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From spines to pines! Run Arizona's classes 50K foot race from Lake Pleasant to the old mining town of Crown King!


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Map Key

32.2

Miles

51.9

KM

92%

Runnable

6,543' 1,994 m

High

1,711' 521 m

Low

6,182' 1,884 m

Up

2,115' 645 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Runners start on the shores of beautiful Lake Pleasant, run through the heart of the Sonoran Desert and climb their way through scrub brush, junipers, and, ultimately, to the cool pines of the Bradshaw Mountains! The finish line at the historic Crown King Saloon awaits!

Need to Know

Runners may stay in Crown King for post race festivities or shuttle back to Lake Pleasant at the conclusion of their race. Shuttle tickets are sold separately upon registration.

Runner Notes

For turn by turn directions, visit the main Crown King Scramble website. This race is in cooperation with multiple land agencies and private land owners. Please respect the land and ensure this race continues by being good stewards of the trails and disposing of trash in designated receptacles. Please do not litter!

Description

The Crown King Scramble is a point-to-point uphill 50 kilometer foot race from the shores of Lake Pleasant in the heart of the Sonoran Desert to the town of Crown King in the ponderosa pines of the Bradshaw Mountain Range. The trail traverses through several climate zones that takes you from "spines" to "pines".

The first half of the race is on rolling, smooth dirt forest roads, and the back half is on rough four wheel drive jeep trail that climbs steeply up into the mountains. You'll watch Lake Pleasant grow smaller and smaller in the distance as the promise of cooler temperatures drives you forward.

The race starts at 1,700 feet elevation and tops out at mile 28.7 at 6520 feet elevation before a final 600 foot descent into the finish. This race is perfect for first time ultra runners who want to take on the 50K challenge and celebrate properly with beer, barbecue, and a live band at the finish!

History & Background

Crown King is rich in history. This year will be the 28th running of this Arizona classic. Runners tour the old mining claims and ghost towns of the mineral rich Bradshaw mountains and finish at the Crown King Saloon—the oldest saloon in Arizona.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jubilee Paige

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1335

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#66

in Arizona

#1,335

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2,307 Since Aug 24, 2018
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Photos

From 'spines' to 'pines' runners climb from the desert to the cool forests of the Bradshaw Mountains in Crown King, Arizona!
Aug 24, 2018 near New River, AZ
South towards Pleasant from near Oro Bell, mile 27 from boat ramp, road below.
Jan 22, 2020 near Black C…, AZ
Trailhead
Nov 11, 2023 near New River, AZ

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