The Black Canyon Ultras 100k is an iconic point-to-point race that guides runners along a historic segment of the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, deep in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. This trail began as a Native American trade route and later served as a vital livestock driveway, offering today's runners a profound journey through Arizona's rugged and scenic backcountry. Starting at Mayer High School in Spring Valley and finishing at the Emery Henderson Trailhead near New River, the course blends fast, flowing singletrack with technical jeep roads.

The race begins in the cool, pre-dawn hours, requiring runners to prepare for dramatic temperature swings throughout the day. Historical weather data shows morning temperatures often hover near freezing (2-4°C), while afternoon highs can climb into the low teens Celsius. Wind, rain, or even snow remain real possibilities for this time of year, demanding versatile gear choices and careful planning.

With sunset at 6:11 PM, most participants will navigate the final and most challenging sections in darkness, making reliable lighting systems essential for safe passage through the technical terrain.

The course profile tells a classic tale of two halves, defined by its deceptively inviting net-downhill character. The first 32 kilometers offer notably fast and runnable terrain, tempting many runners to push their pace too aggressively. However, the true test of the Black Canyon 100k reveals itself beyond the Black Canyon City aid station.

The second half becomes significantly more demanding, featuring the majority of the course's challenging climbs and technical, rocky descents. Success here demands disciplined patience in the early stages—runners must resist the temptation of those fast opening kilometers to preserve leg strength and mental energy for the arduous final 40 kilometers.

• Event Date: February 14, 2026
• Event Type: Trail 100k
• GPX Course Length: 99.98 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 126.04
• Total Ascent: 1577.6 m
• Total Descent: 2144.39 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 82.84, 3.77 km at an average grade of 3.47%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 13.83, 3.47 km at an average grade of -4.24%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 46.47, 0.16 km at an average grade of 10.68%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 55.47, 0.65 km 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 47 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 7:00 AM from Mayer High School. With sunrise at 7:14 AM, you'll start in the low light of dawn—a magical time in the Sonoran Desert. The initial 4.8 kilometers of paved and dirt roads offer a crucial opportunity for the field to spread out before everyone funnels onto the Black Canyon Trail singletrack.

This first major section features a net downhill profile and fast, flowing terrain that will tempt you to run faster than your planned effort. You'll descend steadily through the high desert landscape, navigating a mix of smooth trails and jeep roads.

• Managing the Fast, Early Downhills: The first 32 kilometers are predominantly fast and downhill, tempting an aggressive pace. This is a strategic error. Focus on conserving quadriceps strength and banking energy, not time, for the demanding second half of the race.

• Climb #1: Km 1.65 to Km 2.48, 0.83 km, avg grade 3.33%, total gain 27.81 m
• Climb #2: Km 2.97 to Km 3.47, 0.5 km, avg grade 2.58%, total gain 12.85 m
• Climb #3: Km 4.46 to Km 4.62, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.29%, total gain 5.43 m
• Climb #4: Km 6.11 to Km 7.41, 1.31 km, avg grade 4.13%, total gain 54.02 m
• Climb #5: Km 9.89 to Km 10.05, 0.17 km, avg grade 3.68%, total gain 6.14 m
• Climb #6: Km 17.3 to Km 17.46, 0.16 km, avg grade 4.5%, total gain 7.3 m
• Climb #7: Km 23.86 to Km 24.03, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.93%, total gain 6.33 m
• Climb #8: Km 24.52 to Km 24.68, 0.16 km, avg grade 5.55%, total gain 9.14 m

