elephant mountain

Elephant Mountain Trail Runs

Saturday, February 3, 2024

50 Mile | 50K | 35K | 22K | 12K | 6K
Cave Creek Regional Park, Cave Creek, AZ

50 Mile – 6:00 AM
50K – 7:00 AM
35K – 7:30 AM
22K – 7:45 AM
12K – 8:30 AM
6K – 8:45 AM

22K | 12K | 6K MUST PARK AT CAVE CREEK MEMORIAL ARENA (RODEO GROUNDS)
37201 N 28th St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Google Pin

The first bus will leave at 6:45am with the remaining buses departing when full. The buses will run continuously through the start of all races.

Shuttle time to the park is 10 minutes. All runners shuttling in will receive free entry into the park.

Elephant Mountain is the sixth race in the Desert Runner Trail Series
Hummingbird Series = 6K |
Quail Series = 12K | Roadrunner Series = 22K | Owl Series = 35K | Hawk Series = 50K/ 50 Mile

Quick Links: Race Info | Registration | Course Info | Results | Photos | Race

 

RACE INFORMATION

This race is part of a Series Pass with discounted entries! Check out some options HERE! 

Location
Horse Staging Area within Cave Creek Regional Park, Cave Creek, AZ.

Course Summary

The 50 Mile distance will follow the same route as the 50K but instead of turning around at Spur Cross Conservation Area, you’ll continue north past Spur Cross to explore the gorgeous Tonto National Forest backcountry.
Runners will follow Trail 4 north, skirting the west side of Skull Mesa with Cave Creek just a few hundred feet west of the trail as you’ll cross through the beautiful Chalk Canyon on your way to Seven Springs. After receiving aid at Seven Springs, runners will head south past Cartwright Ranch and hop on the Cottonwood Trail which will eventually become the Maricopa Trail and follow this all the way back around the east side of Skull Mesa, passing through canyons and old abandoned campgrounds until you meet back up with Trail 4 at Cave Creek.

From here you’ll continue south, crossing over Cave Creek 2-3 times until you reach the short service road that will pop you out at Spur Cross Aid. 36 miles in the books! The remaining 14 miles will be following the Maricopa Trail back up to the base of Elephant Mountain and eventually returning to the Cave Creek Regional Park where you’ll head east on Go John through Gunsight Pass and enjoy a fantastic descent via Quartz and Slade Trails as you make your way to the finish line. 
NOTE: This 50 Miler is an advanced degree run with extended periods of time without aid (12 & 14 miles). The stretches from Spur Cross to Seven Springs and back can be considered rugged and legit backcountry. It’s an incredible stretch of trail but one that you should be prepared for. Carry more water than you think you need and bring additional nutrition. You will have a drop bag at Spur Cross & Seven Springs. 

50 Mile Interactive Map:
https://caltopo.com/m/KK72
Note: Once you open the Caltopo map, there is an “Export” drop down menu on the top of the page where you can download the GPX or KML file.

The 50K and 35K courses feature a trip out of Cave Creek Regional Park along the Maricopa Trail to Spur Cross Ranch and back, finishing with a loop through Cave Creek Regional Park. The 22K will also leave the regional park on the Maricopa Trail, turning around at the Roger Creek aid station. 

2024 UPDATE 50K runners: On loop two, you will NOT return to Go John Aid Station but will continue on Go John Trail around the park and continue to the finish line. This means you will not have aid on the final 7 miles but will shave a mile off the previous course which was long.

The 12K course will briefly leave the park boundary, heading out on the Maricopa Trail for about 1/2 mile to the Go John aid station as an out-and-back. This is a mandatory aid station and cannot be skipped!  
Our new 6K course stays within Cave Creek Regional Park and features the Go John and Quartz trail.

Weather
Forecast for Cave Creek, AZ


Bib/Shirt Pickup

Friday, February 2
Packet Pickup 12:00PM-5:00PM

Aravaipa Running Headquarters
2401 S 24th St
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 346-0554

-or-

Saturday, February 3
Race Day Pickup 5:15-8:30AM
Cave Creek Regional Park – Horse Staging Area

Aid Stations
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 Helper Sign-Up Form

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

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 & Pacers
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 2024, 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. 

