About This Race
The Elephant Mountain Trail Runs, held in the rugged Sonoran Desert of Cave Creek, Arizona, challenge athletes with distances ranging from a 6K to a grueling 50-miler. Organized by Aravaipa Running, this late-winter race immerses runners in a landscape of towering Saguaro cacti, rocky technical climbs, and sweeping views of the Tonto National Forest.
What Makes It Unique
- The 50-mile course features a remote and technical loop around Skull Mesa, taking runners deep into the backcountry of the Tonto National Forest and through the scenic Chalk Canyon.
- As part of the Desert Runner Trail Series, the race utilizes a sustainable 'cupless' format and provides high-end trail support, including unique aid station offerings like ramen and specialized vegan options.
- The route traverses four distinct protected areas, including Cave Creek Regional Park and the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, offering a diverse mix of single-track trails and old jeep roads.
50 Miler
50K
35K
22K
12K
6K
Media Coverage
Elephant Mountain 22k Race Report - Erica Kollen
Team RunRun
A detailed review of the 22K course, highlighting the rocky terrain, the organization of Aravaipa Running, and the scenic beauty of the Cave Creek desert.
Elephant Mountain Trail Run Race Brief
Aravaipa Running
A comprehensive video guide to the race course, detailing aid station locations, terrain changes, and specific trail markers for the different distances.
Elephant Mountain 50 Mile Trail Race - Pacing Ray
Run Steep Get High
A high-quality video profile and course review of the 50-mile distance, providing a visual guide to the rugged, rocky terrain and comparing its difficulty to the Black Canyon Trail.
Inside Aravaipa: Elephant Mountain & Mesquite Canyon
Inside Aravaipa
The official race director podcast provides an evergreen preview and strategic breakdown of the Elephant Mountain courses, covering aid station logistics and trail etiquette in the Arizona desert.
Elephant Mountain 50 Mile RSGH Course Preview
Aravaipa Running
A comprehensive editorial video guide produced by Run Steep Get High that walks runners through the technical sections of the 50-mile course, including the Spur Cross and Seven Springs segments.