Trail Running Calendar Arizona 2025-2026

Embark on an exhilarating journey through some of Arizona's most scenic routes with our comprehensive Trail Running Calendar for 2025-2026. With 83 diverse trail running events spread across the Grand Canyon State, you're sure to find the perfect race that aligns with your schedule and fitness level.

In the vibrant city of Phoenix, trail runners can explore the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, with routes offering breathtaking vistas and challenging elevations. Not far behind, Tucson's trail running scene is adorned with the picturesque trails of Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains, promising runs that are as scenic as they are invigorating. Runners in Mesa and Chandler have the advantage of the sprawling trails in the Superstition Wilderness.

Trail enthusiasts in Scottsdale are spoiled with the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's extensive network of pathways, each offering a unique desert running experience. Meanwhile, Glendale's proximity to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park affords trail runners a chance to immerse themselves in the serene Arizona outdoors.

Join the 20th Annual Vail Jingle Trail in Tucson on December 13 for a festive 5k and Santa's Little Helper 1k. Enjoy holiday course decorations, themed shirts, awards and spirited support from Mica Mountain Cross Country.

Take on the rugged single track of Tortolita Mountain Park at the RUNMARANA Dirt Dash at Wild Burro, with half marathon and 6 mile options across scenic washes and climbs. Enjoy finishers awards, music, a campfire, photo booth and prize raf..

Join the Pup A Go 5K in Papago Park on December 14, 2025 to support Home Fur Good, a local no kill shelter. Bring your leashed pup or go solo for a scenic loop, swag, and feel good vibes for a great cause.

Estrella Mountain Trail Fest in Goodyear, AZ on December 20, 2025 features scenic trail Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and a 10K/5K Challenge. Enjoy finisher shirts and medals, hydration stations, gear perks for select races and a festive finish wi..

Experience desert singletrack at the Cave Creek Thriller on December 20 with 5K, 11K, 24K and 50K options for all abilities. Expect rocky, steep and exposed climbs, scenic views and a festive finish inside Cave Creek Regional Park.

Across The Years is a multi day running festival in Peoria Arizona from Dec 28 to Jan 3 featuring fixed time and distance races on a looped course. Celebrate the new year with nonstop aid, camping, and a spirited running community.

January 2026

Join the inaugural Scarface Mountain Trail Run at Usery Mountain Park on Jan 3, 2026 for scenic desert trails. Choose 10 km, 5 km or 1 mile, get a race shirt and finisher pint, and support local charities.

Take on the classic Christiansen Trail Run on January 3, 2026 in Phoenix Mountain Preserve, a rugged 14 mile single track through steep climbs and rocky terrain. Aid stations, a technical running shirt and awards await finishers.

Kick off 2026 with the New Year Burro Bash in Wickenburg AZ on January 3, where you can race solo or pair up with a burro over 5k or 10k. Camping is included so bring your burro and friends for a fun desert weekend.

Run the San Tan Scramble at San Tan Mountain Regional Park on January 10, 2026, with distances from 5K to a 50K plus a kids run. Saguaro studded single track, rocky climbs and sandy washes await, with aid stations, chip timing and finisher..

Join the Desert Runner Trail Series Spring Pass in Queen Creek, AZ on January 10, 2026 with races from mini to ultra distances. The event is cupless, with reusable cups available at registration or bring your own.

Enjoy a free, noncompetitive 4 mile or 1 mile run or walk through Saguaro National Park West on Sunday, Jan 11, 2026. Limited to 300 participants, the scenic out and back on dirt roads offers a relaxed desert experience for all levels.

Tackle desert trails at the Coldwater Rumble in Goodyear on January 17, 2026, part of the Aravaipa Desert Runner Trail Series. Choose distances from 5 miles to 100 miles and enjoy finisher awards for every racer.

Run the Desert Runner Trail Series across the Valley of the Sun from October 2025 to March 2026. Multiple trail and ultra distances, points per race and a season finale at White Tank Mountain make for a competitive and scenic season.

Run scenic desert trails at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills AZ on Jan 24 2026 with 25K and 50K options through gently rolling hills and stunning vistas. Enjoy volunteer support and awards for overall and masters.

Enjoy scenic Empire Ranch trails in Las Cienegas with distances from a kids mile to 10k, rolling hills and desert views make for a memorable run. Proceeds benefit Empire Ranch with post race festivities and awards.

Run scenic desert trails at the White Tank Throwdown in Waddell, AZ on Jan 24, 2026 with 30K and 10K options across perimeter and canyon routes. Expect sandy scrambles, sweeping views, aid stations and a friendly race vibe for all levels.

Arizona Rocks in Peoria on Jan 25, 2026 invites trail runners of all levels to tackle a half marathon, 10K, 5K or virtual option on scenic desert singletrack. Enjoy a custom medal and tri blend shirt, plenty of aid stations, and friendly ra..

Run remote singletrack on the north side of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Oracle Arizona, tracing scenic sections of the Arizona Trail. Choose distances from 5K to 50 Miles on a constantly rolling course and support Arizona Trail mainte..

Dirt Circus Tempe is a free community run festival at Hundred Mile Brewing on January 31, 2026, bringing together run clubs, race directors and top brands. Enjoy a social 5K, vendor booths, food, brews and raffle prizes.