The Black Canyon Ultras 100K offers an iconic point-to-point journey along the historic Black Canyon National Recreation Trail. Starting in Spring Valley, the course guides runners 62 miles south through the heart of the Sonoran Desert to the finish in New River.

This trail carries deep historical significance, originally serving as a travel corridor for Native Americans before evolving into a livestock driveway and later becoming part of the stagecoach road that connected Phoenix and Prescott. The race accommodates runners in three start waves, beginning at 7:00 AM.

The course is well-known for its two distinct halves. The first 20 miles feature a net downhill profile with fast, flowing singletrack and jeep roads that can tempt runners into pushing too hard early on. This opening section winds through classic desert landscapes dotted with saguaro and cholla cacti before reaching the first major crew access point at Bumble Bee Ranch.

From there, the terrain reveals its true character as runners navigate multiple crossings of Black Canyon and the Agua Fria river. These crossings vary considerably—from dry, sandy washes to ankle-deep water—depending on recent weather patterns.

While the course offers a net elevation loss, the second half presents the real challenge. After the Black Canyon City aid station near mile 37, the profile becomes notably more demanding, containing the majority of the race's 5,176 feet of elevation gain. Runners encounter a series of sustained climbs, steep technical descents, and rocky trail sections that demand focus and careful energy management.

Weather plays a crucial role in race strategy. Expect cold temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s at the start, with potential swings of 20-25 degrees as the day progresses into the high 50s. The Arizona desert climate remains unpredictable—historical conditions have included strong winds and rain—making preparation for varied conditions essential.

• Event Date: February 14, 2026
• Event Type: Trail 100k
• GPX Course Length: 62.13 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 126.04
• Total Ascent: 5175.85 ft
• Total Descent: 7035.4 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 52.39, 1.43 mi at an average grade of 4.32%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 8.7, 2.05 mi at an average grade of -4.39%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 28.88, 0.1 mi at an average grade of 10.68%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 34.47, 0.41 mi at an average grade of -8.16%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 44 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 51 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 25.2%
  • Minor Decline: 20.2%
  • Moderate Decline: 16.9%
  • Minor Incline: 12.8%
  • Moderate Incline: 12.6%
  • Challenging Decline: 6.6%
  • Challenging Incline: 4.4%
  • Steep Decline: 1%
  • Steep Incline: 0.3%

The race begins at Mayer High School with a 7:00 AM start, placing you on the course in the pre-dawn quiet just before the 7:14 AM sunrise. The initial three miles follow paved and dirt roads, giving the field room to spread out before you transition onto the Black Canyon Trail.

This first major segment treats you to fast, runnable terrain with a significant net elevation drop of approximately 2,500 feet. The trail alternates between flowing singletrack and wider jeep roads as it descends toward the Agua Fria River basin. While this section invites a quick pace, don't be fooled—it's a deceptive introduction to what lies ahead in this demanding 100K.

The terrain remains generally smooth, allowing you to find a consistent rhythm as you pass through the Antelope Mesa and Hidden Treasure aid stations. The landscape showcases classic Sonoran Desert beauty, with saguaro cacti standing sentinel and distant rolling hills illuminated by the early morning sun.

This segment concludes as you leave the main trail and enter the first major crew and drop bag location at Bumble Bee Ranch.

• Pacing Discipline: With over 3,000 feet of descent in this section, it's critical to resist the temptation to push the pace. Run with control to conserve your quads. Banking time here often means paying it back with interest in the more demanding final two-thirds of the race.

