September 6-7, 2025
Mogollon Monster 100
The Mogollon Monster 100 is a rugged, challenging trail race taking place about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, Arizona just outside the small town of Pine, Arizona. The Mogollon Monster includes the advanced degree endurance race of 100 miles, with the addition of a 42 Kilometer race on Sunday. The races navigate up, down, around and through the beautiful Mogollon Rim (Pronounced: mug-ee-yun or muggy-own by locals).
The Mogollon Rim rises out from the earth some 2,000 feet for a span of 200 miles across Arizona and into New Mexico, defining much of the eastern part of the state. This Rim takes the race from elevations of 5,300 feet at the start to upwards of 8,000 feet at the top of the Rim, changing ecosystems along the way in distinct flora changes as the elevation changes switch the scenery from high Sonoran Desert to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world.
The race covers roughly 101 miles, climbing the Rim on six separate locations spending a lot of miles along the Rim, on top of the Rim and the challenging climbs up and down with climbs and descents at 30-45% grades at a some points. Expect to climb a total of approximately 17,000 feet along the way, never below 5,200 feet and never above 8,000 feet in elevation. While other races are certainly at higher elevations, and/or with more climbing, they certainly do not contain as rugged a terrain that is found on this course.
*Distances may vary slightly each year due to permitting.
Event Location
100 Mile StartTwo-Sixty trailhead
AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541
42KM Start
Pine Trailhead
Pine, AZ 85544
Start Times
Saturday, September 6100 Mile - 6:00 am
Sunday, September 7th
42K - 7:00 am
Bib Pickup
Friday, September 5th4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Old County Inn
3502 N HWY 87
Pine, AZ 85544
Saturday, September 6th (100 Mile)
5:15 am - 6:00 am
Two-Sixty Trailhead
Sunday, September 7th (42Km)
Pine Trailhead
6:15 am - 7:00 am
Weekend Happenings
Friday, 9/5 | 4p-7pm
Packet Pickup
Sunday, 9/7 | 12p-4pm
Ten Dollar Wedding Bluegrass Band| At finish line with after-hours at Dirty Hippie from
5:00 pm -7:30 pm
Sunday, 9/7 ~ 7pm-8pm
Golden Hour - 100 Mile Finishers
Pine Community Center
Monster Training Runs
Fish Hatchery TrailheadSaturday July TBD 7:00am
18 mile loop including Myrtle Climb (click link above for track)
Led by Aaron Barber
August TBD 7:00 am
Meet at Fish Hatchery, carpool to See Canyon TH. Complete miles 11-26 of 100M course.
Runner Guide
With the recent route changes due to the West Fire, please refer to the information on this page.Previous editions of the Runner Guide are no longer relevant, but this page is up to date.
Volunteer
We need help to make Mogollon Monster possible. Volunteer perks include Aravaipa race credits and race swag!Qualifications
The 100 mile distance is not an easy race and as such, we have a qualification standard for the race. All 100 Mile entrants will be required to have completed, at minimum, a 50 mile race or greater before race day.Live Tracking
Follow the 2025 Mogollon 100 Miler & Marathon with live split points throughout race weekend.Hardrock Qualifier
Race Registration
Until 3/2 | Until 7/6 | Until 9/1 | |
100 Mile | $330 | $355 | $380 |
42K | $130 | $145 | $160 |
Withdrawal Policy
Course Information
Start Time | 6:00 am
Time Limit | 38 Hours
Distance | 101.3 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 15,900 feet
Max Elevation | 7,912 feet
Women's Course Record | 24:42:24 - Megan Eckert (2023)
Men's Course Record | 20:52:07 - Jeff Browning (2021)
#1. Start to See Canyon Aid Station ~ (Mile 11.1) - 11.1 Mile Segment, ~1,100 feet of Gain
This is/was the finish of the Zane Grey 50 Miler for a couple of decades. You'll begin your 100 mile journey here and immediately climb up the Mogollon Rim, gaining just over 1,000 feet in a little more than two miles. This will likely be your easiest and shortest climb to the top and the views are stunning so soak it in. You'll cross the FS 300/ Rim Road, following the historic General Crook Trail before heading down Drew Trail #291 to the See Canyon Aid Station. There is a short out and back here to reach the aid station parking lot.
#2. See Canyon Aid to Horton Trailhead Aid Station ~ (Mile 21.5) – 10.4 Mile Segment ~ 3,750 feet of Gain
Leaving the aid station, you'll head back the same way you came but continue up the Rim on See Canyon Trail, climbing some 1,700 feet as you cap out at the Rim Road once again. This time you'll essentially continue down an old forest road through the trees and quickly descend off the Rim once again, this time following the Promontory Butte Trail #278 down to the Historic Highline Trail. When you reach the butte, the initial descent off the rim is quite steep with loose ground as you make your way down and around the edge of the rim.
