Saturday - February 1, 2025
Elephant Mountain Trail Runs
Cave Creek, AZ
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the rugged terrain of Elephant Mountain. With its sprawling single track trails, winding through towering Saguaro cacti and rocky outcrops, Elephant Mountain offers a thrilling adventure for nature enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the desert, this hidden gem beckons you to explore its majestic peaks and hidden trails. Discover the untamed beauty of Elephant Mountain today!
*Distances may vary slightly each year due to permitting.
Start Times
6:00 AM – 50 Mile Start7:00 AM – 50 Km Start
7:30 AM – 35 Km Start
7:45 AM – 22 Km Start
8:30 AM – 12 Km Start
8:45 AM – 6 Km Start
Bib Pickup
Friday, January 31Packet Pickup 12:00 PM-5:00PM Aravaipa Running Headquarters
2401 S 24th St
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 346-0554
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Saturday, February 1
Race Day Pickup 5:15-8:30AM
Cave Creek Regional Park – Horse Staging Area
Volunteer
We need help to make Elephant Mountain Trail Runs possible. Volunteer perks include Aravaipa race credits and race swag!Race Perks
- Gender specific race shirt (Men’s & Women’s styles)- Chip timed race results displayed at finish line
- Scenic and challenging course on desert trails
- Well stocked aid stations every few miles
- Post race food (grilled cheese & quesadillas) & socializing
- 50 Milers receive a custom Wood Finisher Award
- Aravaipa Glassware Finisher Award
Live Tracking
Follow the 2025 Elephant Mountain Trail Runs with live split points throughout the race.
Race Registration
| Until 9/4 | Until 1/8 | Until 1/29 | Race Week | |
| 50 MILE | $170 | $185 | $200 | $210 |
| 50KM | $130 | $145 | $160 | $170 |
| 35KM | $90 | $105 | $120 | $130 |
| 22KM | $70 | $80 | $90 | $100 |
| 12KM | $55 | $65 | $75 | $85 |
| 6KM | $45 | $50 | $55 | $60 |
Save $8.20 with our no-shirt option! Shirts guaranteed on race day if ordered by 1/7. After 1/7, shirts are not guaranteed with your registration & may be available on race day if there are extras.
**Pricing does not include tax or any fees from Ultrasignup
Course Information
Women's Course Record | 9:58:58 - Kristina Pattison (2021)
Courses
All runs take place on single track trails and dirt roads in Cave Creek Regional Park, the Maricopa Trail, Tonto National Forest, & Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Expect typical desert trail conditions including rocks, sand, cactus and gravel.
Course Maps
Aid stations every 3-7 miles including water, electrolyte drink (Gnarly Fuel 2O), sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one bottle of water.
50 Milers will have further gaps in aid stations including 12 miles and 14 miles and will also have additional food options at Spur Cross (turkey rollups or hummus/avocado), Seven Springs (Chicken salad or Chickpea sandwiches), and Go John II (ramen, broth, coffee).
Aid station distance chart:
Reminder: Cupless Events
In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. This means there will be NO CUPS for soda, water, electrolyte drink, etc.
We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own!
Crews
Crews are welcome to support runners at the start/finish line at the Horse Staging Area as well as at Spur Cross Aid Station (12 mile / 30 minute drive from start line).
Crew are also allowed at Seven Springs for the 50 mile distance (~approx 1 hour from the start line).
Pacers
In 2025, there will be NO pacers allowed for the 50K race.
Pacers will be permitted at Seven Springs & Spur Cross II aid stations for the 50 mile distance. Pacers are responsible for transportation to/from their pacing duties.
A drop bag will be allowed at the Spur Cross Aid Station for the 50 Mile (remember a headlamp!) and 50K. Please place these in the designated area at the race start by 7 AM to be transported to the Spur Cross Aid Station.
The 50 Milers can have a drop bag at Seven Springs Aid Station as well. Drop bags will be delivered back to the start/finish line after the Aid Station closes.
35K Runners have NO remote drop bag.
Cut-Offs
50 Mile
These 50 mile cutoffs are in place for a reason and are non-negotiable. The stretches between Spur Cross and Seven Springs and then Seven Springs back to Spur Cross are long, remote stretches. Heading out after the indicated cutoffs can not only be dangerous for yourself but also our staff and volunteers. Please don’t be that person.
50 Milers must leave Spur Cross I (10.5 miles) by 8:45am
50 Milers must leave Seven Springs (23 miles) by 1:30pm
50 Milers must leave Spur Cross II (36.5 miles) by 6:00pm
16 hours for the 50 Mile (10:00pm).