• Climb #1: Mile 1.02 to Mile 1.54, 0.52 mi, avg grade 3.33%, total gain 91.24 ft
• Climb #2: Mile 1.85 to Mile 2.16, 0.31 mi, avg grade 2.58%, total gain 42.16 ft
• Climb #3: Mile 2.77 to Mile 2.87, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.29%, total gain 17.81 ft
• Climb #4: Mile 3.79 to Mile 4.61, 0.81 mi, avg grade 4.13%, total gain 177.23 ft
• Climb #5: Mile 6.14 to Mile 6.25, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.68%, total gain 20.14 ft
• Climb #6: Mile 10.75 to Mile 10.85, 0.1 mi, avg grade 4.5%, total gain 23.95 ft
• Climb #7: Mile 14.83 to Mile 14.93, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.93%, total gain 20.77 ft
• Climb #8: Mile 15.23 to Mile 15.34, 0.1 mi, avg grade 5.55%, total gain 29.99 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 0.41 to Mile 0.62, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.63%, total drop 39.34 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 0.72 to Mile 0.82, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.77%, total drop 20.11 ft
• Descent #3: Mile 3.39 to Mile 3.69, 0.3 mi, avg grade -4.91%, total drop 79 ft
• Descent #4: Mile 5.02 to Mile 5.63, 0.61 mi, avg grade -4.45%, total drop 143.73 ft
• Descent #5: Mile 6.45 to Mile 6.65, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.22%, total drop 34.45 ft
• Descent #6: Mile 7.06 to Mile 7.26, 0.2 mi, avg grade -4.39%, total drop 46.95 ft
• Descent #7: Mile 7.57 to Mile 7.67, 0.1 mi, avg grade -6.8%, total drop 36.06 ft
• Descent #8: Mile 8.7 to Mile 10.75, 2.05 mi, avg grade -4.39%, total drop 475.39 ft
• Descent #9: Mile 11.25 to Mile 12.17, 0.92 mi, avg grade -3.14%, total drop 152.26 ft
• Descent #10: Mile 12.37 to Mile 12.48, 0.1 mi, avg grade -4.04%, total drop 21.88 ft
• Descent #11: Mile 15.95 to Mile 16.26, 0.31 mi, avg grade -3.69%, total drop 60.24 ft
• Descent #12: Mile 16.46 to Mile 17.07, 0.61 mi, avg grade -5.09%, total drop 163.88 ft
• Descent #13: Mile 17.48 to Mile 17.78, 0.31 mi, avg grade -3.76%, total drop 60.79 ft
• Descent #14: Mile 17.89 to Mile 18.09, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.82%, total drop 41.01 ft
• Descent #15: Mile 18.29 to Mile 18.9, 0.61 mi, avg grade -4.07%, total drop 131.33 ft

• Antelope Mesa (Mile 7.7)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.
• Hidden Treasure (Mile 12.9)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.
• Bumble Bee Ranch (Mile 19.4)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes

• None.

Leaving Bumble Bee Ranch, the character of the course begins to change. While you'll still find runnable sections, this segment introduces more technical terrain and a saw-tooth elevation profile that will test your rhythm. Right out of the aid station, you'll face a challenging climb of nearly a mile, gaining almost 300 feet at a 6% average grade—a clear signal that you're entering the race's more demanding middle section.

The route includes two diversions from the main Black Canyon Trail, first passing through Bumble Bee Ranch and later through Deep Canyon Ranch. These sections require careful attention to course markings, so stay alert for flagging and signs.

The defining feature of this section is the series of creek crossings through Black Canyon and the Agua Fria river, with the largest crossing coming around mile 34. Conditions at these crossings can vary significantly—you might encounter dry, rocky washes or flowing water that requires careful rock-hopping to keep your feet dry. Water levels depend entirely on recent rainfall and seasonal conditions.

The segment concludes with a short out-and-back to the Black Canyon City Trailhead aid station. This aid station serves as a key mental checkpoint, marking both the halfway point of your journey and the gateway to the race's most challenging terrain ahead.

• Maintain Consistent Effort: This segment features a relentless, undulating profile. Focus on maintaining a consistent effort rather than a consistent pace, hiking the uphills with purpose to conserve energy. Be prepared for potentially wet feet at the river crossings, which could impact comfort and gear choices for the rest of the race.

• Climb #9: Mile 19.62 to Mile 20.54, 0.92 mi, avg grade 6.08%, total gain 296.88 ft
• Climb #10: Mile 21.46 to Mile 21.67, 0.21 mi, avg grade 2.74%, total gain 29.69 ft
• Climb #11: Mile 23 to Mile 23.1, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.73%, total gain 20.51 ft
• Climb #12: Mile 24.01 to Mile 24.12, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.64%, total gain 19.82 ft
• Climb #13: Mile 25.03 to Mile 25.13, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.69%, total gain 19.72 ft
• Climb #14: Mile 26.35 to Mile 26.45, 0.1 mi, avg grade 4.67%, total gain 24.77 ft
• Climb #15: Mile 27.05 to Mile 27.15, 0.1 mi, avg grade 4.4%, total gain 23.46 ft
• Climb #16: Mile 28.88 to Mile 28.98, 0.1 mi, avg grade 10.68%, total gain 56.63 ft
• Climb #17: Mile 29.08 to Mile 29.28, 0.2 mi, avg grade 5.91%, total gain 62.99 ft
• Climb #18: Mile 29.99 to Mile 30.09, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.69%, total gain 19.65 ft
• Climb #19: Mile 30.7 to Mile 31.31, 0.61 mi, avg grade 5.52%, total gain 177.59 ft
• Climb #20: Mile 32.54 to Mile 32.64, 0.1 mi, avg grade 7.71%, total gain 42.39 ft
• Climb #21: Mile 32.74 to Mile 33.05, 0.31 mi, avg grade 5.31%, total gain 85.89 ft
• Climb #22: Mile 33.56 to Mile 33.76, 0.2 mi, avg grade 3.23%, total gain 34.38 ft
• Climb #23: Mile 34.07 to Mile 34.27, 0.2 mi, avg grade 4.18%, total gain 44.52 ft
• Climb #24: Mile 34.88 to Mile 34.98, 0.1 mi, avg grade 4.89%, total gain 26.18 ft
• Climb #25: Mile 35.68 to Mile 36.29, 0.61 mi, avg grade 4.78%, total gain 152.76 ft

