Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain Trail Runs : Event

Elephant Mountain Trail Runs take place at Cave Creek Regional Park in Cave Creek, Arizona on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The event offers multiple distances:

• 50 Mile
• 50K
• 35K
• 22K
• 12K
• 6K

The race is part of the Desert Runner Trail Series. The 12K scores points toward the Quail division, the 22K toward Roadrunner, the 35K toward the Trail division, and the 50K toward the Ultra division. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers at each distance, and all finishers receive a finisher award. The 50 Mile finishers receive a custom wood finisher award.

Course and race logistics

All courses use single-track trails and dirt roads on the Maricopa Trail, in Cave Creek Regional Park, Tonto National Forest, and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Typical desert trail conditions include rocks, sand, cactus, and gravel. Aid stations are located every 3-7 miles and provide water, an electrolyte drink (NeverSecond), snacks, and fruit. Additional food options for longer distances are available at specific aid stations (for example turkey rollups or hummus at Spur Cross and chicken salad or chickpea sandwiches at Seven Springs). The event is cupless - reusable cups will be available at registration and on race day. Crews are allowed at the start/finish and at Spur Cross; pacers are permitted for the 50 Mile at designated aid stations, while pacers are not allowed for the 50K in 2025. Drop bags are allowed for the 50 Mile and 50K at designated aid stations; the 35K has no remote drop bag. Parking at the park carries a per-vehicle entry fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.