The Mogollon Monster 100, set for September 12, 2026, in Pine, Arizona, is an iconic and exceptionally challenging trail race that plunges runners deep into the heart of Arizona's stunning Mogollon Rim. Offering distances of 100 miles, 105 kilometers, and 35 kilometers, this event is renowned for its rugged terrain, dramatic elevation changes, and breathtaking scenery. Runners on the 100-mile course will conquer the Rim six times, navigating elevations that range from roughly 5,200 feet to nearly 8,000 feet, experiencing ecosystems that shift from high Sonoran Desert to the world's largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest. The total elevation gain for the 100-mile distance is approximately 15,900 feet, featuring climbs and descents with grades often reaching 30-45% on highly technical sections like the Highline, Donahue, and Myrtle Trails.

This point-to-point race, organized by Aravaipa Running, has earned a reputation as a notoriously tough ultra, celebrated for its unparalleled views and unrelenting single track that tests even the most seasoned mountain runners. Runners frequently describe the course as brutal but beautiful, requiring significant power hiking skills to manage the steep ascents and descents that can be hard on the feet. Aid stations, though remote, are strategically placed, but runners should be prepared for long stretches between them, especially if not supported by a crew. Adding to its allure, the Mogollon Monster 100 serves as a qualifying race for both the prestigious Hardrock 100 and, starting in 2026, the Western States 100, demanding that 100-mile entrants have completed at least a 50-mile race previously.

Typical race day conditions in September see highs around 87F and lows around 54F, with a slight 7% chance of precipitation, though temperatures on top of the Rim can drop below freezing at night, and monsoon thunderstorms are possible. The race draws its evocative name from the legendary humanoid creature said to inhabit the local pine-covered hills, adding a mythical dimension to an already epic challenge. Finishing this "Monster" is not just a completion, but a true badge of honor, earned through grit and resilience against one of Arizona's most formidable landscapes.