Pemberton Trail
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Pemberton Trail 50K & 25K
The Pemberton Trail races take place on marked singletrack in McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Fountain Hills, Arizona. The course follows the brown Pemberton Trail signs, runs clockwise, and passes several junctions; runners must stay on Pemberton Trail. The route features gently rolling hills and is described as a fast course. Mountain bikes and horses share the trail and all trail users must yield to horses.
Two distances are offered:
- 50 km trail race, two clockwise loops
- 25 km trail race, one clockwise loop
Runners must carry a water bottle. A start/finish area provides water and some snacks, and there is one on-course aid station at mile 8.7 known as Jackass Junction stocked with water, GU Hydrate, Coke, chips, cookies, boiled potatoes, bananas, and oranges. Drop bags may be left at the start/finish. The 50 km race has an overall cutoff of eight hours with up to nine hours allowed for those in the early-start group; 50 km entrants who do not choose the early-start option must complete the first loop within four hours.
As of 2026 there is a $10 per vehicle park entrance fee. Parking is at the large lot at the end of Shallmo Road by the picnic shelter; follow park signage past the Visitors' Center to the Pemberton Trail turn. January temperatures in the area can range from about 30° to 90°, so participants should prepare for variable weather. Sunscreen and personal medications are not provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
