Turquoise Trail Ultra
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Turquoise Trail Ultra, February 21, 2026
The event takes place in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, at the Gutierrez Canyon Open Space parking lot (12216 NM-14). Distances offered are:
- 13k, 1 lap, ~1,023 ft gain
- 26k, 2 laps, ~2,046 ft gain
- 52k, 4 laps, ~4,092 ft gain
Course and aid
The course is a roughly 13k loop composed of 100% single track with smooth sections, rock gardens, and juniper trees. Each lap has a little over 1,000 feet of climbing. There are two aid stations: the start/finish location and an on-course station at about 4.6 miles. Aid station offerings include water and Skratch, chips, cookies, bananas, vegetable soup or broth, and a mix of salty and sweet snacks. Locally made burritos will be available at the finish. The event is cup-less; participants are asked to bring a cup or bottle. A reusable event cup can be purchased for $5 (cash or Venmo).
Logistics
The start/finish is at the Gutierrez Canyon Open Space trailhead. Overflow parking is at Mountain Christian Church about 0.25 miles north, with a sidewalk to the trailhead. Parking is not allowed at local businesses. The race proceeds in rain, snow, or sunshine. There is a 10 hour course cutoff for all distances and a 7.5 hour cutoff for lap 4 of the 52k. Packet pickup is scheduled the day before and on race morning at the start/finish line. Finisher socks are planned for 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
