2026 Hells Dells

What is the event format and distance?

• →The event is a 50k trail run, approximately 30.6 miles
• →Course features one continuous loop with an added lollipop section, totaling 29.5 unique miles
• →Elevation gain and loss is 3,300 feet
• →The course navigates through the Granite Dells of Prescott, weaving around Watson Lake and Willow Lake

What is the start time and date?

• →Race date: April 25, 2026
• →Start time: 7:30 AM

What is the course terrain and difficulty?

• →Mixed-terrain including singletrack trails, large portions of slick rock/granite, lakeside trails, and open prairie
• →Significant route-finding challenges with dozens of trail intersections
• →Large portions of slick rock and granite throughout
• →Described as a hard event that will take significantly longer than a typical road or well-groomed trail 50k
• →Course will be marked with arrows and color-coded flags, but GPS on your watch is strongly recommended

What are the course sections and highlights?

• →Miles 0–2: Flat and fast trails easing you into the Dells
• →Miles 2–7: Approximately 5 miles of technical granite/slick rock terrain through the Dells with soul-sucking views and granite thrones
• →Miles 7–10: Open prairie section of approximately 3km, fast and runnable
• →Willow Lake Section: Approximately 3.5 miles of lakeside trail between Watson and Willow Lakes, more runnable and breathable
• →Final ~5 miles: Back into the Dells with more technical granite terrain returning to start/finish

What are the aid stations and drop bag locations?

• →Reaper Station 1: Located approximately mile 10–11, drop bag allowed
• →Reaper Station 2: Located near your car, acts as your drop bag, last resupply before final push
• →A new water drop at mile ~25 at Constellation Trailhead added for 2026
• →Sports nutrition at stations is random and donated; bring your own primary nutrition

What are the 2026 course updates?

• →6.5 new miles of Dells trails added
• →Addition of Eagle Peak area
• →New trail segments: Gateway, Soggy Bottom, Ham and Cheese, and Splash
• →New water drop at mile ~25 at Constellation Trailhead
• →Willow Lake Loop now runs clockwise

What should participants bring for self-sufficiency?

• →Bring more water than you think, as terrain and heat in Prescott in late April can be brutal
• →Download the GPS route to your watch before race day; GPS on your watch is strongly recommended
• →Bring your own primary nutrition, as aid station nutrition is random and donated
• →Bring your own chair, extra food, and drinks for post-race hangout

What is the post-race setup?

• →Ramada reserved for the day with open field and playground nearby
• →Reaper Station snacks consolidated to the finish for hangout
• →Race prints (11×14) by Chris Hawthorne available for purchase at the race and online
• →$15 safety deposit returned to runners at check-in

Are there any important reminders or restrictions?

• →This is a minimal-support, small local race; self-sufficiency is expected
• →Course may have vandalism issues; arrows and flags are used but GPS is recommended
• →Cutoffs are described as "reasonable" but not explicitly stated
• →Notify the race director if you cannot attend, even up to race morning

Where can I find the course map?

• →GPS/Route Map: Caltopo ↗ (current as of 1/25/26, may alter slightly near Eagle Peak construction area)