Red Rocks of Sedona

Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races

Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races invites you to experience the soul-stirring beauty of red rock country on Saturday, October 17, 2026. This one-day celebration of trail running takes you through some of the most stunning and sacred terrain Sedona has to offer—including the iconic Hi-Line Trail, featured in every distance. Whether you choose the Mountain Marathon, 20 Miler, 10 Miler, or our newest addition ~ the 2.5 Miler, you’re in for a breathtakingly challenging journey across high desert slickrock, winding singletrack, and panoramic red rock vistas. Designed as a point-to-point adventure, this race gives you the ultimate point of view—an unfiltered look at the wild, spiritual, and colorful landscape that defines Sedona.

Course

The Mountain Marathon, 20 Miler and 10 Miler begin at the United Methodist Church and finish at Verde Valley School, traversing the best trails on Sedona's scenic Southside. Each course is uniquely designed to highlight the area’s dramatic elevation shifts, fast technical descents, and jaw-dropping views. The legendary Hi-Line Trail is a central feature in all three distances, delivering runners to exposed ridgelines with sweeping panoramas of Cathedral Rock and beyond. • Mountain Marathon: A full-on test of endurance and grit, this 26.2-mile route immerses you in the full Southside experience. • 20 Miler: A sweet spot for seasoned runners seeking a serious but manageable challenge. • 10 Miler: Don’t be fooled—this short course still offers big views and thrilling terrain. The route is fully marked, with GPX files provided for runners who prefer digital navigation. Our newest addition is the 2.5 Miler. Perfect for runners new to trails or walkers wanting to take in the red rock views. This event starts and finishes at the Verde Valley School. No shuttle required.

Aid Station and Runner Support

Fully stocked aid stations will be available throughout each course, supplying hydration, fuel, and good vibes. You’ll find water, electrolytes, and energy snacks at regular intervals to keep you going strong through Sedona’s rugged terrain. All registered runners will receive a high-performance technical race shirt and a commemorative medal at the finish line. From your pre-race shuttle ride to the final high five at the Vendor Village, every detail is backed by a passionate and experienced team of trail lovers who care deeply about your experience on and off the trail.

Runner Experience

The race weekend is packed with connection, community, and celebration. Your Sedona trail experience kicks off on Thursday, October 15 with a fun Community Run at 5 PM hosted by 444 Running and Trail Running Escapes. Location TBD. Join fellow runners and locals for a casual run and good vibes. On Friday, October 16 , bib pickup runs from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Location TBD. . Then at 4:30 PM , head to the Yavapai Vista Trailhead for a pre-race “shake out” run hosted by 444 Running followed by a short breathwork session and moment of intention led by Sedona local Jennifer Marcaccini . Watch the sun set over the red rocks as you get centered and ready for race day. Race Day – Saturday, October 17 : Shuttle service starts at 7 AM from the finish line location at Verde Valley School. Runners are transported to the start line at United Methodist Church. No runner parking is allowed at the start , so please either purchase a shuttle pass ($15) or plan to be dropped off. After the race, head to the Vendor Village on the soccer field—open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM—featuring GU Energy, Skratch Labs, Wild Tonic, Squirrel's Nut Butter, Findlay Toyota, Nackard Pepsi, Rapid Response Rehydration, the Best Bar and many more. Recovery services and product samples will be available.

Travel, Lodging, Local Tips

Traveling to Sedona? The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport , about 2 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or book a shuttle with Groome Transportation , which offers multiple daily departures to Sedona. Where to Stay: October is high season in Sedona, so book early! For premium convenience and views, our host hotel is The Arabella , located just 10 miles from the race start. Use discount code TRE at booking to receive 30% off . Select "Rate Access/Corporate Code" to enter the code. Looking for lower-priced lodging? Nearby Cottonwood is a great option and about 45 minutes from the race start. We suggest: • Best Western Cottonwood Inn • Verde Valley Inn Prefer to camp? Consider these recommended sites: • Dead Horse Ranch State Park – tent, RV, or cabins • Chavez Crossing Campground – group site • Rancho Sedona RV Park – RV only (no tents) Vanlifers & RV travelers: Free BLM camping is available at Loy Butte Road (FR 525) or North Bill Gray Road, both accessible from Hwy 89A. Airbnb is also a solid option for groups or families. Sedona books up fast in October, so don’t delay!

Sustainability and Community

Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races are more than just beautiful trails—they're a celebration of place, purpose, and preservation. As proud members of the Sedona community, we are deeply committed to protecting these sacred lands. Trail Running Escapes has partnered with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce , Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics , and other local organizations to help preserve and honor the land we run on. TRE is a Proud Supporter of the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund. We ask all runners to take the Sedona Cares Pledge at SedonaCares.com and join us in respecting this magnificent landscape. We believe in treading lightly, leaving no trace, and sharing the trail with gratitude. Let’s work together to ensure these trails remain wild and open for generations to come.

About the Organizers

Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races are proudly produced by Trail Running Escapes , a passionate team of adventure athletes and guides who specialize in trail running events and camps across Sedona and the Santa Monica Mountains. With years of experience and a deep love for the sport, they’re committed to delivering unforgettable running experiences in breathtaking natural settings. Operating under permit from the Coconino National Forest , the team ensures every detail—from shuttle logistics to post-race recovery—is dialed in with runners in mind. They are also proud supporters of NWR and its founder Verna Volker , who shares the joy of trail running with her Native American community. Questions? Want to volunteer? Reach out at [email protected] .