• Descent #16: Mile 20.85 to Mile 21.46, 0.62 mi, avg grade -2.16%, total drop 70.28 ft
• Descent #17: Mile 23.91 to Mile 24.01, 0.1 mi, avg grade -6.41%, total drop 34.48 ft
• Descent #18: Mile 26.45 to Mile 26.95, 0.5 mi, avg grade -6.05%, total drop 160.96 ft
• Descent #19: Mile 27.46 to Mile 28.88, 1.42 mi, avg grade -6.54%, total drop 489.27 ft
• Descent #20: Mile 30.29 to Mile 30.7, 0.41 mi, avg grade -4.75%, total drop 103.02 ft
• Descent #21: Mile 31.41 to Mile 31.92, 0.51 mi, avg grade -9.07%, total drop 245.01 ft
• Descent #22: Mile 32.64 to Mile 32.74, 0.1 mi, avg grade -5.57%, total drop 30.28 ft
• Descent #23: Mile 34.47 to Mile 34.88, 0.41 mi, avg grade -8.16%, total drop 174.57 ft
• Descent #24: Mile 36.59 to Mile 37.2, 0.61 mi, avg grade -2.81%, total drop 90.55 ft

• Gloriana Mine (Mile 24)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.
• Deep Canyon Ranch (Mile 31.9)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
• Black Canyon City Trailhead (Mile 37.2)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.

• Gloriana Trailhead (~Mile 23.81): Trailhead providing access to the Black Canyon Trail.

This section truly defines the Black Canyon 100K experience and is where the race is often won or lost. As you leave Black Canyon City behind, the course immediately shifts character, presenting a relentless series of climbs and technical descents that will test both your legs and resolve. The terrain becomes notably more rugged here—rocky underfoot and exposed to the elements—demanding constant attention to your footing.

The heart of this challenge lies in the climbs between miles 39 and 42. Broken into two ascents, each stretches nearly a mile long with sustained grades hovering between 5.5% and 6.5%, making this the toughest climbing sequence you'll face all day.

After conquering this gauntlet, don't expect immediate relief. The course maintains its rolling, demanding nature as you work your way south toward the final major aid station at Table Mesa.

• The Crux Climbs: Between miles 39.2 and 41.3, you will face two back-to-back climbs, each gaining nearly 300 feet over less than a mile. Conserving mental and physical energy through the previous sections is paramount to successfully navigating this challenging portion without pushing into the red.

• Climb #26: Mile 39.23 to Mile 40.15, 0.92 mi, avg grade 6.47%, total gain 314.27 ft
• Climb #27: Mile 40.36 to Mile 41.28, 0.92 mi, avg grade 5.62%, total gain 272.74 ft
• Climb #28: Mile 41.58 to Mile 41.68, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.06%, total gain 16.63 ft
• Climb #29: Mile 43.52 to Mile 43.82, 0.31 mi, avg grade 4.29%, total gain 69.13 ft
• Climb #30: Mile 44.64 to Mile 45.15, 0.51 mi, avg grade 3.65%, total gain 98.43 ft
• Climb #31: Mile 45.97 to Mile 46.28, 0.31 mi, avg grade 3.18%, total gain 51.97 ft
• Climb #32: Mile 47.09 to Mile 47.3, 0.21 mi, avg grade 6.37%, total gain 69.06 ft
• Climb #33: Mile 47.4 to Mile 47.5, 0.1 mi, avg grade 4.35%, total gain 23.72 ft
• Climb #34: Mile 49.02 to Mile 49.33, 0.31 mi, avg grade 7.22%, total gain 116.57 ft
• Climb #35: Mile 50.04 to Mile 50.45, 0.41 mi, avg grade 3.36%, total gain 73.06 ft
• Climb #36: Mile 50.56 to Mile 50.66, 0.1 mi, avg grade 5.14%, total gain 27.3 ft

