Mesquite Canyon
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Event overview
Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs take place Saturday, March 14, 2026, at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell, AZ. The event is part of the Desert Runner Trail Series and offers multiple trail distances on single track and dirt roads through desert terrain. The course includes significant climbs, steep descents, large boulders and rocks, and desert vegetation. A remote wash section in Ford Canyon requires basic navigation and downhill rock scrambling over the White Tank formations on the 50 Mile and 50K courses.
Distances
- 50 Mile
- 50K
- 30K
- 1/2 Marathon
- 8K
- Kid's Fun Run (approximately 1.5 miles)
Course aid and support
Aid stations occur every 1.8 to 8.8 miles and provide water, an electrolyte drink, snacks, and fruit. There is at least one 8.8-mile stretch with no aid on the longer courses. Specific aid notes: Waddell services all distances; Mesquite is a remote aid with no ice; Goat Camp supports drop bags, water, food and ice; Ford Canyon is water only. The event is a cupless event option with reusable cups available.
Logistics and rules
Packet pickup is available the Thursday before at Aravaipa Running headquarters and on race morning at the park Competitive Track area. Crews are permitted at the start/finish and Goat Camp aid; pacers are allowed for 50 mile runners after the 50K mark or at Goat Camp. Drop bags for 50 Mile and 50K are transported to Goat Camp and must be submitted at the start line by the stated morning deadline. Awards are given to the top three men and women at each distance and all finishers receive a finisher award. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
