Desert Peak Ultra

Choose Your Race

100K: Climb straight into the sky as this 100K sends you up the towering face of Mount Lemmon, trading desert heat for crisp pine air at the summit. Rip across sweeping ridgelines with endless Sonoran views, then dive into the back half—miles of buttery singletrack and punchy climbs that will test your grit. From cactus-lined trails to alpine peaks, this is the kind of course that breaks limits and builds legends.
50K: This isn’t your average 50K—this is a mountain mission. The 50K hurls you up Mount Lemmon’s steep, brutal slopes, taking you from desert floor to pine-drenched summit in one relentless push. After the summit, the course plunges into rugged descents and singletrack, making you earn every second of that 50K finish. Cactus at your feet, pines at your fingertips, and a mountain in your legs—the 50K is pure, unfiltered epic.
Summit Challenge (100K + 50K): Test your grit by taking on the 100K on day one, and then the 50K on day two. You'll summit Mt. Lemmon twice and cover 100 miles of epic trails over the course of two days. This is for those who want a serious challenge (and serious kudos).

Course Description

Expect smooth singletrack, steep climbs, desert views for miles, and pines at the top. Fun in the sun during the day, slightly chilly at night. You'll get the best of both worlds with traditional Sonoran Desert and alpine summit running. A great, but accessible, challenge for a first 100K or 50K. And a strong test for even seasoned ultrarunners. This race was designed for you.

Note: final course is pending permit approval and may change if certain sections aren't approved.

The race starts off with a bang, summiting you up the highest mountain in the Santa Catalina Range, Mt Lemmon. The climb is steep and rugged, but rewards with beautiful views of the city of Tucson and sprawling desert mountains.

You'll hit the top of the mountain in the peaceful ski town of Summerhaven, where you'll be treated with cold drinks, snacks, and replenishment as your reward before your descent down.

Descending down from the mountain is a nice ease on your legs after a tough climb. And then prepare for one more longer climb in the beginning 50K that will challenge you to keep pushing to back to the start/finish.

If you are racing the 100K, you will continue on to the back 50K which contains open desert views for days, buttery singletrack, and punchy climbs. This is pure desert trail running bliss, and what a way to finish your journey.

Gallery

Course Map & GPX

Explore the routes, elevation, and aid stations.

Aid Station Charts

Race Details

Start/Finish	Haycreek Ranch (36019 S Mt Lemmon Rd, Oracle, AZ 85623)
Start Times	5:30 AM for 100K, 6:00 AM for 50K (100K: April 11th • 50K: April 12th)
Cutoffs	Generous cutoffs. 24 hours for 100K and 14 hours for 50K. Specific cutoffs to be released soon.
Drop Bags	Drop bags are allowed (aid station guide with crew/dropbag access to be released soon)
Crew Access	Crew is allowed for 100K only (aid station guide with crew/dropbag access to be released soon)
Aid Stations	Fully stocked aid stations with gels, drink mix, real food, water, etc. (aid station guide to be released soon)
Safety	Medical support on call

More Than a Race: It’s a Festival

Sunrise start lines, sunset finishes, live DJ at the trailhead, food trucks, speakers, vendors, and vibes that go beyond just a race. Bring friends, crew, and your dog (leashed).

We don't want Desert Peak Ultra to just be a race. We want it to be an experience. Ultrarunning is about community, and that's what we want to create here. An event that brings us all together to meet other people who love pushing themselves, shredding singletrack, and being in the mountains.

If you're looking for people like you, you'll find it here.

On top of this, we'll have guest speakers give pre-race speeches, post-race inspiration to keep the fire going, after-race yoga sessions to relax the body, and music to keep the vibes rolling.

Live DJ & speakers
Food trucks & vendors
Photo/video ops
After-party vibes

FAQ

Absolutely. We designed this course for any ultrarunner, no matter where they are in their journey. Whether this is your first or tenth ultra, this race is for you. It definitely leans on the more challenging side, but that's why we're ultrarunners in the first place, right? 🙂

Yes! We offer training plans and direct guidance from a coach on how to train for your race in the Everyday Ultra Group Coaching program. You'll get a training plan specifically made for the Desert Peak Ultra (100K or 50K), weekly group coaching calls with Ultramarathon Coach Joe Corcione, a nutrition and hydration guide, strength training plan, and access to a community of runners, just like you! All for only $47/mo, paid on a monthly subscription.

You can register for the race on UltraSignup here: https://ultrasignup.com

We know that life is bigger than running, and sometimes big milestones come up that are far more important than a race. Here’s how we handle withdrawals: Deferrals: You may defer your entry up to 45 days before race day for 50% credit toward the following year’s race. Credits are valid for one year only and cannot be transferred to another runner. Within 45 Days: No deferrals, credits, or refunds will be granted for withdrawals made inside 45 days of race day. Bib Transfers: Bib transfers to another runner are not permitted under any circumstance. Pregnancy & Parenthood Exception: We proudly celebrate the arrival of new family members. If you or your partner experience one of these exciting life events, you’ll receive a 100% refund of your entry fee: • Adoption of a child under the age of 5 (between race registration and the deferral deadline). • Pregnancy (if the runner or their partner becomes pregnant after race registration). • Birth of a child (between race registration and the deferral deadline). We’re here to support you not just as a runner, but as a whole person. When life grows in beautiful new ways, we want to celebrate that with you.

The closest airport is Tucson International Airport (TUS) and is about 1 hour driving distance to the race. The next closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and is about 2 hours driving distance to the race.

Crew and pacers will be allowed for the 100K, but not the 50K.

For any other questions or inquiries, contact our amazing race director, Shelby Heinz, at shelby@theeverydayultra.com.

Ready to toe the line?

Lock your spot at Desert Peak Ultra. See you under the saguaros.

Register on UltraSignup

The Desert Peak Ultra