This is new in 2024: now, once you reach the Highline you'll head West (turn right) and follow this gorgeous section of the Highline to the Horton Spring. There is a decent amount of climbing mixed in this section but also more forest to help with providing shade. This is a beautiful area and worth taking a minute at since you'll begin a steep climb immediately after. Following the small single track up the left side of the waterfall area, you'll continue climbing on short switchbacks up to the top of the rim. This section of the course is one less traveled and the connector from the Highline to above the Springs can be difficult to see so just make sure you're keeping an eye out for the orange pin flags and our orange and black polka-dot ribbons. This time, you'll *carefully* cross the Rim Road to the Horton Trailhead Aid Station.
#3. Horton Trailhead to Fish Hatchery AS (Mile 27) - 5.4 Mile Segment ~ 125 feet of Gain
You are now around 7,900 feet at the top, having climbed around 3,700 feet on the previous section. Use this section to catch your breath and enjoy some easier miles to make up some time or just prepare for the upcoming miles with friends. Follow the Rim Road for about 3 miles before turning left onto the Babe Haught Trail #143. This section of road is what we're calling the Black Mesa Crew Zone where your crews are able to see you on your way through. NO crews allowed AT the Horton aid station. Continue just beyond the aid where the crew zone begins.
Once you hit Babe Haught, you'll kind of meander through the forest before you begin to descend of the rim where you'll enjoy some incredible views looking south. You'll be able to see East along the rim as well including the Myrtle Trail where you'll be heading in the near future.
NOTE: Fish Hatchery is your first drop bag location and some (most?) of you will need to make sure you have your headlamp (and possibly even warm clothes?) as your next drop bag location is Pinchot Cabin at mile 48.
#4 Fish Hatchery to Myrtle AS (Mile 36.8) – 9.8 Mile Segment ~2,400 feet of Gain
By now you're probably starting to understand what we mean when we say the course beats you up. Nevertheless, you're going to now experience the Highline Trail for the next 7+ miles through thick manzanita bushes, exposed climbs, high grasses, ferns up to your chest, and rocks. Lots. of. rocks. The turnoff from the Highline to Myrtle Trail is hardly noticeable as I'm fairly certain this trail is used 2-3 times a year at most. You'll make your way up a small hill and where the Highline drops down into a tall grassy area that previous Mogollon runners cringe at the thought of, you'll head right/north up the Myrtle Trail to the top. The first part of this trail is difficult to follow, even with our trail work to try and make the trail noticeable. Once you're on the switchbacks and climbing up the Rim, you'll be treated to waist high (at least) grass covering the trail as you wind up to the top of the rim, completing your fourth rim climb in just about 38 miles.
#5 Myrtle Aid to Buck Springs AS (Mile 40.7) – 3.9 Mile Segment
Myrtle will be a smaller aid station as you'll head turn left onto the Rim Road and continue just under 1/2 mile where you'll turn right onto FS321 on your way another 3.5 miles to Buck Springs. This entire section is on forest service road and a good opportunity to get yourself together and chip away at some "easy" miles. You'll be spending the next 20+ miles on top of the rim with easier terrain (comparatively), around 7,500-8,000 in elevation, and likely into the night for most of you. Buck Springs will have crew access and your first opportunity for a pacer.
#6 - Buck Springs to Pinchot Cabin AS (Mile 48.3) – 7.6 Mile Segment
Now over 40 miles into the race, you can now pick up a pacer before heading out onto the U-Bar Trail towards Pinchot Cabin. This is known as the Cabin Loop, a series of trails in the Coconino National Forest that certainly don't scream "Arizona" but is a pretty amazing reprieve for us Phoenicians in the hot summer. You'll cruise through the forest on beautiful single track for a few miles, passing Dane Springs & an almost completely destroyed cabin, all the way to the bottom of Dane Canyon before climbing all the way back out. You'll do the same with Barbershop Canyon, and then Draw Canyon before hopping on some forest service roads for just over 1 mile as you descend to the actual Pinchot Cabin set in a little meadow. The aid station will be another 1/3 of a mile up on top of the hill.
#7 Pinchot AS to General Springs Crew Zone - NO AID (Mile 55.2) – 6.9 Mile Segment
Leaving Pinchot Cabin Aid Station you’ll cross the forest road leaving the station and almost immediately on the left is the start of the Fred Haught Trail. Pay attention here! Your left turn is almost immediately on your left, leaving the forest road for single track. The trail will take you down the trail ½ mile before hitting a forest road. This is a short stretch of road that takes you around Bear Canyon. This trail has been closed since 2017 when a flash flood destroyed the bridge on FS-95. The road is still closed but they'll finally opened the trails up and you'll be some of the first to take this route...legally. You'll be dipping down into the canyon through piles of washed up logs and back up a short, steep slope to the road. Another easily missed turnoff here...not far after hitting the road, on the left you will see the turnoff for the single track of Fred Haught again (almost a 180 turn on the single track). If you walk across a cattle guard on the road you just missed it. Turn around and you’ll see it on the right headed up the hill.
