Tortugas Mountain 24 Hour Challenge

Event overview

The Tortugas Mountain 24 Hour Challenge is a free 24-hour trail running event held on Tortugas Mountain near Las Cruces, New Mexico on November 14-15, 2025. Entry is capped at 50 participants and registration closes on Friday, October 31. Donations are accepted to benefit the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance; funds support trail building and maintenance, trainings, local trail events, tool purchases, advocacy, and outdoor recreation education. Participants are encouraged to bring lightly worn shoes for donation to a local shelter.

Course and logistics

The route begins at the Arroyo Loop trailhead at the Monte Vista Parking Lot and follows a 4-mile loop around the mountain. The trail is rocky, rolling single track with some two-track. The first lap proceeds clockwise; subsequent laps alternate direction. The course is marked with orange or pink flagging with reflective tape, rock cairns, and brown BLM trail markers.

Aid stations are located at the start/finish under a covered picnic area and at the 2-mile mark. Aid will include water and Heed electrolyte drink and minimal food, so participants should plan to provide most of their own food. This is a cupless event, so participants must bring their own drink vessels. Crews and supporters are permitted at the start/finish aid station. Each completed lap must be recorded on the registration board at the start/finish with the time of day shown on the official race clock. There is no requirement to be present for the entire 24 hours to have an official finishing distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.