Crown King Scramble
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Event overview
The Crown King Scramble is a point-to-point 50 kilometer (31.1 mile) trail footrace on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The course runs from Lake Pleasant Regional Park (Castle Creek Boat Ramp) in the Sonoran Desert to the Crown King Saloon in Crown King, Arizona. The course is predominantly dirt roads and four-wheel-drive jeep trails, traversing several climate zones from desert with saguaro cactus and scrub to ponderosa and pine forest at higher elevation. Total elevation gain is 6,828 feet, with the route starting near 1,700 feet and reaching its high point near mile 28.7 before a final descent into the finish. The event has a published time limit of 11 hours; cutoffs on course are strictly enforced.
Course and support
The route includes rolling smooth dirt forest roads in the first half and rough, steep jeep road in the back half. Five staffed aid stations provide water, an electrolyte drink, fruit and snacks at the following approximate miles: Cow Creek (8.5), French Creek (15.3, drop bags), Silver Mountain (19.1), Fort Misery (22.2), and Oro Belle (27.3), with the finish at 31.1 miles. Drop bags are allowed only at French Creek and the finish. Crews and pacers are not permitted on course. The race is cupless - runners must carry their own refillable container. Chip timing and live splits are provided, and a one-way shuttle from Crown King back to the start is available. Post-race barbecue is included with entry and beer is available for purchase at the finish. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