There is a short but steep climb starting out again on the Fred Haught but aside from that there are some fun sections of ups and downs throughout this stretch. Again, there are more forest roads that access this area for various reasons and you will always see the trail on the other side of the road or fire break. This section is very well marked on its own with both Cabin Loop markers on the trees, Arizona Trail markers or signs of when you’ll hit it and “blazes” in the trees. Blazes are two chunks cut out of a ponderosa tree and then burned. They were done back in the 1800’s (some more recent) and signify the trail as well. These are all secondary markers to our orange/black polka dot (correct) and white/blue checkerboard (wrong way) markers but are reassuring nonetheless. Eventually the Fred Haught Trail meets back up with the Arizona Trail and the trail meanders along a river crossing it several times with some beautiful single track mixed with ferns all along the way. This terminates at the General Springs cabin and General Springs at a dirt road. There is no aid here, but you will have crew access again and in about 1/2 a mile, you'll drop back off the Rim and be cruising the Highline Trail.
General Springs Crew Zone is a good place for another pacer and has crew access as well. Once you leave this area, you'll be below the Rim in Tonto National Forest land for the next 18 or so miles.
#8 – General Springs Crew Zone (NO AID) to Washington Park AS (Mile 57.6) – 2.4 Mile Segment
Leaving General Springs, you continue up the dirt road about 1/2 mile to the Rim Road and go straight across the road and follow the power line trail straight down the rim. The first 1/4 mile of this descent is nasty. Steep, with big loose rocks, and random little bushes and plants trying to gain a foothold in the 45 degree terrain. Take your time here and be glad you're not going up and down this stretch like in the past. Once you get through the initial sketch, the rest of the way is an easy trip to Washington Park on an old service road for the power line & newer section of winding single track right to the aid station. The actual aid requires a tiny but super important out and back to the parking lot on your left.
What had always been the hub of The Monster, with runners hitting the Washington Park aid station three different times, WP is now a quick stop just shy of the 100Km mark. Leaving WP, you'll spend the next 12 miles on the Highland Trail so it's a good place to make sure you're ready to continue on in the last 1/3 of your race.
#9 Washington Park Aid to Geronimo AS (Mile 69.6) – 12.1 Mile Segment ~ 1,300 feet of Gain
This section is now 12.1 miles long as the Highline Restoration has now completed this stretch of trail. While the improvements have added mileage, the actual terrain is much improved and easier to run. Still, with 60+ Mogollon miles on your legs, this will likely take much longer as most will hit this section in the middle of the night. The Highline consists of lots of ups and downs, without a single long, sustained climb. You can follow Arizona Trail markers, Highline Trail #31 black diamond markers and the orange / black polka dot (good) and blue/white checkerboard (bad) we put out there.
#10 Geronimo Aid to Donahue AS (Mile 79.1) – 9.5 Mile Segment ~ 2,200 feet of Gain
From Geronimo Aid, you'll cross the dirt road and continue West on the Highline Trail continuing around the base of the Rim for just over 7 miles before turning right onto the Donahue Trail. This is a series of short switchbacks up the Rim with Manzanita and Cat Claw encroaching on the trail as you avoid the loose volcanic rocks that seem to radiate heat. Even better, you'll likely be able to catch views of the Town of Pine on this section, just a few miles away, but you still have 20+ miles and two climbs up the Rim to conquer (you're welcome). The climb up Donahue is shorter than years ago with multiple renovations bringing the Highline Trail higher on the mountain and cutting off some of the lower switchbacks on Donahue. You'll eventually pop out on a forest road and continue straight/bear left on the road for about 1 mile to the aid station. In the past, Donahue marked the 100 mile mark in the Monster, immediately after completing the brutal West Webber Climb. Now, you'll be running down West Webber to the junction of Turkey Springs, turning left and then climbing immediately back up to the top of the Rim popping out at Dickerson Flat. NOTE: this section just feels long and can be quite warm as you hit it on Sunday morning, please make sure you have enough water and nutrition when leaving Geronimo.