• Descent #25: Mile 38.62 to Mile 38.73, 0.1 mi, avg grade -8.38%, total drop 45.93 ft
• Descent #26: Mile 38.83 to Mile 39.13, 0.3 mi, avg grade -7.54%, total drop 120.47 ft
• Descent #27: Mile 41.28 to Mile 41.58, 0.31 mi, avg grade -5.43%, total drop 87.37 ft
• Descent #28: Mile 41.89 to Mile 41.99, 0.1 mi, avg grade -4.83%, total drop 25.56 ft
• Descent #29: Mile 42.2 to Mile 42.5, 0.3 mi, avg grade -4.15%, total drop 66.31 ft
• Descent #30: Mile 42.6 to Mile 43.52, 0.92 mi, avg grade -3.31%, total drop 160.79 ft
• Descent #31: Mile 43.93 to Mile 44.64, 0.71 mi, avg grade -4.38%, total drop 165.03 ft
• Descent #32: Mile 45.56 to Mile 45.77, 0.2 mi, avg grade -6.27%, total drop 67.85 ft
• Descent #33: Mile 46.28 to Mile 46.48, 0.2 mi, avg grade -6.1%, total drop 65.65 ft
• Descent #34: Mile 46.58 to Mile 46.89, 0.31 mi, avg grade -4.39%, total drop 70.93 ft
• Descent #35: Mile 47.6 to Mile 48.31, 0.71 mi, avg grade -4.04%, total drop 151.74 ft
• Descent #36: Mile 48.61 to Mile 48.72, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.73%, total drop 20.37 ft
• Descent #37: Mile 48.82 to Mile 49.02, 0.2 mi, avg grade -6.48%, total drop 69.62 ft
• Descent #38: Mile 49.43 to Mile 49.53, 0.1 mi, avg grade -4.66%, total drop 24.64 ft
• Descent #39: Mile 49.64 to Mile 49.74, 0.1 mi, avg grade -4.99%, total drop 26.57 ft

• Cottonwood Gulch (Mile 46.4)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.
• Table Mesa (Mile 51.1)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes

• Black Canyon City Trailhead (~Mile 37.71): Trailhead providing access to the Black Canyon Trail and location of the aid station.

Departing the final major crew access point at Table Mesa, you are on the home stretch to the finish line at Emery Henderson Trailhead. This last segment begins with the longest continuous climb of the race: a 1.43-mile ascent that gains over 325 feet. While the average grade is manageable at 4.3%, its position late in the race makes it a significant physical and mental hurdle.

After cresting this climb around mile 53.8, the course trends downhill to the finish, though you'll encounter a few more punchy climbs and technical descents that demand respect and attention on tired legs.

With sunset at 6:11 PM, you will almost certainly be navigating this section in the dark. The trail remains challenging as your world narrows to the beam of your headlamp, requiring careful foot placement and heightened focus.

After passing the final aid station at Doe Spring, the course makes its final descent. The lights of the finish line will be a welcome sight, signaling the end of your journey through the Black Canyon.

• The Final Major Climb and Night Running: The longest continuous climb of the race begins around mile 52.4. This 1.43-mile ascent is a test of will, coming at a point of significant fatigue. With sunset at 6:11 PM, you will likely navigate this climb and the subsequent technical descents in the dark. Ensure your headlamp is ready at the Table Mesa aid station.

• Climb #37: Mile 51.57 to Mile 51.88, 0.31 mi, avg grade 3.81%, total gain 61.58 ft
• Climb #38: Mile 52.39 to Mile 53.82, 1.43 mi, avg grade 4.32%, total gain 325.3 ft
• Climb #39: Mile 54.63 to Mile 54.83, 0.2 mi, avg grade 3.93%, total gain 41.77 ft
• Climb #40: Mile 55.03 to Mile 55.13, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.17%, total gain 16.77 ft
• Climb #41: Mile 56.05 to Mile 56.66, 0.61 mi, avg grade 5.07%, total gain 162.89 ft
• Climb #42: Mile 59.73 to Mile 59.83, 0.1 mi, avg grade 4.81%, total gain 25.72 ft
• Climb #43: Mile 60.54 to Mile 60.75, 0.2 mi, avg grade 2.03%, total gain 21.56 ft
• Climb #44: Mile 61.16 to Mile 61.26, 0.1 mi, avg grade 5.29%, total gain 28.48 ft

• Descent #40: Mile 53.92 to Mile 54.42, 0.51 mi, avg grade -4.72%, total drop 126.57 ft
• Descent #41: Mile 55.75 to Mile 55.95, 0.2 mi, avg grade -4.46%, total drop 48.03 ft
• Descent #42: Mile 56.66 to Mile 58.09, 1.43 mi, avg grade -4.5%, total drop 339.86 ft
• Descent #43: Mile 58.3 to Mile 58.4, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.99%, total drop 21.75 ft
• Descent #44: Mile 58.81 to Mile 58.91, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.03%, total drop 16.47 ft
• Descent #45: Mile 59.93 to Mile 60.14, 0.2 mi, avg grade -4.85%, total drop 52.36 ft
• Descent #46: Mile 60.85 to Mile 61.05, 0.2 mi, avg grade -2.65%, total drop 28.64 ft

• Doe Spring (Mile 58.7)
  • Offerings: Water, electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit.

• None.