Black Canyon Ultras

Black Canyon Ultras

The Black Canyon Ultras take place February 14 and 15, 2026 and feature point to point trail courses on the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail in central Arizona. The event starts near Mayer / Spring Valley and finishes at Emery Henderson Trailhead near New River for the 100K and at Deep Canyon Ranch in Black Canyon City for the 50K. The start is at Mayer High School.

• 100K point to point on the Black Canyon Trail, 62.2 miles.
• 50K point to point on the Black Canyon Trail, 32.2 miles.

Both courses follow a mixture of singletrack, jeep roads, and sections of an old stagecoach route. The routes include paved and dirt approach roads out of Spring Valley, multiple creek crossings with marked alternatives when water is present, and several gates where runners must close the gate behind them. The 100K contains an out-and-back at the Black Canyon City aid station and most climbing and technical terrain occur in the later miles.

Aid stations are staffed and offer water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane and gels, fruit, sweet and salty snacks, and heartier items at main stations. The 100K has nine aid stations spaced roughly 4.5 to 9 miles apart; the 50K has six. Drop bags and crew access are allowed at designated stations. Pacers are permitted for the 100K beginning at Deep Canyon Ranch; pacers must be on foot, wear a pacer bib, and sign a waiver.

The 100K serves as a Western States qualifier with a required sub 17 hour finish to be eligible for the lottery. The 100K is also part of the World Trail Majors collection. The race operates as a cupless event and has medical personnel stationed at major aid stations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.