#11 Donahue Aid to Dickerson Flat Crew Zone (NO AID) (Mile 83) - 3.9 Mile Segment ~ 1,800 feet of Gain
From the aid, you'll quickly begin your steep descent off the Rim, following a series of switchbacks through tall Ponderosa pines and eventually a couple of small streams with ferns aplenty. You'll come to the end of the West Webber Trail and turn left on Turkey Springs Trail where you'll climb slowly at first, but then be treated to more of those short switchbacks surrounded by manzanita, cat claw, loose rocks and dirt as you ascend to the top of the Mogollon Rim for a sixth and final time. You're not out of the woods yet, but you can certainly hold on to a bit of pride at the top here. Turn around and soak up this view, looking across the Rim in the direction you came from so many hours before.
#12 Dickerson Flat (NO AID) to Pine Canyon Aid (Mile 87.9) – 4.9 Mile Segment
This is another opportunity to chip away some miles without giving too much effort, assuming you're not totally spent from those brutal 88 miles that brought you here. But either way, the road is in decent shape, tucked in the Coconino National Forest and doesn't have a ton of traffic so you can relax the mind a bit as you make your way around Pine Canyon and eventually to the edge of the Rim one more time.
#13 Pine Canyon Aid to Pine Trailhead (Mile 98.8) – 10.9 Mile Segment
Shortly after leaving the aid station, you'll be treated to an exceptional view south into Pine Canyon. Soak. it. up. From here, you'll descend almost 1,800 feet in 2 miles on switchbacks and back into the forest. There is a small stream on your left that may just be worth the effort of leaving the trail for a dip in at this time. There are multiple trail signs on this section, none of them matching the other but expect 10+ miles of trail and know that even after dropping 1,800 feet, you'll continue to climb now and again on your way to the trailhead. This is a gorgeous trail, winding up, down, and around the canyon as you make your way closer and closer to the Pine Trailhead which will be just about 100 miles into the race. Ever run this far? Congrats! But you're not done. Grab some water for the victory lap and keep going.
#14 Pine Trailhead (Water Only) to Finish at the Town Ramada (Mile 100.4 ish) - 1.6 Mile Segment
This trailhead is less than 2 miles to the finish line. Pacers are welcome here to the finish. There’s no point in spending much time here unless you're in dire need of water. It’s a parking lot. It’s under 2 miles from the finish.
Leaving Pine Trailhead AS you’ll run down the paved road for the trailhead to just before the 87 highway. To cross the road you’ll drop down 15 feet to the right to a culvert access point and go UNDER the road in the tunnel. This is the safest way to get across what can be a busy road. The tunnel is free of debris and about 30ft long. On the opposite side you will be directed 100 meters to the right to Bradshaw Road. Go left down the hill to Old County Road and go right. This is all paved now and the road goes through a residential street until it meets up again with the 87 right where the Old County Inn & our Friday packet pickup were. Head left along the wide shoulder into the town of Pine. You have about ½ a mile left and it’s all through the town itself. Follow the wide shoulder inside the white line past the Pinewood Tavern, Ponderosa Market, old buildings and the finish line will be at the Community Center just after HB's Place and by the ice cream shop on Randall.
You’ll see the finish line.
I recommend a full sprint to the finish.
As the race takes place in mid-September, temperatures are typically in the low 70's to 80's along the Rim but can be drastically lower on top of the Rim, below freezing. Runners have been hypothermic at night & hyperthermic the next day at lower elevations. Thunderstorms from the summer monsoon season in Arizona are still possible and with that comes major wind, lightning and flash flood rains in a matter of minutes. Snow is a possibility, if unlikely in the higher elevations of the course. For the most part we can expect sunny skies, great temperatures and the start of some great fall foliage, especially on top of the Rim with all the ash, oak, maple trees along the trails.
Crew Driving Directions
The Mogollon Rim itself poses a large obstacle for crewing this race. We have learned over the years that it does not make sense or is actually close to impossible to drive between some aid stations in time to see a runner since you must drive all the way around the rim to go up or down it. While most are easily accessible, they often require a great deal of driving to get to each. We ask that you please abide by our crew locations so that we can all have a safe and enjoyable race experience.
As is the case with most mountain 100's, there is limited parking at all of these crew locations. It is imperative that the roadway is NEVER blocked, even remotely. We receive very strict rules and regulations with our National Forest permitting agencies and we need you to follow these rules to ensure future runners also get to have crews at these spots. They will be out on these roads on race day to ensure we are following the rules.
We must keep all roadways open for emergency travel (think, firetruck) no matter if you're "just going to be here for 5 minutes." This is the most important thing with crewing at this race.
NOTE: You are allowed ONE (1) crew vehicle per runner. When you pick up your bib, you will be supplied with a crew pass with your bib number on it that must be present on the dash for the entire race. If we see additional crew vehicles on course for a single runner OR find that a runner is receiving aid from their crew outside the designated aid stations or crew areas we have the right to penalize and/or disqualify you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a handful of new crew instructions moving forward. Please fully read.
