The 2026 Hells Dells is scheduled for April 25, 2026, in Prescott, Arizona, United States. Participants can expect a high-desert climate with typically mild to warm spring temperatures, though conditions can vary from cool mornings to potentially hot afternoons, requiring preparation for sun exposure and variable weather. This event features a challenging 50k trail run through the Granite Dells, navigating a mix of singletrack trails, large portions of slick rock and granite, lakeside paths, and open prairie terrain with significant elevation gain and technical route-finding challenges.
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)
