About

The 50 Mile course ventures deep into the Tonto National Forest backcountry for a scenic desert tour around Skull Mesa. From Cave Creek, runners head north on Trail 4 with the creek nearby, move through Chalk Canyon to Seven Springs, then return south past Cartwright Ranch on the Cottonwood and Maricopa trails. The route circles the east side of Skull Mesa through rugged canyons and old abandoned campgrounds before reconnecting with Trail 4 at Cave Creek. Expect a course defined by beautiful Sonoran Desert terrain, varied singletrack, and a remote, adventurous feel. The combination of creekside stretches, canyon passages, and long backcountry segments gives this race a distinctly wild atmosphere.