IMPORTANT: Once you're on top of the Rim, there are NO Facilities. No gas, no food, no water. Please come prepared as the drive from say, Buck Springs to Payson is at least one hour, each way. Also, you will likely lose cell service driving around this area. Come prepared with directions and have Google Maps on your phone ready to go before hitting the Rim.
Locations are subject to change but we are working on additional details and maps to make this a (relatively) easy crew experience where you'll just stay above the Rim and head West with your runner all the way to Pine.
- The start is at Trailhead 260 which is a relatively small parking lot. Given that most, if not all, runners will be shuttled to the start from Pine and we need school buses to be able to turnaround in this lot, there is very little space for parking at the start. You will need to say your goodbyes and good luck prior to the shuttle and plan on seeing your beautiful runner on course at one of the crew access zones on top of the Rim. If you are dropping your runner off, you will follow our direction in the lot which will loop you around the lot to a drop off area, and continue back out to leave without stopping.
From there (or the Old Pine Parking Area), you may consider heading into town to grab some breakfast, a cup of coffee, or hit the Ponderosa Market for supplies & get ready for your big day/night on the Mogollon Rim. There are also a couple of options in Christopher Creek near the start line. - We will have our first of three crew access locations around miles 22-25 that will be "crews only" but would allow your runners to see your smiling faces. On this stretch where the runners pop out onto the Rim Road from Horton Creek Trail, there are a number of pull-offs from the Rim Road where you can wait for your runner. Specifically after the large power line section, you'll start to see options. Do NOT park on the edge of the Rim Road. Find a pull off and wait. We will have a staff/volunteer roaming in this area to make sure you don't think you're above the rules.
NOTE: There is NO crewing at the Horton aid station. Please continue up the road (west) for crewing. - Fish Hatchery: NO CREW ACCESS.
- Some of the top of the rim aid stations are open for crews and offer more space sometimes with parking. That includes Black Mesa, Buck Springs, General Springs, and Dickerson Flat. Directions are listed below and you can follow the link as well to have directions that include a QR code and clickable link for google maps.
- 42 Km Runners will have no crew access for their race.
Old Pine Lot Event Parking for Shuttle to Start line - We have secured a larger parking area one mile from the Pine Trailhead where the races will begin. The Old Pine Parking Area will allow dispersed camping and vehicles can remain here all weekend.
On race morning we will have Payson School District shuttling 100 mile runners departing at 4:30 a.m. and 4:40 a.m. at the latest. Bring your drop bags on the bus.
For Sunday's 42 Km race, the shuttle will begin shortly after 6 a.m. and continue to just after 7:00 a.m. Friends or family are welcome to hop on the bus to watch you start and then get a ride back at 7am once you start.
CREW LOCATIONS & CLICKABLE LINKS
Crew Driving Directions Document with QR codes & Links (clickable link)
The names of the aid stations are google maps "pin drops" while some of the aid stations that have (clickable) directions are set to start from The Pine Trailhead.
Start at Trailhead Two-Sixty (100 MILE ONLY) - No parking allowed here, DROP OFF/DRIVE THRU ONLY
Top of the Rim Crew Locations
Black Mesa Crews Only Zone Miles 22-25 - CREW ACCESS - This is a new area where we are allowing crew access throughout this 3 ish mile stretch where runners will be on the Rim Road. The google pin drop is just west of the large power line stretch. Anywhere in this zone is approved to provide crew aid. Please do NOT park off the side of the Rim Road where vehicles have to move around you to get by. Continue up the road until you find a safe pull off area to wait for your runner. VERY IMPORTANT!!
Also, if you're able to, please offer water/nutrition to anyone who doesn't have a crew. Team effort!
NOTE: the Horton Aid Station is now located just east of this zone but there are no crews allowed AT The aid station.
Buck Springs Aid Station (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS - Buck Springs Directions - (48 miles/ 1hr 20min from Pine Trailhead) - From the Pine Trailhead, drive up the 87 for almost 33 miles (32.7) to the FS-95 turnoff on your right. Once on the 95, there will be a few junctions with other service roads but remain on FS-95 for just about 6.4 miles to the junction of FS-96 and turn left. Follow FS-96 for 2 miles before making a slight right onto FS-321. Follow FS-321 for 6.8 miles until you see an opening on your left and the aid station in a field. There is parking off of this road next to the aid as well as on the road itself. Parking on one side and leaving space for emergency access applies here as well. CELL SERVICE: There is no cell service at this aid station so consider staying near the Rim until you anticipate your runner arriving at Buck Springs.
NOTE: If you are visiting your runner or coming to pace and leaving a car be sure to leave it in a spot where there is PLENTY of space for an emergency vehicle to get through. This is very important.