• Descent #1: Km 0.66 to Km 0.99, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.63%, total drop 11.99 m
• Descent #2: Km 1.16 to Km 1.32, 0.16 km, avg grade -3.77%, total drop 6.13 m
• Descent #3: Km 5.45 to Km 5.94, 0.49 km, avg grade -4.91%, total drop 24.08 m
• Descent #4: Km 8.08 to Km 9.06, 0.99 km, avg grade -4.45%, total drop 43.81 m
• Descent #5: Km 10.38 to Km 10.71, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.22%, total drop 10.5 m
• Descent #6: Km 11.36 to Km 11.69, 0.33 km, avg grade -4.39%, total drop 14.31 m
• Descent #7: Km 12.19 to Km 12.35, 0.16 km, avg grade -6.8%, total drop 10.99 m
• Descent #8: Km 12.68 to Km 13.67, 0.99 km, avg grade -2.62%, total drop 25.84 m
• Descent #9: Km 14 to Km 17.3, 3.3 km, avg grade -4.39%, total drop 144.9 m
• Descent #10: Km 18.11 to Km 19.59, 1.48 km, avg grade -3.14%, total drop 46.41 m
• Descent #11: Km 19.91 to Km 20.08, 0.17 km, avg grade -4.04%, total drop 6.67 m
• Descent #12: Km 25.67 to Km 26.17, 0.5 km, avg grade -3.69%, total drop 18.36 m
• Descent #13: Km 26.49 to Km 27.47, 0.98 km, avg grade -5.09%, total drop 49.95 m
• Descent #14: Km 28.13 to Km 28.62, 0.49 km, avg grade -3.76%, total drop 18.53 m
• Descent #15: Km 28.78 to Km 29.11, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.82%, total drop 12.5 m
• Descent #16: Km 29.44 to Km 30.42, 0.98 km, avg grade -4.07%, total drop 40.03 m

• Antelope Mesa (Km 12.4)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Hidden Treasure (Km 20.8)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Bumble Bee Ranch (Km 31.2)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes

• None.

Leaving Bumble Bee Ranch, the character of the course begins to shift. While still featuring runnable segments, the terrain becomes more varied and demanding, requiring a mental reset after the fast opening kilometers.

You will navigate through two key checkpoints at Bumble Bee Ranch and Deep Canyon Ranch, following course markings carefully as you briefly leave and rejoin the main trail. This section is defined by its numerous crossings of Black Canyon and the Agua Fria River, concentrated between kilometers 45 and 55. Depending on recent rainfall, these crossings can range from dry, rocky riverbeds to ankle-deep water, so be prepared to adjust your footing and strategy accordingly.

The elevation profile becomes increasingly undulating here, introducing a series of punchy climbs and descents that will test your legs. The steepest single uphill of the entire course appears just before kilometer 47—a short but intense climb averaging over 10% grade.

• Navigating River Crossings and Shifting Terrain: This section introduces multiple crossings of Black Canyon and the Agua Fria River. Footing can be unpredictable. After the smooth opening kilometers, the trail becomes more rugged, demanding increased concentration and adaptability.
• Confronting the Steepest Climb: Just before kilometer 47, you'll face the course's steepest pitch—a short but intense climb averaging over 10% grade. A strategic power-hike is more efficient here than trying to run, preserving energy for the miles ahead.

• Climb #9: Km 31.57 to Km 33.06, 1.49 km, avg grade 6.08%, total gain 90.49 m
• Climb #10: Km 34.54 to Km 34.87, 0.33 km, avg grade 2.74%, total gain 9.05 m
• Climb #11: Km 37.01 to Km 37.18, 0.17 km, avg grade 3.73%, total gain 6.25 m
• Climb #12: Km 38.65 to Km 38.81, 0.17 km, avg grade 3.64%, total gain 6.04 m
• Climb #13: Km 40.28 to Km 40.44, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.69%, total gain 6.01 m
• Climb #14: Km 42.4 to Km 42.57, 0.16 km, avg grade 4.67%, total gain 7.55 m
• Climb #15: Km 43.54 to Km 43.7, 0.16 km, avg grade 4.4%, total gain 7.15 m
• Climb #16: Km 46.47 to Km 46.63, 0.16 km, avg grade 10.68%, total gain 17.26 m
• Climb #17: Km 46.79 to Km 47.12, 0.32 km, avg grade 5.91%, total gain 19.2 m
• Climb #18: Km 48.26 to Km 48.42, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.69%, total gain 5.99 m
• Climb #19: Km 49.41 to Km 50.39, 0.98 km, avg grade 5.52%, total gain 54.13 m
• Climb #20: Km 52.36 to Km 52.53, 0.17 km, avg grade 7.71%, total gain 12.92 m
• Climb #21: Km 52.7 to Km 53.19, 0.49 km, avg grade 5.31%, total gain 26.18 m
• Climb #22: Km 54.01 to Km 54.34, 0.32 km, avg grade 3.23%, total gain 10.48 m
• Climb #23: Km 54.82 to Km 55.15, 0.32 km, avg grade 4.18%, total gain 13.57 m
• Climb #24: Km 56.13 to Km 56.29, 0.16 km, avg grade 4.89%, total gain 7.98 m
• Climb #25: Km 57.42 to Km 58.4, 0.97 km, avg grade 4.78%, total gain 46.56 m

