Desert Peak Ultra Presented by Everyday Ultra
Save these dates:100K race is Saturday, April 10, 2027
BOTH 50K races are on Sunday, April 11, 2027
If you’re looking for a race that combines epic challenges, insane desert views, mountain climbs, buttery singletrack, alpine running, and an epic community gathering: the Desert Peak Ultra is for you.
See full details of the race at
desertpeakultra.com
We created this race to combine ultra endurance and a running festival, all in one. Test your limits, gather with other runners just like you, and create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Distances 👣
Desert Peak 100K: Climb straight into the sky as this 100K sends you up the towering face of Mount Lemmon, trading desert heat for crisp pine air at the summit. Rip across sweeping ridgelines with endless Sonoran views, then dive into the back half—miles of buttery singletrack and punchy climbs that will test your grit. From cactus-lined trails to alpine peaks, this is the kind of course that breaks limits and builds legends.
Desert Sky 50K: This isn’t your average 50K—this is a mountain mission. The 50K hurls you up Mount Lemmon’s steep, brutal slopes, taking you from desert floor to pine-drenched summit in one relentless push. After the summit, the course plunges into rugged descents and singletrack, making you earn every second of that 50K finish. Cactus at your feet, pines at your fingertips, and a mountain in your legs—the 50K is pure, unfiltered epic.
Desert Dream 50K: This is pure desert running bliss. Buttery singletrack, rolling hills, sweeping desert views, and miles on the world-class Arizona Trail. For those who love a true trail running race. If you’re looking for a course that is excellent for your first 50K, or one where you want to push a fast 50K PR, this is the course for you. Beginner friendly, blazing fast, and miles of dreamy trails in the desert that will leave you speechless.
Course Description ⛰️
Your next epic adventure awaits. For those looking for a rugged and rewarding mountain adventure, go for the Desert Sky 50K. For smooth singletrack and trail running bliss, go for the Desert Dream 50K. For the best of both worlds, go for the classic Desert Peak 100K, which combines steep climbs, desert singletrack and views for miles, and pines at the top. All races have fun in the sun during the day, slightly chilly at night. Whatever you’re looking for in your next ultra, we got it for you here.
For the Desert Peak 100K and Desert Sky 50K, the race starts off with a bang, summiting you up the highest mountain in the Santa Catalina Range, Mt Lemmon. The climb is steep and rugged, but rewards you with beautiful views of the city of Tucson and sprawling desert mountains.
You'll hit the top of the mountain in the peaceful ski town of Summerhaven, where you'll be treated with cold drinks, snacks, and replenishment as your reward before your descent down.
Descending down from the mountain is a nice ease on your legs after a tough climb. And then prepare for one more longer climb that will challenge you to keep pushing to back to the start/finish.
If you are racing the 100K, you will continue on to the back 50K which contains open desert views for days, buttery singletrack, and punchy climbs. This is pure desert trail running bliss, and what a way to finish your journey. And this part of the course is the more tame and faster Desert Dream 50K.
Course Description ⛰️
Your next epic adventure awaits. For those looking for a rugged and rewarding mountain adventure, go for the Desert Sky 50K. For smooth singletrack and trail running bliss, go for the Desert Dream 50K. For the best of both worlds, go for the classic Desert Peak 100K, which combines steep climbs, desert singletrack and views for miles, and pines at the top. All races have fun in the sun during the day, slightly chilly at night. Whatever you’re looking for in your next ultra, we got it for you here.
For the Desert Peak 100K and Desert Sky 50K, the race starts off with a bang, summiting you up the highest mountain in the Santa Catalina Range, Mt Lemmon. The climb is steep and rugged, but rewards you with beautiful views of the city of Tucson and sprawling desert mountains.
You'll hit the top of the mountain in the peaceful ski town of Summerhaven, where you'll be treated with cold drinks, snacks, and replenishment as your reward before your descent down.
Descending down from the mountain is a nice ease on your legs after a tough climb. And then prepare for one more longer climb that will challenge you to keep pushing to back to the start/finish.
If you are racing the 100K, you will continue on to the back 50K which contains open desert views for days, buttery singletrack, and punchy climbs. This is pure desert trail running bliss, and what a way to finish your journey. And this part of the course is the more tame and faster Desert Dream 50K.
Volunteering 🙋♀️
Volunteer Info Coming Soon
Elevation Profile & Cutoffs 🗺️
We’re proud to partner with
Footpath as our official mapping and navigation tool. While the course will be fully marked, we strongly recommend downloading the route in advance so you’re prepared on race day. You can save it for offline use in the Footpath app or export it directly to your GPS watch or device.
These race links unlock
Footpath Elite access for these routes, including the ability to download routes and maps for offline navigation when cell service is limited. Elite also includes turn-by-turn voice guidance, detailed elevation and slope analysis, premium topo maps, and route export to your GPS device. Since pioneering mobile route planning in 2013, Footpath has been featured by Apple and is trusted by over a million users worldwide. Available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Android.
100K: 12,000 ft of climbing. 24 hour cutoffDesert Sky 50K: 8,000 ft of climbing, 14.5 hour cutoffDesert Dream 50K: 3,500 ft of climbing, 14.5 hour cutoff
Aid Stations 🍌
Aid stations will be fully stocked with gels, drink mix, electrolytes, hot and cold food, snacks, candy, chips, water, and more! You can find the full aid station chart at desertpeakultra.com
Frequently Asked Questions ℹ️
For additional information including our withdrawl/deferral policy, go to
desertpeakultra.com
Questions? 💭
If you have questions, send an email to everydayultrapodcast@gmail.com
Onsite Camping ⛺️
There will be onsite camping at the race venue for Desert Peak Ultra! Camping will be at the Start/Finish for the race, and will have bathrooms on site available for use. All you need to bring is your own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc) as this is to reserve your spot on the campsite. Price is $35/per night.
Stay tuned for the link to reserve camping! 