Mingus Traverse
Flagstaff, United States • 5-7 May 2026
Event overview
The Mingus Traverse is a point-to-point trail race from Prescott to Sedona, Arizona. The course distance is listed at approximately 79 miles with an estimated total elevation gain of 10,116 feet. Surface makeup is a mix of single-track (56%), double-track (34%), and pavement (10%). The route starts at Watson Lake Park in Prescott and finishes at the Sedona Ranger Station. The published time limit for the event is 44.75 hours.
Course and logistics
The course links Prescott, Prescott Valley, Mingus Mountain, Jerome, Clarkdale, the Verde River corridor (including Tuzigoot and Dead Horse Ranch State Park), and Sedona red-rock country. Reported high and low elevations are 7,819 ft and 3,319 ft respectively. Aid station support for the Mingus Traverse is listed as 6 aid stations and 1 water-only station; aid stations are reported to offer water, an electrolyte drink, sodas, sweet and salty snacks, fruit, and most will offer a hot meal with vegan options available.
Pacers are not allowed on the Mingus Traverse. Runners are required to carry a GPS-enabled device with the course file downloaded. The event operates a cupless aid-station policy for cold drinks; runners must carry their own container for refills. Packet pickup and drop-bag options are provided at multiple locations including Aravaipa HQ (Phoenix), Deep Canyon Ranch/Black Canyon City, and a Prescott hotel check-in site. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.