• Descent #17: Km 33.22 to Km 33.39, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.12%, total drop 5.17 m
• Descent #18: Km 33.55 to Km 34.54, 0.99 km, avg grade -2.16%, total drop 21.42 m
• Descent #19: Km 35.36 to Km 35.53, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.55%, total drop 5.89 m
• Descent #20: Km 38.48 to Km 38.65, 0.16 km, avg grade -6.41%, total drop 10.51 m
• Descent #21: Km 39.63 to Km 39.95, 0.33 km, avg grade -2.55%, total drop 8.33 m
• Descent #22: Km 42.57 to Km 43.38, 0.81 km, avg grade -6.05%, total drop 49.06 m
• Descent #23: Km 44.19 to Km 46.47, 2.28 km, avg grade -6.54%, total drop 149.13 m
• Descent #24: Km 47.77 to Km 48.1, 0.33 km, avg grade -2.93%, total drop 9.69 m
• Descent #25: Km 48.75 to Km 49.41, 0.66 km, avg grade -4.75%, total drop 31.4 m
• Descent #26: Km 50.55 to Km 51.37, 0.82 km, avg grade -9.07%, total drop 74.68 m
• Descent #27: Km 52.53 to Km 52.7, 0.17 km, avg grade -5.57%, total drop 9.23 m
• Descent #28: Km 53.52 to Km 53.68, 0.16 km, avg grade -3.7%, total drop 6.05 m
• Descent #29: Km 54.5 to Km 54.66, 0.16 km, avg grade -4.88%, total drop 7.88 m
• Descent #30: Km 55.47 to Km 56.13, 0.65 km, avg grade -8.16%, total drop 53.21 m
• Descent #31: Km 58.89 to Km 59.87, 0.98 km, avg grade -2.81%, total drop 27.6 m

• Gloriana Mine (Km 38.6)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Deep Canyon Ranch (Km 51.3)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
• Black Canyon City Trailhead (Km 59.9)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No

• Gloriana Trailhead (~Km 38.32): Trailhead providing access to the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail.

The final 40 kilometers from the Black Canyon City aid station represent the crux of the race. This is where your day will be defined. This section contains the most difficult terrain, the bulk of the significant climbing, and the most technical descents you will face. The course becomes relentlessly rugged and rocky, demanding constant concentration and precise foot placement.

You will tackle several major climbs, including the longest sustained ascent of the race—a nearly 4-kilometer climb starting around kilometer 83 that will test your resolve deep into the race.

With sunset at 6:11 PM, you will almost certainly navigate at least part of this challenging terrain in the dark.Any energy you conserved in the first half will pay dividends here, allowing you to maintain both mental clarity and physical strength as you push through the final ascents and descents toward the finish line at the Emery Henderson Trailhead.

• Embracing the Crux: This final 40-kilometer section is where the race is won or lost. It contains the most significant climbing and technical terrain, designed to test accumulated fatigue. Mental resilience and the physical energy you conserved earlier are your most critical assets here.
• Mastering the Darkness: With sunset at 6:11 PM, you will navigate a significant portion of this technical finale in the dark. Your headlamp is a crucial tool for maintaining pace and avoiding injury. Ensure your lighting system is tested, fully charged, and readily accessible before leaving the Table Mesa aid station.

