Arizona Monster 300 2027

Presentation

The Arizona Monster 300 is a 300-mile point-to-point ultramarathon through the wild heart of Southern Arizona's Sonoran Desert. Created by Destination Trail — the team behind some of the USA's most iconic 200-milers including Bigfoot 200, Tahoe 200 and Moab 240 — this race pushes the boundaries of ultra-endurance to an entirely new level, offering one of the longest single-stage trail races in the United States.

The route stretches from the small town of Patagonia near the Mexican border all the way north to Superior, traversing National Forest lands, crossing desert washes, climbing high-elevation mountain ranges and winding through some of the most iconic backcountry terrain in the American Southwest. With over 41,000 feet of elevation gain and a 150-hour cutoff, the Arizona Monster 300 is a true test of endurance, navigation and mental fortitude.

The race takes place every spring in late March, when desert temperatures are still manageable but the landscape is at its most stunning — cacti in bloom, clear skies and dramatic mountain vistas stretching to the horizon.

Course and format

300.5 miles / 41,162 ft elevation gain — Point-to-point

The Arizona Monster covers 300.5 miles from Patagonia to Superior with a staggering 41,162 feet (12,546 m) of elevation gain and 42,463 feet (12,943 m) of elevation loss. The course is overwhelmingly single-track trail — 84% of the route (259 miles) follows genuine backcountry trails through the desert and mountains. The remaining 16% is divided between bike paths (10%), paved road (3%) and dirt road (2%).

Nineteen aid stations are positioned along the route, providing food, water and medical support. The generous 150-hour cutoff (roughly 6 days and 6 hours) allows runners to complete the course at a sustainable pace, with sleep stops factored into the race strategy. Crew access and drop bags are available at most aid stations.

The terrain is diverse and demanding: rocky desert trails, sandy washes, steep mountain ascents through Ponderosa pine forests, technical single-track along ridgelines, and exposed sections through classic Sonoran Desert landscape dotted with saguaro cacti. Elevation ranges from desert valley floor to mountain peaks above 9,000 feet.

Terrain and difficulty

The Arizona Monster 300 is one of the most challenging ultramarathons in the world, combining extreme distance with significant elevation change and the harsh desert environment. Daytime temperatures in late March can reach 80-90°F (27-32°C) in the lower elevations while plummeting to near freezing at night in the mountains, creating huge temperature swings that demand careful layering and gear management.

Water is scarce between aid stations in the desert sections, making hydration strategy critical. The terrain alternates between sandy desert floor that saps energy from every step and rocky mountain trails that test footwork and ankle stability. Runners must be prepared for rattlesnakes, scorpions and the general remoteness of the Arizona backcountry.

The sheer distance — 300 miles over 6+ days — makes sleep management the ultimate challenge. Most finishers sleep 4-6 times during the race, either at aid stations or in improvised bivouacs along the trail. The cumulative fatigue, combined with the technical terrain and environmental challenges, produces a uniquely demanding experience even by 200-mile race standards.

History

The Arizona Monster 300 is a relatively new addition to the ultra-endurance calendar, created by the Destination Trail team that has been producing iconic 200-mile races across the western United States for years. The race was born from the desire to push beyond the increasingly popular 200-mile format and create a true multi-day wilderness expedition race in the stunning Arizona backcountry.

The race has quickly attracted elite ultra-runners and adventure seekers from around the world, drawn by the unique combination of extreme distance, world-class trail systems and the raw beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Results from the 2025 and 2026 editions are available on UltraSignup, with the race qualifying runners for the prestigious Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.

Practical information for participants

• Registration: approximately $2,000-$2,300 via UltraSignup, with early-bird and payment plan options available
• Aid stations: 19 fully stocked aid stations along the route
• Cutoff: 150 hours (approximately 6 days 6 hours)
• Terrain: 84% single-track, rocky desert and mountain trails
• Crew access: available at most aid stations, drop bags supported
• Qualification: qualifies for Western States 100
• Runner manual: detailed course guide available on the Destination Trail website
• Live tracking: GPS tracking available for friends and family