Arizona’s Highest Footrace!
The Flagstaff Sky Peaks Mountain Runs features some of the most spectacular running in Arizona. Each race distance will kick off from the Fort Valley Trailhead near the base of Snowbowl road and explore a mix of single track along the AZT under canopies of color changing Aspen, along with varied mountain terrain.
Fall Foliage
When you think of Arizona, you don’t think of acres and acres of uninterrupted pristine forests. But that is what you get in the Coconino National Forest, one of the most sprawling and diverse National Forests in the country. A walk in these woods any time of year is a sight to behold, but this fall, if you make the trip to Flagstaff Sky Peaks Mountain Runs, you will see the blinding golden foliage of the quaking aspens, which only grow at elevations of 6,000 to 8,000 feet. These towering white-barked slender giants seem to dance in the slightest breeze and rain down their shiny golden leaves.
The Fall race date will give you the chance to run through the aspens at near-peak color!
Pick your preferred distance:
Ring The Sky 50 Mile – A single loop around the San Francisco Peaks!
Aspen Dream 50K – An ultra run through Aspens on the Arizona Trail
Quad Bomber 27K – A beautiful run through Ponderosa Pines and epic descent on the Arizona Trail
Rocky Moto 10K – Enjoy the winding trails beneath the ponderosa pines looping around the Arizona Trail
LESS
Fun race and course
I really enjoyed the course. Cool views of the mountains and it's just challenging enough with the two notable big climbs you do. On this particularly hot day, there was … MORE
I really enjoyed the course. Cool views of the mountains and it’s just challenging enough with the two notable big climbs you do.
On this particularly hot day, there was one approximately 9 mile stretch without water or aid station that kicked people’s butt. So, if the aid stations stay the same in the future, I’d say be prepared for that section.
Personally, I had a bad day due to an asthma attack but was still able to finish. I think it was due to me not being used to the elevation.
All in all, I’d recommend this race. If I lived closer, I’d definitely run it again.
25K: 4,525 ft of Elevation/16.41miles
25K Race: -4,525 feet of elevation gain in 16.4 miles. -Beautiful views on top of Arizona Snowbowl. -FAVORITE PART: Running the single track trails on The Arizona Trail. -HARDEST PART: … MORE
25K Race:
-4,525 feet of elevation gain in 16.4 miles.
-Beautiful views on top of Arizona Snowbowl.
-FAVORITE PART: Running the single track trails on The Arizona Trail.
-HARDEST PART: First climb (first 2 miles) and last climb (miles 13-16).
-AID STATIONS: Top notch with a ton of options (sweet, hot, and cold).
-VIEWS: Best views on top of Snowbowl and changing colors of aspens.
-BRING NEXT TIME: Trekking poles for climbing (tri-fold kind).
-HOW TO TRAIN: Tons of climbing!
-GEAR: Hydration Vest (used soft flasks) and layers of clothing (shed as you go).
-NUTRITION: Aid stations, Trailwind, and a few granola bars.
-DO IT AGAIN: Yes, views are worth the pain!!!