Hope you find the newsletter useful, apologies for any beer related events that I've accidentally included!
Nov
Nov 05
We will meet at the Williamson Valley trailhead at 5:30pm. This run will be different than the last time we met at this location - we will do an out and back toward Baby Granite Mtn.
Address coordinates: 34.65852781205743, -112.51878020370388
No-drop group run of approximately 4-6 miles. No-drop means we stop at every intersection and wait for everyone (no friends left behind!).
Bring a light!!
Nov 06
Meet in the Thumb Butte parking lot (free on Wednesdays) at 7:00 AM and make as many trips up the trail as you like.
Nov 12
Meeting at the trailhead off of Hwy 89: 34.572236, -112.436545
Drive up 89 away from Prescott toward Chino, turn RIGHT at the light across from Cliff Rose/Rosser St. Trailhead is right next to Hwy 89.
No drop group run (we stop at every intersection and wait for everyone to join up before running again). This is an out and back.
Expect 4-6 mi
Bring a light :)
Nov 17
This will be the first of three training runs leading up to the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras. We will be breaking up the 100K course into three sections. Each run will be minimally supported, minimally marked and point to point. We will have shorter options at each. Here is information for those of you wanting to join on this first training run:
Date:
November 17, 2024
Distance:
Mile 0 – Big Bug Trailhead
Mile 8 – Antelope Mesa (Water)
Mile 13 – Hidden Treasure Mine TH
Mile 20ish – Bumble Bee (Finish)
Time:
7:00am Meet just North of the bridge at the trailhead in Bumble Bee to carpool to start or 7:45am Meet at Big Bug Trailhead
The run will start approximately at 8:00am from the Big Bug Trailhead off HWY 69. This is an established Trailhead of the BCT just west of Mayer HS. It will have restrooms and plenty of parking.
Driving Directions:
Directions to Bumble Bee (end of run, park here to carpool to run start):
1. Drive north from Phoenix on the I-17 Freeway
2. Take exit #248 towards Bumble Bee / Crown King
3. Turn left and drive 2.1 miles on pavement (road descends downhill)
4. Turn right at the bottom where it turns to dirt and take Crown King Road for 3.0 miles and park just past the bridge on the left hand side of the road.
Directions to Big Bug from Bumble Bee (we will carpool as a group):
1. Drive north on Crown King Road for 5.6 miles
2. Turn right onto Forest Road 259 and go 1.3 miles
3. Turn right staying on Forest Road 259 and go 2.8 miles
4. Continue straight onto Antelope Creek Road at town of Cordes and go 2.8 miles
5. Take right onto Duffers Drive and then go 1.3 miles
6. Turn left onto Spring Lane and go 0.6 miles through the town of Spring Valley
7. Turn left onto HWY 69 and the Trailhead will be just west of town on the left hand side.
Format:
This is a no fee, limited aid, limited course marking training run. You must plan to be self sufficient in terms of navigation, personal safety and aid between stations. We will drop water at the Antelope Mesa Mile 8 and have food and water at Hidden Treasure Mine TH at mile 13ish. Please study the maps in this post and follow signage for the Black Canyon Trail.
Markings:
The course on principle will be unmarked. There is signage for the Black Canyon Trail at most questionable junctions, but we recommend studying and printing maps to bring with you.
Post Run Gathering:
Bring a camp chair, some snacks and BYOB if you enjoy a post-run Sunday Funday at the trailhead.
Nov 19
We will run a 10k on the Brownlow loop as practice for the Santa Run happening Saturday 12/14/24! The Santa Run is a fundraiser for the Launch Pad Teen Center and all proceeds go to benefit the Launch Pad teens locally.
Plan on 6.2 miles. This is a no-drop group run, so we will stop at every intersection and intermittently between intersections to allow everyone a chance to catch up before running again!
Cindy will be leading this run & helping host the Santa Run (thank you Cindy!!).
Parking at Brownlow Trailhead: 1300 Commerce Drive, Prescott, AZ 86305
Bring a light or a friend willing to share their light!
Nov 26
We will meet at White Rock Parking lot (link here [https://goo.gl/maps/YN2uMvQnyQWTM9JK7](https://goo.gl/maps/YN2uMvQnyQWTM9JK7)) at 5:30pm.
No-drop group run of approximately 5 miles. No-drop means we stop at every intersection and wait for everyone.
Bring a light!!
Dec
Dec 10
We are going to check out a newly built trail! This trail goes around Eagle Peak in the dells. Jim assisted with building the new trail and is going to guide the group run on this trail for the first time (Thank you Jim!).
Expect 5.7 miles from the parking lot on 89a, past the Boblett Gravesite, and up around the peak. Miles 1-2 are kind of tough up the hill, but otherwise it's nice rolling hills through some open space and some rocks and canyons.
Here's where we can park (Free) on old hwy 89a:
34°36'48.4"N 112°25'02.8"W
(This is where we parked to run to the Boblett Gravesite this summer.)
This is a no-drop group run so we will stop at every intersection and allow everyone to catch up before continuing on.