General Springs Cabin Crew Zone - CREW ACCESS ONLY (NO Aid) - (27.1 Miles/ 1hour 4 minutes from Pine Trailhead)
Runner mileage: 55
Pacer Access: Yes
From the Pine Trailhead, drive up the AZ-87 for just over 14 miles where you’ll see signs for FS-300 or Rim Road. Within the first quarter mile, you need to turn left onto the Rim Road which you’ll follow for more than 12 miles. This road is all dirt and has lots of twists and turns. Combine that will incredible views and it can be a bit of a dangerous road. There will be OHV’s, 4-wheelers and plenty of other traffic on here so please pay attention on this drive. When you reach the powerlines where there will be a crew of our HAM Radio operators, you’ll turn left toward the cabin. About a ½ mile down this road you will see parking on the left. Be courteous to other runners/crews and only take up one space so we can accommodate as many runners as we can. And of course, be sure to leave plenty of space for an emergency vehicle to access this area AND be able to turn around. Please do NOT park vehicles on both sides of the road should there be no parking in the spots off the road.
NOTE: When you reach the powerline where you turn, you will be driving on the race course so please be on the look out for other runners and drive slow so as to not kick up a bunch of dust in their faces either.
The next crew access point will be Dickerson Flat at mile 83. While that is only 18 (running) miles from General Springs Cabin, it may take your runner 6+ hours to complete this.
NOTE: Many of you will be driving these sections in the dark. Keep an eye out for wildlife on ALL of these roads!
Dickerson Flat Crew Zone – CREW ACCESS ONLY (No aid) - NOTE: Runners will be ON THIS ROAD. Drive Slowly and cautiously!
From the town of Pine, head north on the 87 through Strawberry towns up to the top of the Rim. Look for the signed junction for the “Rim Road” (Forest Road #300) just after mile marker 280. Take a right and go straight at the first intersections on Milk Ranch Point road. You access Rim Road #300 here (would be left turn and takes you to General Springs/Buck Springs/Pinchot Cabin AS) but for Dickerson Flat AS you want to go straight on Milk Ranch Point Road. This will meet a three way intersection after about a mile and take the right turn following Milk Ranch Point Road. After about 3.3 miles you will reach Dickerson Flat, a large pasture on the right with a row of ponderosas. The runners will come out on the small road on the left by the metal gate leading to Turkey Springs Trail (location of the pin drop). NOTE: This crew zone is only allowed in the immediate area of Dickerson Flat (Dickenson as Google labels it) and the Turkey Springs Trailhead. There will be no cell service near this area as well.
---------------------------------------
Finish Line (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS - Our finish line is located at the Town Ramada which is off the main road in the center of Pine and just north of the Ponderosa Market. You will see our big metal Mogollon Monster 100 sign on the left that our friend Chris Dame made a few years back. We will have some of our store items available for sale, some shade while you're handing out and some food for the runners. There is a little playground for the kids, ice cream shop next door, and a couple other restaurant options within eye shot of the finish line. Last year the Pine-Strawberry Museum was open right at the finish line too.
The 100 mile race is a point to point course that runs East to West on the Mogollon Rim, finishing in the heart of Pine, Arizona. The start line at Two-Sixty Trailhead has a very small parking lot so we shuttle runners from Pine to the 260 Trailhead. This is a 45 minute ride on race morning. If you have drop bags, you'll bring them on the bus and leave them at the start line for us to disperse.
Parking - We reserve a large open dirt lot in the national forest that is about 2 miles south of the Town of Pine for parking. You can camp here over the weekend as well. There are a couple areas on the edge with trees if you're looking to tent camp. The shuttles will pick up here as well.
Start Line Shuttle - Old Pine Parking Lot
100 Mile: Payson Unified School buses will pick you up at this Old Pine Parking Lot beginning at 4:20am on Saturday morning. The final bus will leave no later than 4:40am. We will have a Monster staff person on site to assist with parking and boarding the bus.
260 Trailhead Parking (100 Mile start line) - Unfortunately, due to the size of this parking lot, there is NO PARKING here. You may drop off your runner but cannot park and watch the start. Three buses will arrive around 5:15-530am so we ask that you avoid this time entirely as the road is not wide and difficult for buses to maneuver.
Finish Line Shuttle - We will provide shuttles that take you from the finish line back to Old Pine Parking area. Please note that this drive is approximately 45 minutes.
Finish Line Location - Pine Community Center in the center of Pine, Arizona.
You will have a drop bag at Fish Hatchery, Buck Springs, & Geronimo so plan accordingly if you think you'll require additional nutrition and/or layers.
