Elden Ridge Run

Elden Ridge Run is a 13.1-mile trail half marathon on Mt. Elden in Flagstaff, Arizona, held in the fall when the aspens along the ridge can turn gold. It begins at Sandy Seep Trailhead and follows mountain trails, featuring open meadows, ponderosa stands, technical singletrack, and a steep ascent to the summit. The race differs from a typical road half: runners encounter one aid station near mile six, must reach the summit at approximately mile five within two hours, and have a four-hour overall cutoff. The course departs the trailhead through meadows and pine forest, crosses a power line access road, turns onto Christmas Tree Trail, and then joins Elden Lookout Trail for the climb up Mt. Elden. After the summit, participants descend on the lookout tower road, link to Sunset Trail, and proceed onto New Heart Trail, with the red and orange cliffs of Little Elden becoming visible. Volunteers guide runners at several junctions, a necessary role on a course with numerous trail changes and a single official aid stop.