Bring a light :)
**Pictured above -Eagle Peak in the distance as the trail goes past the Bobblett gravesite***
Dec 14
Join us for the Launch Pad's 6th Annual Christmas City Santa Run, Sponsored by Cambium Wealth & Legacy Strategies, Great Circle Media, and Prescott Woman Magazine on Saturday, December 14, 2024. This 10k, 5k and 1-mile fun run at Brownlow Trail will raise funds to support out of school drop-in and leadership programs at The Launch Pad Teen Center.
Register for the 10k or 5k and receive a Santa Hat, Beard, and commemorative Santa Run ornament (We do encourage you to run in full Santa Gear...you could win a prize), or register yourself or your little one for the Rudolph Run and get a set of antlers and a red nose! There will be a cookie, hot cider and cocoa booth hosted by Foothills Bank at the beginning and end of the race, and a prize of an Ugly Sweater for 1st and 2nd place 10K and 5K runners in both the women's and men's groups.
Things to Know Before Registering:
The Brownlow Trail is super fun with rolling hills, fun turns, and beautiful scenery, but it would be tough to run with a stroller. If you are thinking of bringing your kiddo(s) in a stroller, come and check out the race course in advance.
Dec 15
Sunday, December 15th will be the second of three training runs leading up to the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras. Each run will be minimally supported, minimally marked and point to point. We will have shorter options at each. Here is information for those of you wanting to join on this first training run:
Date:
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Distance:
Mile 0 – Bumble Bee
Mile 4.5 – Gloriana Mine TH (we may have water here)
Mile 12.8 – Soap Creek (Aid)
Mile 18.0 – Black Canyon City TH (Finish)
Time:
7:00am Meet at Black Canyon City TH.
or 7:30am Meet at Bumble Bee.
The run will start at approximately 7:45-8:00 am from Bumble Bee.
Driving Directions:
Directions to Black Canyon City TH (end of run, park here to carpool to Bumble Bee)
1. Take exit 242 off the I-17 towards Rock Springs / Black Canyon City
2. Turn left at the stop sign onto Velda Road Road
3. Turn right at the next stop sign onto the Old Black Canyon Highway and then an immediate left onto Warner Road towards the Black Canyon City Trailhead
4. Follow Warner Road for 0.3 miles to the trailhead and aid station. There is a restroom located at this trailhead. There are also dining options and a General Store in Rock Springs and some more options a couple miles north on the Old Black Canyon Highway in Black Canyon City as well as a gas station.
Directions to Bumble Bee (start of run):
1. Drive north from Phoenix on the I-17 Freeway
2. Take exit #248 towards Bumble Bee / Crown King
3. Turn left and drive 2.1 miles on pavement (road descends downhill)
4. Turn right at the bottom where it turns to dirt and take Crown King Road for 3.0 miles and park just past the bridge on the left hand side of the road.
Format:
This is a no fee, limited aid, limited course marking training run. You must plan to be self sufficient in terms of navigation, personal safety and aid between stations. We may drop water at the Gloriana Mine TH at mile 4.5 and have water and food at mile 12.8 (Soap Creek). Please study the maps in this post and follow signage for the Black Canyon Trail.
Markings:
The course on principle will be unmarked. There is signage for the Black Canyon Trail at most questionable junctions, but we recommend studying and printing maps to bring with you.
Post Run Gathering:
Bring a camp chair, some snacks and BYOB if you enjoy a Sunday Funday Post-Run hang.
Dec 17
PLEASE READ THIS DESCRIPTION.
We will meet at the Dog Park parking lot (link here [https://goo.gl/maps/ZCLmd4fQPGkyXCHP7](https://goo.gl/maps/ZCLmd4fQPGkyXCHP7)) at 5:30pm. Plan for 5 miles(ish).
No drop run (we stop for everyone at every intersection).
Bring a headlamp!
Dec 17
PLEASE READ THIS DESCRIPTION.
We will meet at the Turley Trailhead:
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/yvh2jJyGwkXCkUpq6?g_st=ic
](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yvh2jJyGwkXCkUpq6?g_st=ic
)
34.541342, -112.437366
Expect 4-6 miles. This is a no-drop group run, so we will stop at every trail intersection and wait for everyone to catch up before continuing the run. (No runners left behind!)
Bring a light :)
Directions: Take HWY-69 towards Prescott. After leaving the Prescott Valley area, you'll reach the intersection of HWY-69 and HWY-89. Stay left on Gurley street and make a quick left turn onto Robinson Drive into a residential area. From Robinson Drive, turn left on Butterfield Road. When you reach a five way intersection, turn right onto Wells Fargo Road. When Wells Fargo road turns north, look on your right for a small, hidden dirt road (the trailhead sign is tough to spot). Take this well graded dirt road to the parking area and Turley Trailhead.
