Updated November 6, 2024
The Mogollon Monster 100, organized by Aravaipa Running, is a rugged, challenging trail race about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, just outside the small town of Pine. This event stands out due to its demanding course that traverses the stunning Mogollon Rim, a 200-mile stretch rising 2,000 feet, featuring diverse ecosystems from the high Sonoran Desert to the expansive Ponderosa Pine forest. Strambecco rates the Mogollon Monster 100 as one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in the Southwest and one of Arizona's Best Trail Running Race Events.
Event & Course Information
The race has two-course options: a 100 mile and a 42k. The Mogollon Monster 100 covers roughly 100 miles, with participants climbing the Rim six times. The course includes significant elevation changes, with climbs and descents at 30-45% grades at some points. The total elevation gain is approximately 18,000 feet, with the route never dropping below 5,200 feet or exceeding 8,000 feet in elevation. The terrain is incredibly rugged, featuring a high Sonoran Desert and Ponderosa Pine forest.
The 100-mile race starts at the Two-Sixty trailhead near Payson, Arizona. The first segment involves a challenging climb up the Mogollon Rim, gaining just over 1,000 feet in a little more than two miles. Then, runners continue along the historic General Crook Trail and descend to the See Canyon Aid Station. From there, runners continue up the Rim on the See Canyon Trail, climbing another 1,700 feet before descending to Horton Creek Aid Station.
The next segment includes a steep climb up Horton Springs to the Rim Road and a descent to Fish Hatchery. Participants then navigate the exposed and rocky Highline Trail, ascending the Myrtle Trail to the top of the Rim. After reaching Buck Springs, runners follow the U-Bar Trail towards Pinchot Cabin, navigating the Cabin Loop and various forest service roads. The route continues along Fred Haught Trail, crosses the Arizona Trail, and descends to Washington Park Aid Station.
As participants approach the final stages, they will navigate the challenging Highline Trail to Geronimo Aid Station and climb the Donahue Trail to the Donahue Aid Station. The route then descends West Webber Trail and climbs Turkey Springs Trail to Dickerson Flat. From there, runners follow forest service roads to Pine Canyon Aid Station before descending into Pine Canyon and navigating to Pine Trailhead. The final stretch includes a paved road crossing and a residential street running to the finish line at the Community Center in Pine, Arizona.
The 42K race starts at the AZT Pine Trailhead and includes many challenging terrains and elevation changes as the 100-mile race, providing a shorter yet equally demanding experience.
The Mogollon Monster 100-mile race is a qualifier for the Hardrock 100 in 2025, which is part of the Rocky Mountain Slam Series, with entrants required to have completed at least a 50-mile race or greater before race day. The event has a completion cutoff time to ensure participants can safely navigate the challenging course. Awards and celebrations take place at the finish line in Pine, Arizona, where participants can celebrate their achievements after completing one of the most demanding trail races in the region.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Coming soon!
Related Events
Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Arizona and the broader Southwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides.
- Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Southwest
- Best Road Cycling Race Events in the Southwest
- Best Mountain Biking Race Events in the Southwest
- Best Trail Running Race Events in the Southwest
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