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).

Drop Bags
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.

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 Helpers
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

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

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

REGISTRATION

Entry Fees*

 Until 9/4Until 1/8Until 1/29Race Week
50 MILE$170$185$200$210
50K$130$145$160$170
35K$90$105$120$130
22K$70$80$90$100
12K$55$65$75$85
6K$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

Entrant Limit
600 Runners
Entrants List

Registration Options
Online via Ultra Signup
Mail In Form

Online registration closes on Monday, 1/29, at 11:59 PM. Registration available after at packet pickup and race day if there are still spots open.

Medical –      

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

COURSE INFORMATION

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

EM SXRCA Map 2014

Elevation Profiles

Elephant Mountain 6K Elevation Profile


Elephant Mountain 50 Mile Elevation Profile

Course Detail (Maps, Elevation Profiles, GPS Tracks)
50 Mile | Elevation Profile | CalTopo Map & GPX
50K | Elevation Profile | CalTopo Map & GPX
35K | Elevation ProfileCalTopo Map & GPX
22K | Elevation Profile | CalTopo Map & GPX
12K | Elevation ProfileCalTopo Map & GPX
6K | CalTopo Interactive Map

*Note on GPX files: Right click and select “Save link as…” to download GPX files. GPX files may be opened by downloading the demo version of TopoFusion for free.

CalTopo Review

Desktop: Top of the screen will have an “Export” drop down menu. Select from GPX, KML, etc. in the top left. Click Export.
Phone: On left side of screen there will be 4 icons. Click the folder with pin drop, then Export. On the top will be a drop down menu title “Format.” Set it to the file type you want and then click Export. The export will load, and if you have a tracking app on your phone already (Gaia for example), it should ask to export directly to your app. Once the export is complete, you can use this during your race in airplane mode and always know where you are. ​

NOTE: It is important to make sure you set the file format appropriately or the file will not download as a GPX or KML.

RACE DAY INFORMATION

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 AM22 Kilometer Start
8:30 AM – 12 Kilometer Start
8:45 AM6 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

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!

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.

Aid Station Helpers
We cannot produce these trail runs without the help of our amaing volunteer team. If you are interested in helping with Elephant Mountain, we have opportunities to help with setup, registration, aid stations, finish line, course sweep and breakdown. All volunteers will receive an Aravaipa Running shirt and a discount on a future race entry!  You can even help and run on race day. Sign Up Here

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.

Course Records
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)

Results

2024 | Results
2023 | Results
2022 | Results
2021 | Results
2020 | Results
2019 | Results
2018 | Results
2017 | 50K | 35K | 22K | 12K
2016 | 50K | 35K | 22K | 12K
2015 | 50K | 35K | 22K | 12K
2014 | 50K | 35K | 22K | 12K
2013 | 50K | 35K | 12K

PHOTOS

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

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Crew directions from Cave Creek Regional Park to Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area (13 miles / 30 minute drive). Google Map & Directions

Cave Creek Regional Park
37900 E Cave Creek Parkway
Cave Creek, Arizona 85331
 
  1. Head north on N Tonalite Dr towardMountain  
   
361 ft
  2. Continue straight onto Mountain  
   
0.2 mi
  3. Turn right onto E Cave Creek Pkwy  
   
0.9 mi
  4. Continue onto N 32nd St  
   
1.7 mi
  5. Turn left onto Carefree Hwy
   
2.8 mi
  6. Turn left onto N Cave Creek Rd
   
2.6 mi
  7. Turn left onto N Spur Cross Rd
   
0.2 mi
  8. Turn right onto E Grapevine Rd  
   
157 ft
  9. Take the 1st left onto N Spur Cross Rd  
   
4.0 mi
  10. Slight left  
   
0.3 mi
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
Cave Creek, Arizona
 

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/

Directions
From central Phoenix, take I-17 north to Carefree Hwy (SR 74). Exit Carefree Hwy. and travel east to 32nd St. (7 miles). Turn north on 32nd St. to the Cave Creek Regional Park entrance.

Address
37900 E Cave Creek Parkway
Cave Creek, AZ 85331

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EM Web Photo 2015 2

Video Credit: Ed Gildersleeve