High Tail It Racing // Southwest Vertical Challenge at Az Snowbowl
About the Event
Join us on August 14, 2027, for the Southwest Vertical Challenge at Arizona Snowbowl—a breathtaking mountain race that promises to test your limits and reward you with stunning views of the Kachina Peak Wilderness. This USATF MUT Sanctioned event is designed for trail runners who are ready to tackle a challenging vertical ascent. The course begins on a single track along the AZT Trail in the Coconino National Forest, winding through lush Aspen meadows before making its final push up Upper Volcano. Runners will climb an impressive 4300 feet of elevation gain and reach a peak altitude of 11,500 feet at the gondola station. The approximate distance is around 11 to 12 miles, offering both scenic beauty and technical terrain. As you navigate through this challenging route, prepare for breathtaking vistas that stretch across Arizona’s high country. From rolling meadows dotted with wildflowers to dense forests of towering pines, every step will be a testament to your endurance and spirit as an athlete. Race day festivities include packet pickup at AZ Snowbowl on Thursday or Friday before the event (exact times TBA), starting lines set up at Fort Valley Lodge, and a celebratory rooftop party after crossing the finish line. The post-race celebration features live music by Waffle Party, free beer for participants, and special giveaways. Registration closes August 14th, with awards given to top three finishers in various categories (no double dipping). All registered runners will receive finisher medals commemorating their achievement. For those unable to attend on the rescheduled date due to prior commitments or other reasons, a full refund for the original event is available. Alternatively, participants can defer their registration until next year's Southwest Vertical Challenge without any additional fees. We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional mountain racing experience and celebrating your achievements at AZ Snowbowl in 2027. Respectfully, Robin Allen Race Director & Creator of High Tail It Racing
Races Offered
Vertical Challenge
Aug 14, 2027
straighten
Distance —
Vertical Challenge
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
06:30
sell
$110.11
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Flagstaff.
thermostatTemperature
14.5° / 27.5°
wb_sunnyFeels like
12.2° / 24.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
12h 11m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.4 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
10.4 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
46.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:46
nightlight
Sunset
19:12
About Flagstaff
Learn more about the host city, Flagstaff.
Flagstaff is a city of over 75,000 people (2019) near the San Francisco Peaks mountain range of northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon. At an altitude of 6,990 ft (2,130 m), Flagstaff and much of the surrounding region are substantially cooler than the low desert that dominates the southern part of the state. Though still dry by east coast standards, enough rain and snow falls in the area to allow a forest of ponderosa pine trees to cover the landscape. Winters tend to be cold, and heavy snowfall is expected on an annual basis.
