Desert Peak Ultra

Choose Your Race

Desert Peak 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, builds legends and gives you the full desert experience, spines to pines.
Desert Sky 50K: This isn’t your average 50K—this is a mountain mission. The Desert Sky 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, making you earn every second of that 50K finish. Rocky climbs, pines at your fingertips, and a mountain in your legs—the Desert Sky 50K is pure, unfiltered epic.
Desert Dream 50K: This is pure desert running bliss. Buttery singletrack, rolling hills, sweeping desert views, and miles on the world-class Arizona Trail. For those who love a true trail running race. If you’re looking for a course that is excellent for your first 50K, or one where you want to push a fast 50K PR, this is the course for you. Beginner friendly, blazing fast, and miles of dreamy trails in the desert that will leave you speechless.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

From steep mountain climbs to flowing desert singletrack — this is what awaits you at Desert Peak Ultra.

Course Description

Your next epic adventure awaits. For those looking for a rugged and rewarding mountain adventure, go for the Desert Sky 50K. For smooth singletrack and trail running bliss, go for the Desert Dream 50K. For the best of both worlds, go for the classic Desert Peak 100K, which combines steep climbs, desert singletrack and views for miles, and pines at the top. All races have fun in the sun during the day, slightly chilly at night. Whatever you’re looking for in your next ultra, we got it for you here.

For the Desert Peak 100K and Desert Sky 50K, 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 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. And this part of the course is the more tame and faster Desert Dream 50K.

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 on Sat, April 10th for Desert Peak 100K, 6:00 AM on Sun, April 11th for Desert Sky 50K, 6:30 AM on Sun, April 11th for Desert Dream 50K
Cutoffs	Generous cutoffs. 24 hours for Desert Peak 100K, 14.5 hours for Desert Sky 50K and Desert Dream 50K. Specific cutoffs in the runner manual coming 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, carb/electrolyte 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, music at the trailhead, speakers, 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, and music to keep the vibes rolling.

FAQ

The Desert Dream 50K is perfect for a first 50K, as it is challenging, but not super hilly, not very technical, close aid stations, and generous cutoffs. For the Desert Sky 50K and Desert Peak 100K, these courses are challenging, rugged, and difficult; however, we provide generous cutoffs to provide ample time for anyone to finish. Last year, we had many people complete the DP 100K and Sky 50K as their first ultra. Just know that it is a difficult course, but that’s why we sign up for these things 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 each of the races (Desert Peak 100K and Desert Sky 50K immediately available, Desert Dream 50K coming soon), 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.

To be announced!

For any other questions or inquiries, contact our team at everydayultrapodcast@gmail.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