2026 Desert Peak Ultra
The 2026 Desert Peak Ultra will take place on April 11, 2026, in Oracle, United States. This trail running event is set in the Sonoran Desert and alpine terrain outside of Tucson, Arizona, USA, with the course traversing the Santa Catalina Range and climbing up to Mount Lemmon, the highest peak in the range. Participants can expect a mix of cactus-lined desert trails, steep rocky climbs, alpine ridgelines, and smooth descents, offering a rare and rewarding combination of desert and alpine experiences. The event is expected to have warm and sunny daytime conditions, with slightly chilly temperatures at night, and a significant temperature drop from the desert base to the alpine summit.
What is the 2026 Desert Peak Ultra?
The 2026 Desert Peak Ultra is a trail running event presented by Everyday Ultra, offering a unique opportunity to experience the Sonoran Desert and alpine terrain of the Santa Catalina Range. The race is set in Oracle, Arizona, USA, and includes multiple race distances and formats for participants of all skill levels.
What distances are available for this event?
- →100K race on Saturday, April 11, 2026
- →50K race on Sunday, April 12, 2026
- →Summit Challenge (100K + 50K) over both days combined
What is the elevation gain for each race?
- →100K: 12,000 ft elevation gain
- →50K: 8,000 ft elevation gain
What are the cutoff times for each race?
- →100K: 24-hour cutoff
- →50K: 12-hour cutoff
What is the course like for the 100K?
The 100K race begins with a steep, rugged climb to the summit of Mount Lemmon, offering sweeping views of Tucson and the surrounding desert. Runners then descend and tackle the back 50K, which includes open desert views, buttery singletrack, and punchy climbs through pure Sonoran trail running. The route can be viewed at Footpath ↗.
What is the course like for the 50K?
The 50K race sends runners up Mount Lemmon's steep slopes from the desert floor to the pine-covered summit, followed by rugged descents and singletrack before returning to the start/finish. The route can be viewed at Footpath ↗.
What is the Summit Challenge?
The Summit Challenge requires runners to complete the 100K on Day 1 and the 50K on Day 2, covering approximately 100 miles over two days. Participants will summit Mount Lemmon twice, making it a serious multi-day challenge.
What kind of terrain can participants expect?
The course features a mix of desert singletrack, steep rocky climbs, alpine ridgelines, and smooth descents, offering a diverse and challenging trail running experience.
What are the expected weather conditions for the event?
Participants can expect warm and sunny conditions during the day, with slightly chilly temperatures at night. There is a significant temperature drop from the desert base to the alpine summit, so appropriate gear is essential.
What aid stations are available during the race?
Aid stations are fully stocked with gels, drink mix, electrolytes, hot and cold food, snacks, candy, chips, and water. HYPERLYTE is the official on-course nutrition brand, providing their carb/electrolyte drink mix (caffeinated and non-caffeinated) at every aid station for free.
What navigation tools are provided for the race?
The official mapping partner is Footpath ↗, and the course will be fully marked. Runners are encouraged to download the route in advance for offline use. Race links unlock Footpath Elite access, which includes offline maps and routes, turn-by-turn voice guidance, elevation and slope analysis, premium topo maps, and GPS device export.
Is onsite camping available?
Yes, camping is available at the Start/Finish area, with on-site bathrooms. Participants must bring their own gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). The cost is $35 per night.
What is the volunteer opportunity for this event?
Participants can sign up to volunteer and receive a free race entry for the following year. More information is available at Signupgenius ↗.