50K
50K runners must leave the Start/Finish for their last loop (7.2 miles) by 6:30pm
15 hours for the 50K (10:00pm).
Start Time | 7:00 am
Courses
All runs take place on single track trails and dirt roads in Cave Creek Regional Park, the Maricopa Trail, Tonto National Forest, & Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Expect typical desert trail conditions including rocks, sand, cactus and gravel.
Course Photos
Course Maps
Aid stations every 3-7 miles including water, electrolyte drink (Gnarly Fuel 2O), sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one bottle of water.
Additional food options at Spur Cross (turkey rollups or hummus/avocado), Seven Springs (Chicken salad or Chickpea sandwiches), and Go John II (ramen, broth, coffee).
Aid station distance chart:
Reminder: Cupless Events
In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. This means there will be NO CUPS for soda, water, electrolyte drink, etc.
We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own!
Crews
Crews are welcome to support runners at the start/finish line at the Horse Staging Area as well as at Spur Cross Aid Station (12 mile / 30 minute drive from start line).
Crew are also allowed at Seven Springs for the 50 mile distance (~approx 1 hour from the start line).
Pacers
In 2025, there will be NO pacers allowed for the 50K race.
Pacers will be permitted at Seven Springs & Spur Cross II aid stations for the 50 mile distance. Pacers are responsible for transportation to/from their pacing duties.
A drop bag will be allowed at the Spur Cross Aid Station for the 50 Mile (remember a headlamp!) and 50K. Please place these in the designated area at the race start by 7 AM to be transported to the Spur Cross Aid Station.
The 50 Milers can have a drop bag at Seven Springs Aid Station as well. Drop bags will be delivered back to the start/finish line after the Aid Station closes.
35K Runners have NO remote drop bag.
Cut-Offs
50 Mile
These 50 mile cutoffs are in place for a reason and are non-negotiable. The stretches between Spur Cross and Seven Springs and then Seven Springs back to Spur Cross are long, remote stretches. Heading out after the indicated cutoffs can not only be dangerous for yourself but also our staff and volunteers. Please don’t be that person.
50 Milers must leave Spur Cross I (10.5 miles) by 8:45am
50 Milers must leave Seven Springs (23 miles) by 1:30pm
50 Milers must leave Spur Cross II (36.5 miles) by 6:00pm
16 hours for the 50 Mile (10:00pm).
50K
50K runners must leave the Start/Finish for their last loop (7.2 miles) by 6:30pm
15 hours for the 50K (10:00pm).
Courses
All runs take place on single track trails and dirt roads in Cave Creek Regional Park, the Maricopa Trail, Tonto National Forest, & Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Expect typical desert trail conditions including rocks, sand, cactus and gravel.
Course Photos
Course Maps
Aid stations every 3-7 miles including water, electrolyte drink (Gnarly Fuel 2O), sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one bottle of water.
Aid station distance chart:
Reminder: Cupless Events
In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. This means there will be NO CUPS for soda, water, electrolyte drink, etc.
We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own!
Crews
Crews are welcome to support runners at the start/finish line at the Horse Staging Area as well as at Spur Cross Aid Station (12 mile / 30 minute drive from start line).
Crew are also allowed at Seven Springs for the 50 mile distance (~approx 1 hour from the start line).
Pacers
In 2025, there will be NO pacers allowed for the 50K race.
Pacers will be permitted at Seven Springs & Spur Cross II aid stations for the 50 mile distance. Pacers are responsible for transportation to/from their pacing duties.
A drop bag will be allowed at the Spur Cross Aid Station for the 50 Mile (remember a headlamp!) and 50K. Please place these in the designated area at the race start by 7 AM to be transported to the Spur Cross Aid Station.
The 50 Milers can have a drop bag at Seven Springs Aid Station as well. Drop bags will be delivered back to the start/finish line after the Aid Station closes.
35K Runners have NO remote drop bag.
Start Time | 7:45 am
Courses
All runs take place on single track trails and dirt roads in Cave Creek Regional Park, the Maricopa Trail, Tonto National Forest, & Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Expect typical desert trail conditions including rocks, sand, cactus and gravel.
Course Photos
Course Maps
Aid stations every 3-7 miles including water, electrolyte drink (Gnarly Fuel 2O), sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one bottle of water.
Aid station distance chart:
Reminder: Cupless Events
In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. This means there will be NO CUPS for soda, water, electrolyte drink, etc.
We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own!
Crews
Crews are welcome to support runners at the start/finish line at the Horse Staging Area as well as at Spur Cross Aid Station (12 mile / 30 minute drive from start line).
Crew are also allowed at Seven Springs for the 50 mile distance (~approx 1 hour from the start line).