The 100 mile distance is not an easy race and as such, we have a qualification standard for the race. All entrants will be required to have completed, at minimum, a 50 mile race or greater before race day. This is different than the last three years as Aravaipa has now directed this beauty of a race since 2016 and believe we are more prepared for the logistical battle of putting on this race. Combine that with the same HAM Radio team and MedStar Solutions medical team joining us year over year, we have taken out specific race qualifiers.
Do not be fooled though, this race course will absolutely make you earn every mile you traverse. Come prepared, know your course, and tackle the Monster this September.
The 100 mile distance includes a service requirement of 8 hours of volunteer work prior to race day. This can include trail work or volunteering at an Aravaipa race or another race organization in any capacity. It does not need to be completed in Arizona or on the Mogollon Rim (although that would be super if possible).
Over the years this region has required a lot of trail work as we're using a number of trails that aren't used as regularly as others. We know this is the case with many trails around the country and encourage you to assist whenever you can.
For those that find themselves unable to complete the 8 hour requirement prior to race day, reach out to us regarding a donation of $100 towards a local trail organization.
We are partnering with the Highline Trail Restoration Project under the National Forest Foundations guidance with Tonto National Forest. You can learn more about this project and donate directly here: Highline Restoration
The Mogollon Rim rises out from the earth some 2,000 feet for a span of 200 miles across Arizona and into New Mexico, defining much of the eastern part of the state. This Rim takes the race from elevations of 5,300 feet at the start to upwards of 8,000 feet at the top of the Rim, changing ecosystems along the way in distinct flora changes as the elevation changes switch the scenery from high Sonoran Desert to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world.
The race covers roughly 100 miles, climbing the Rim on six separate locations spending a lot of miles along the Rim, on top of the Rim and the challenging climbs up and down with climbs and descents at 30-45% grades at a some points. Expect to climb a total of approximately 18,000 feet along the way, never below 5,200 feet and never above 8,000 feet in elevation. While other races are certainly at higher elevations, and/or with more climbing, they certainly do not contain as rugged a terrain that is found on this course.
This is a very technical course in many areas, specifically the Highline Trail, Donahue and the soon to be revered, Myrtle Trail & Promontory Point. The first 40 miles will have nearly 9,000 feet in elevation gain. That coupled with the terrain, moderate elevation, and intense Arizona sun, this race will certainly take its toll on each runner.
In our first five years on the 106 mile course, we only saw 99 runners finish this course. We gave out 3 sub-24 buckles. Only 14 women finished. One year, 2014, we had to cut the race short at the halfway mark due to extreme weather. A decision we will make again for the safety of our runners, crews, and our volunteers if needed. This race and this terrain can destroy you. Nobody eases their way through the Monster. Do not underestimate this race. If you are not a self sufficient runner you will fail here. If you cannot find your way out of a paper bag, you will fail here. If you cannot make it several hours safely on your own, you will fail here. We do not mark this course like an Ironman. We mark it appropriately for the turns necessary to follow the trail and to prevent runner confusion where necessary. We're not painting the trail in gold, you need to know the course, and you need to pay attention. Do not ask us to change the cutoff times. Mileage is not going to be exact at any point within this website, volunteer statements on race day, or on any chart or infographic we provide as the race committee. The sheer number of up's and down's, switchbacks, canyons, and other obstructions to this course make an exact mileage next to impossible. If we put 8.75 miles for a section, don't waste your time complaining to the volunteers that it turned out to be 8.99 on your Garmin. That's just part of the sport. If you want exact mileage please return to road races.
These are all items that have been brought up to the RD's over the course of our first years. To be very clear, this is an extremely hard, remote, rugged, and difficult 100 plus mile ultramarathon. We purposely hold this race on the rim because we want to keep this a small, "Old School" ultra where runners have come to this quaint town of Pine to experience the sheer beauty of the area, find their way from point A to point B, with sufficient support and guidance from trail markers and volunteers along the way. We track our runners with HAM radio staff as they leave one station and check them in on the next. We do not place GPS on them for the full course, as a crew, expect to not know where your runner is for several hours at a time. This is ultrarunning. Enjoy it, embrace it, and stand in awe with us at the finish line on Sunday cheering these tough individuals through the finish line.
Start Time | 7:00 am
Time Limit | 11 Hours
Max Elevation | 7,480 feet
Women's Course Record | 04:39:56 - Selena Langner (2023)
Men's Course Record | 04:06:49 - Pedro Gomes (2023)
#1 Start to Donahue AS (Mile 5) – 5 Mile Segment
This sections starts out heading east from the Pine Trailhead along the Arizona Trail which is also the Highline Trail. You’ll follow this for approximately 2.5 miles to the turnoff for the Donahue Trail which will be to your left. This trail turns very rocky and climbs a series of switchbacks directly up the Mogollon Rim. The single track trail will eventually join a dirt road which you will lead you to the Donahue AS.
