Black Canyon 100K

Black Canyon 100K Countdown

309

Days

22

Hrs

30

Min

50

Sec

Next Race

February 13, 2027

310

days to go

A World Trail Majors race and one of the fastest 100Ks in the world, the Black Canyon 100K follows the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail through the Sonoran Desert of central Arizona. The fast, runnable terrain of packed desert singletrack has produced a string of course record performances in recent years, and the race serves as a coveted Golden Ticket qualifier for the Western States 100.

ITRA 4 Endurance Points

Est.

2009

Distance

100km / 62mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Desert Trail

Elev. Gain

2600m

Elev. Loss

2900m

Field Size

~400

When

February

Time Limit

20h

THE COURSE

Gain

+2600m

Loss

-2900m

MI 0

KM 0

Antelope Creek Trailhead Start

Runners depart from the Antelope Creek Trailhead near the old mining town of Mayer at an elevation of roughly 1,400 meters. The early miles feature smooth, fast desert singletrack winding through high-desert grasslands and juniper stands.

ELEV: 1400ft

MI 16

KM 26

Bumblebee Ranch

Around mile 16, the course passes through the historic Bumblebee Ranch area, descending into washes and creek crossings. This section marks the transition from high desert into the lower Sonoran landscape of saguaro cacti and mesquite.

ELEV: 1000ft

MI 30

KM 48

Black Canyon Trail Ridgeline

The heart of the course follows exposed ridgelines with vast panoramic views of the Bradshaw Mountains to the west and the Agua Fria River valley below. Smooth granite singletrack and gentle rollers make this one of the fastest trail sections anywhere.

ELEV: 1100ft

MI 42

KM 68

Gloriana Mine & River Crossing

Past the halfway mark, runners descend past the old Gloriana Mine ruins and cross the Agua Fria River. The rocky descent and creek crossing provide a change of pace before the final desert push southward.

ELEV: 750ft

MI 60

KM 97

Table Mesa & Finish

The final 10 miles follow the Black Canyon Trail across Table Mesa, a rolling desert plateau with views of I-17 in the distance. Runners descend to the Emery Henderson Trailhead finish in Black Canyon City, often arriving to a raucous crowd.

ELEV: 600ft