Desert Peak Ultra

Desert Peak Ultra

Register Saturday, Apr 11, 2026

36019 S Mt Lemmon Rd Oracle , AZ

100K + 50K Double (Summit Challenge), 100K, 50K

Website: desertpeakultra.com

Registration closes: Sun, Mar 15 @ 11:59PM PT

If you’re looking for a race that combines epic challenges, insane desert views, mountain climbs, buttery singletrack, alpine running, and an epic community gathering: the Desert Peak Ultra is for you.

We created this race to combine ultra endurance and a running festival, all in one. Test your limits, gather with other runners just like you, and create a memory that will last a lifetime.

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.

Distances

• 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).

Elevation Profile and Cutoffs

• 100K: 12,000 ft of climbing. 24 hour cutoff (Course Map Here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3396587981956182236)
• 50K: 8,000 ft of climbing, 12 hour cutoff (Course Map Here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3396590428224471720)

Aid Stations

Aid stations will be fully stoked with gels, drink mix, electrolytes, hot and cold food, snacks, candy, chips, water, and more! Full aid station chart at desertpeakultra.com

Start Times

• 100K: 5:30 AM
• 100K + 50K Double (Summit Challenge): 5:30 AM
• 50K: 6:00 AM