Pacers
In 2025, there will be NO pacers allowed for the 50K race.
Pacers will be permitted at Seven Springs & Spur Cross II aid stations for the 50 mile distance. Pacers are responsible for transportation to/from their pacing duties.
Courses
All runs take place on single track trails and dirt roads in Cave Creek Regional Park, the Maricopa Trail, Tonto National Forest, & Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Expect typical desert trail conditions including rocks, sand, cactus and gravel.
Course Photos
Course Maps
Aid stations every 3-7 miles including water, electrolyte drink (Gnarly Fuel 2O), sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one bottle of water.
Aid station distance chart:
Reminder: Cupless Events
In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. This means there will be NO CUPS for soda, water, electrolyte drink, etc.
We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own!
Crews
Crews are welcome to support runners at the start/finish line at the Horse Staging Area as well as at Spur Cross Aid Station (12 mile / 30 minute drive from start line).
Crew are also allowed at Seven Springs for the 50 mile distance (~approx 1 hour from the start line).
Pacers
In 2025, there will be NO pacers allowed for the 50K race.
Pacers will be permitted at Seven Springs & Spur Cross II aid stations for the 50 mile distance. Pacers are responsible for transportation to/from their pacing duties.
Start Time | 8:45 am
Time Limit | 7+ Hours (4:00 pm Overall Cutoff)
Courses
All runs take place on single track trails and dirt roads in Cave Creek Regional Park, the Maricopa Trail, Tonto National Forest, & Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Expect typical desert trail conditions including rocks, sand, cactus and gravel.
Course Photos
Course Maps
Aid stations every 3-7 miles including water, electrolyte drink (Gnarly Fuel 2O), sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one bottle of water.
Aid station distance chart:
Reminder: Cupless Events
In an effort to continually lessen our race footprint, we are expanding our cupless events to the Desert Runner Trail Series. This means there will be NO CUPS for soda, water, electrolyte drink, etc.
We will have UltrAspire reusable cups available at registration and on race day or feel free to bring your own!
Crews
Crews are welcome to support runners at the start/finish line at the Horse Staging Area as well as at Spur Cross Aid Station (12 mile / 30 minute drive from start line).
Crew are also allowed at Seven Springs for the 50 mile distance (~approx 1 hour from the start line).
Pacers
In 2025, there will be NO pacers allowed for the 50K race.
Pacers will be permitted at Seven Springs & Spur Cross II aid stations for the 50 mile distance. Pacers are responsible for transportation to/from their pacing duties.
Elephant Mountain Course Preview Video
Additional Race Info
Park Entry Fee
Remember the park now charges a $7 park entry fee per vehicle. Please arrive early and have correct change (cash) available on race morning for a smooth entry process. Carpool to save!
Course Markings
The race courses will be well marked with orange plastic ribbons with black polka dots. Trail junctions and turns will be well marked with colored laminated signs. Please pay attention to these signs at each junction as there are multiple race distances and race courses! Course signs will correspond with your race’s color with the exception of the 6K which will follow orange signs (12K = Blue, 22K = Green, 35K = Yellow, 50K = Red, 50 Mile = White). In addition, blue & white checkerboard plastic flagging will be hung to designate non-race or “WRONG WAY” trails. All runners are responsible for understanding the layout of the courses. Please familiarize yourself with the course maps on our website prior to race day, print a map or have the GPX file downloaded to your phone or watch to bring along with you.
We will have medical staff based at the start / finish headquarters. This team is here to help you with most basic and advanced first aid right on site. We reserve the right to pull you from the race if medical officials deem it necessary. Please understand that these decisions are made for your safety and do not argue. Continuing on in a state where you cannot safely navigate is a recipe for disaster and we are here to prevent that.
NOTE: If something happens to you or another runner, do NOT call 911 right away. Our medical team is highly trained in these scenarios, has been with us at this race the last three years and understands the terrain and driving access points. Please call their 24-hour number that will be answered by a real human being and they will dispatch accordingly.
MedStar Solutions Race Day Number: 480-269-4126
Race Day Schedule
Please arrive early to park, check in and warm up prior to your run. Restroom facilities are located at the start line at a permanent park facility.
5:15 AM – Packet pickup / race day registration begin
6:00 AM – 50 Mile Start (bring a headlamp!)
6:56 AM – Begin civil twilight
7:00 AM – 50 Kilometer Start
7:20 AM – Sunrise
7:30 AM – 35 Kilometer Start
7:45 AM – 22 Kilometer Start
8:30 AM – 12 Kilometer Start
8:45 AM – 6 Kilometer Start
6:02 PM – Sunset
6:27 PM – End Civil Twilight
6:00 PM – 50 Mile cutoff to be leaving Spur Cross II
6:30 PM – 50 Kilometer cutoff to be leaving Start/Finish for last loop.
