have a look
behind you at the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks. Reflect on the journey you have been on, only 2 miles
left! After you exit the gates of Buffalo Park hang an immediate right on a wide cinder path through a city park
and then left onto Switzer Canyon Trail. The trail ends at the intersection of Forest and Turquoise, continue
west on Forest for 2 blocks and then turn left on Beaver. After ¾ of a mile on Beaver, turn left onto Birch for a
block and a half and then right into the back of Heritage Square and you are done…literally. Congrats!
Happy running!
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