The Mogollon Monster 100 2026, 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.

The race has two-course options: a 100 mile and a 42k. The Mogollon Monster 100 2026 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. Runners continue along the historic General Crook Trail and descend to the See Canyon Aid Station, then climb another 1,700 feet on the See Canyon Trail before descending to Horton Creek Aid Station.

The route includes steep climbs to the Rim Road, descent to Fish Hatchery, and navigation of the exposed and rocky Highline Trail. Participants ascend the Myrtle Trail to the top of the Rim, follow the U-Bar Trail towards Pinchot Cabin, and continue along Fred Haught Trail, crossing the Arizona Trail to Washington Park Aid Station. The final stages navigate the challenging Highline Trail to Geronimo Aid Station, climb the Donahue Trail, then descend West Webber Trail and climb Turkey Springs Trail to Dickerson Flat before the final stretch to 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.