10:00 PM – 50 Mile overall cutoff/ race ends
Camping
Cave Creek Regional Park offers a campground with 44 individual sites. Each site has a large parking area to accommodate up to a 45′ RV and is a “Developed Site,” with water and electrical hook-ups, dump station, a picnic table, a barbecue grill, and fire ring. Cave Creek Regional Park provides immaculate restrooms with flush toilets and hot water showers. All sites in the campground may be reserved online. https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/fees/
Trail Running & Trash
Please respect the trails and the beauty of the desert by disposing of any trash at one of our aid stations.
Trail Etiquette
Under no circumstances is it OK to yell at or be rude to a volunteer or staff member. Do not rely on volunteers, photographer’s or other staff persons to direct you on your course. It is YOUR responsibility to know your course and follow the course signs. If we get word of this occurring, we reserve the right to DQ you from the race. These people are volunteering their free time to assist you in reaching the finish line and are doing everything they can to get you there. Thank them and keep moving.
Remember to always remain on designed trails, no short cutting.
If you decide to use headphones, please be respectful of runners behind you attempting to pass. Also, remove ear buds as you approach aid stations or a road crossing.
Please do not listen to music without headphones on course.
This course includes some legit single track. If you are fast and attempting to pass, please alert the runner in front of you before flying past them. Likewise, if you hear a runner approaching you from behind, attempt to find a spot to allow the runner to pass.
As a general rule, when passing a runner, announce, “on your left.”
Uphill runners/hikers have the right of way to downhill runners. Remain in control as you descend and respect the other runners.
Everyone is after the same goal here so let’s be respectful of each other’s races and have fun. Please.
Race Timing
We will be utilizing a chip timing system at this event to record your time at the finish. You will be provided with a timing chip attached to the back side of your race bib. It is important to not crease, or fold the the timing chip to ensure your finish time is read.
Awards
Awards to top 3 male & female finishers at each distance.
All finishers will receive a finisher award.
Points earned in the Desert Runner Trail Series
Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to join our volunteer team, we are looking for help with event setup, aid station captains, aid station helpers, timing, photography, videography, social media, course sweep and event breakdown. Volunteer perks include a piece of Aravaipa merchandise or race goody and Aravaipa Race Credits. You can see our current opportunities and sign up here: Elephant Mountain Volunteer Form
Charity Beer Garden
For the 2022-2023 Desert Runner Trail Series, Aravaipa Running will be working with the Southwest Wildlife Conservation to assist in their mission rescues and rehabilitates wildlife that has been injured, displaced, and orphaned. Once rehabilitated, they are returned to the wild. Sanctuary is provided to animals that cannot be released back to the wild.
Proceeds from the beer garden will go directly to this Association. The Beer Garden is being sponsored by a local brewery: Huss Brewing.
Athletico Physical Therapy
Athletico Physical Therapy, with locations all around the Valley, are sponsoring our entire Spring Desert Runner Trail Series!
Don’t let pain or injuries interrupt your life – Athletico Physical Therapy can help! The experts at Athletico are passionate about helping you live a pain-free life to get you back to doing the things you love to do. So whether you took a wrong step or woke up with a sore back, our team is here to help. Stop by the Athletico booth at any of the Spring DRT Series races for a free injury assessment or post-race stretching! https://www.athletico.com
Results & Photos
50 Mile | Male – Cordis Hall – 7:44:34 (’24) | Female – Kristina Pattison – 9:58:58 (’21)
50K | Male – Travis Swaim – 4:12:31 (’17) | Female – Meghan Slavin – 4:55:38 (’23)
35K | Male – Joshua Trevino – 2:26:55 (’13) | Female – Ailsa Macdonald – 2:51:08 (’24)
22K | Male – Julian Cuyeu – 1:32:10 (’24) | Female – Janelle Lincks – 1:37:06 (’22)
12K | Male – Peter Kesting – 50:43 (’24) | Female – Janelle Lincks – 59:33 (’23)
6K | Male – Cole Fahrenbruch – 26:31 (’23) | Female – Tracy Campagnano – 28:40 (’22)
2024 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | Let’s Wander Photography
2023 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | Arnold Begay Photography
2022 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | Let’s Wander Photography
2021 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | Let’s Wander Photography
2020 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2019 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2018 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2017 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | SweetM Images
2016 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery | SweetM Images
2015 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2014 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
2013 | Aravaipa Photo Gallery
Thank you to our sponsors!