#2 Donahue Aid to Pine Canyon Aid (Mile 13.8) – 8.7 Mile Segment
From the aid, you'll quickly begin your steep descent off the Rim, following a series of switchbacks through tall Ponderosa pines and eventually a couple of small streams with ferns aplenty. You'll come to the end of the West Webber Trail and turn left on Turkey Springs Trail where you'll climb slowly at first, but then be treated to more of those short switchbacks surrounded by manzanita, cat claw, loose rocks and dirt as you ascend to the top of the Mogollon Rim for a second and final time.
Once you hit the road again and turn right, the road is in decent shape, tucked in the Coconino National Forest and doesn't have a ton of traffic so you can make up some time here as you head around Pine Canyon and eventually to the edge of the Rim. You'll now be on the same course as our 100 milers who are more than 85 miles into their journey so cheer everyone on and keep the stoke high.
#3 Pine Canyon Aid to Pine Trailhead (Mile 24.4) – 10.9 Mile Segment
Shortly after leaving the aid station, you'll be treated to an exceptional view south into Pine Canyon. Soak. it. up. From here, you'll descend almost 1,800 feet in 2 miles on switchbacks and back into the forest. There is a small stream on your left that may just be worth the effort of leaving the trail for a dip in at this time. Continue on this gorgeous trail, winding up, down, and around the canyon as you make your way closer and closer to the Pine Trailhead. Grab some water for the victory lap and keep going.
#4 Pine Trailhead (Water Only) to Finish at the Town Ramada (Mile 26) - 1.6 Mile Segment
This trailhead is less than 2 miles to the finish line. There’s no point in spending much time here unless you're in dire need of water. It’s a parking lot. It’s 2 miles from the finish.
Leaving Pine Trailhead, you’ll run down the paved road for the trailhead to just before the 87 highway. To cross the road you’ll drop down 15 feet to the right to a culvert access point and go UNDER the road in the tunnel. This is the safest way to get across what can be a busy road. The tunnel is free of debris and about 30ft long. On the opposite side you will be directed 100 meters to the right to Bradshaw Road. Go left down the hill to Old County Road and go right. This is all paved now and the road goes through a residential street until it meets up again with the 87 right where the Old County Inn & our Friday packet pickup were. Head left along the wide shoulder into the town of Pine. You have about ½ a mile left and it’s all through the town itself. Follow the wide shoulder inside the white line past the Pinewood Tavern, Ponderosa Market, old buildings and the finish line will be at the Community Center just after JP's Place and by the ice cream shop on Randall.
There are no pacers, or crews allowed in the 42K.
Parking - We reserve a large open dirt lot in the national forest that is about 2 miles south of the Town of Pine for parking. You can camp here over the weekend as well. There are a couple areas on the edge with trees if you're looking to tent camp. The shuttles will pick up here as well.
Start Line Shuttle - Old Pine Parking Lot
Start at Pine Trailhead (42KM ONLY) -No parking here for the race! You may be dropped off here on race morning but your crew cannot park and wait for the start (see below for options to see the start).
Shuttle: There will be a shuttle (school bus) running from the Old Pine Parking Lot and dropping runners at the Pine Trailhead beginning at 6am. It will run on a continuous basis until about 6:50 am or so. The trip is about one mile and you may have a friend/family hop on the bus to see you start and you'd like and the bus will drop off right after 7am.
You could also park at this lot and walk to the start line via the Arizona Trail but it does require crossing the main road that leads to the Town of Pine. This is a great warmup if you're looking for one and clocks in around .7 miles from the lot to the start line.
The Pine Trailhead is just before reaching the town of Pine as you come north from Payson. There is a sign for the turnoff and the right turn takes you to a dead end where the race starts. There is a non-flushing bathroom available here and Porta-potties.
Pine TH: Reached by traveling 15 miles north of Payson on SR 87, turn right onto FR 298. Facilities include toilet, corrals, and large parking area.
Finish Shuttle: You will finish your race at the Pine Community Center in the middle of town. We will have a vehicle available throughout the day to take you back to your car at the old pine parking lot (~2 miles away). We will make announcements when the next vehicle leaves or stop at the timing tent to alert race staff when you're ready.
There are no drop bags for the 42K. Both aid stations will have the standard sweet and salty snacks, soda, water, gnarly electrolyte drink, and some other basic items.
Course Preview Video
Results & Photos
100 Mile
Men's Course Record | 20:52:07 - Jeff Browning (2021)
Women's Course Record | 24:42:24 - Megan Eckert (2023)
42K
Men's Course Record | 04:06:49 - Pedro Gomes (2023)
Women's Course Record | 04:39:56 - Selena Langner (2023)