About This Race
The Desert Peak Ultra is a grueling mountain race in Oracle, Arizona, that challenges runners with a dramatic ascent from the Sonoran Desert floor to the 9,159-foot alpine summit of Mount Lemmon. Participants navigate a mix of rugged climbs and smooth singletrack trails while experiencing a stunning transition from saguaro-filled landscapes to cool pine forests.
What Makes It Unique
- Sky Island Transition: Runners undergo a rare ecological shift, ascending over 8,000 feet from the heat of the Sonoran Desert into high-altitude alpine pine forests at the summit.
- The Summit Challenge: Hardcore athletes can tackle the 'Summit Challenge,' which requires completing both the 100K and 50K races on back-to-back days to summit Mount Lemmon twice.
- Ultra-Festival Atmosphere: The event doubles as a trail festival featuring a live DJ, guest speakers, food trucks, and post-race yoga sessions at the Haycreek Ranch start/finish line.
Media Coverage
AJW’s Three Wishes for Ultrarunning in 2026
iRunFar
Renowned columnist Andy Jones-Wilkins profiles the Desert Peak Ultra as a standout example of the 'mom and pop' grassroots race movement, offering a high-quality alternative to corporate-led events.
Desert Peak Ultra 100k & 50k Course Recon
Everyday Ultra
A comprehensive editorial guide and video walkthrough of the course, detailing the ascent of Mount Lemmon and the technical Sonoran Desert singletrack.