205 Wells Fargo road
Prescott, AZ
Jan
Jan 12
Sunday, January 12 will the the third and final preview run for the upcoming 2025 Black Canyon Trail 100K. This section will resume from the Black Canyon City Trailhead and continue to head south towards New River & Phoenix. We’ll head back into the canyons and across several more creeks before the trail generally becomes flatter towards the finish at Emery Henderson Trailhead.
Date:
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Distance:
Mile 0 – Black Canyon City TH (Start)
Mile 13.3 – Table Mesa Road TH (Aid)
Mile 24.5 – Emery Henderson TH (Finish)
Time:
7:00am Meet at Emery Henderson TH to carpool
or 7:30am Meet at Black Canyon City TH
Driving Directions:
Directions to Emery Henderson Trailhead (end of run, park here to carpool to Black Canyon City TH)
3.1 Miles West of I-17 Freeway exit 232 on New River Road
Directions to Black Canyon City TH (start of run)
1. Take exit 242 off the I-17 towards Rock Springs / Black Canyon City
2. Turn left at the stop sign onto Velda Road Road
3. Turn right at the next stop sign onto the Old Black Canyon Highway and then an immediate left onto Warner Road towards the Black Canyon City Trailhead
4. Follow Warner Road for 0.3 miles to the trailhead and aid station. There is a restroom located at this trailhead. There are also dining options and a General Store in Rock Springs and some more options a couple miles north on the Old Black Canyon Highway in Black Canyon City as well as a gas station.
Format:
This is a no fee, limited aid, limited to no course marking training run. You must plan to be self sufficient in terms of navigation, personal safety and aid between stations. We will have water & some food at Table Mesa Road TH. Please study the maps in this post and follow signage for the Black Canyon Trail.
Markings:
The course on principle will be unmarked. There is signage for the Black Canyon Trail at most questionable junctions, but we recommend studying and printing maps to bring with you.
Post Run Gathering:
Bring a camp chair, some snacks and BYOB if you enjoy a Sunday Funday post-run hang
Feb
Feb 08
Experience the history and beauty of the Wild West the way it was intended...on two feet!
Join us for the 2025 edition of the Black Canyon Ultras!
Enjoy winding Sonoran Desert trails in the shadow of the Bradshaw Mountains. The course is point-to-point with net elevation loss.. but do not be fooled: this is a tough and taxing course with the majority of elevation gain coming the second half of the race.
Both the 100k and 50k run along the non-motorized Black Canyon Trail (a National Recreation Trail) featuring a mixture of single track trail, jeep roads, and pieces of an old stagecoach route.
Challenge yourself in 2025 and join us for the 12th annual Black Canyon Ultras. The 100k takes place on Saturday and the 50k on Sunday, giving you the unique opportunity to up the ante of epicness and run them both, making it the “Black Canyon Echo Challenge”!
It’s a journey you will never forget, and we hope you’ll get wild in the Wild West with us at the Black Canyon Ultras! 🤠
Mar
Mar 22
After all, it’s only “one climb”! 😉
Join us on March 22nd for the 33rd running of the Crown King Scramble 50k!
From 'spines to pines' start lakeside on the serene shores of Lake Pleasant and run through the heart of the Sonoran Desert to climb to the cool pines of the Bradshaw Mountains.
Stay and celebrate your victory after you cross the finish line in the historic and quaint town of Crown King! It’s a race like no other and a day you’ll never forget.
We hope to see you at the saloon this spring!
Apr
Apr 12
Join us for the 2025 edition of Whiskey Basin Trail Runs in beautiful, Prescott, Arizona. Choose to take on the 'full barrel' point to point 91k, 60k, 33k, or the challenging and rewarding, 1/2 Marathon or 10k that all take place on the gorgeous Prescott Circle Trail. All distances finish at the party overlooking Watson Lake and those iconic Granite Dells where you'll want to kick back and stay to socialize, enjoy the view, and maybe some whiskey...hey, when in Rome, right?
Apr 26
50 mile and 27 mile distances starting and finishing in Christopher Creek, along the historic Highline Trail
Apr 26
Fat ass style 31-ish mile adventure in the Granite Dells. All the dells I could fit into a sensible, beautiful loops….. of DOOM.
Ultrasignup link: [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?eid=18235
](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?eid=18235
)
May
May 05
Cocodona 250 - May 5-10, 2025
🏜️ The original epic of the Cocodona name starts at Rock Springs Cafe in Black Canyon City and traverses a continuous 250 mile point-to-point route, ending in Flagstaff, Arizona. Arguably the most diverse 200+miler on the map. Be prepared for a life changing epic adventure.
⛰️ Sedona Canyons 125 - May 7-10, 2025
This 125-mile point-to-point adventure runs the back half of the full Cocodona course. You’ll start in Jerome, run through Sedona, and finish in Flagstaff, alongside runners competing in the 250-miler. Get the best sections of the full course with half the pain.
🌲 Elden Crest 38 - May 9-10, 2025
The last 38 miles of the full Cocodona course is a Tour-de-Flagstaff. Start at Fort Tuthill, run through beautiful Walnut Canyon, up-n-over Mt Elden, and finish in downtown Flagstaff.