• Climb #26: Km 63.14 to Km 64.62, 1.48 km, avg grade 6.47%, total gain 95.79 m
• Climb #27: Km 64.95 to Km 66.43, 1.48 km, avg grade 5.62%, total gain 83.13 m
• Climb #28: Km 66.92 to Km 67.08, 0.17 km, avg grade 3.06%, total gain 5.07 m
• Climb #29: Km 70.04 to Km 70.53, 0.49 km, avg grade 4.29%, total gain 21.07 m
• Climb #30: Km 71.84 to Km 72.67, 0.82 km, avg grade 3.65%, total gain 30 m
• Climb #31: Km 73.98 to Km 74.48, 0.5 km, avg grade 3.18%, total gain 15.84 m
• Climb #32: Km 75.79 to Km 76.12, 0.33 km, avg grade 6.37%, total gain 21.05 m
• Climb #33: Km 76.28 to Km 76.44, 0.17 km, avg grade 4.35%, total gain 7.23 m
• Climb #34: Km 78.9 to Km 79.39, 0.49 km, avg grade 7.22%, total gain 35.53 m
• Climb #35: Km 80.53 to Km 81.2, 0.66 km, avg grade 3.36%, total gain 22.27 m
• Climb #36: Km 81.36 to Km 81.52, 0.16 km, avg grade 5.14%, total gain 8.32 m
• Climb #37: Km 83 to Km 83.49, 0.49 km, avg grade 3.81%, total gain 18.77 m
• Climb #38: Km 84.31 to Km 86.61, 2.29 km, avg grade 4.32%, total gain 99.15 m
• Climb #39: Km 87.92 to Km 88.24, 0.32 km, avg grade 3.93%, total gain 12.73 m
• Climb #40: Km 88.57 to Km 88.73, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.17%, total gain 5.11 m
• Climb #41: Km 90.21 to Km 91.19, 0.98 km, avg grade 5.07%, total gain 49.65 m
• Climb #42: Km 96.13 to Km 96.29, 0.16 km, avg grade 4.81%, total gain 7.84 m
• Climb #43: Km 97.44 to Km 97.76, 0.32 km, avg grade 2.03%, total gain 6.57 m
• Climb #44: Km 98.42 to Km 98.58, 0.16 km, avg grade 5.29%, total gain 8.68 m

• Descent #32: Km 62.16 to Km 62.33, 0.17 km, avg grade -8.38%, total drop 14 m
• Descent #33: Km 62.49 to Km 62.98, 0.49 km, avg grade -7.54%, total drop 36.72 m
• Descent #34: Km 66.43 to Km 66.92, 0.49 km, avg grade -5.43%, total drop 26.63 m
• Descent #35: Km 67.41 to Km 67.57, 0.16 km, avg grade -4.83%, total drop 7.79 m
• Descent #36: Km 67.91 to Km 68.39, 0.49 km, avg grade -4.15%, total drop 20.21 m
• Descent #37: Km 68.56 to Km 70.04, 1.48 km, avg grade -3.31%, total drop 49.01 m
• Descent #38: Km 70.7 to Km 71.84, 1.15 km, avg grade -4.38%, total drop 50.3 m
• Descent #39: Km 73.33 to Km 73.65, 0.33 km, avg grade -6.27%, total drop 20.68 m
• Descent #40: Km 74.48 to Km 74.8, 0.33 km, avg grade -6.1%, total drop 20.01 m
• Descent #41: Km 74.97 to Km 75.46, 0.49 km, avg grade -4.39%, total drop 21.62 m
• Descent #42: Km 76.61 to Km 77.75, 1.14 km, avg grade -4.04%, total drop 46.25 m
• Descent #43: Km 78.24 to Km 78.4, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.73%, total drop 6.21 m
• Descent #44: Km 78.57 to Km 78.9, 0.33 km, avg grade -6.48%, total drop 21.22 m
• Descent #45: Km 79.56 to Km 79.72, 0.16 km, avg grade -4.66%, total drop 7.51 m
• Descent #46: Km 79.88 to Km 80.04, 0.16 km, avg grade -4.99%, total drop 8.1 m
• Descent #47: Km 86.77 to Km 87.59, 0.82 km, avg grade -4.72%, total drop 38.58 m

• Cottonwood Gulch (Km 74.7)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No
• Table Mesa (Km 82.2)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
• Doe Spring (Km 94.5)
  • Offerings: Standard offerings including water, GU Roctane, GU Gels, Gatorade, salt tabs, sweet/salty snacks, and fruit.
  • Drop Bags: No
  • Crew Access: No

• Black Canyon City Trailhead (~Km 60.69): Trailhead providing access to the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail.