Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Ultra

About the Event

The Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Ultra returns to Flagstaff, Arizona on September 19th, offering a challenging endurance event through some of the most iconic scenery in the American Southwest. Participants can choose from several distance options including solo runs and mountain bike rides that traverse historic routes once used by stagecoaches to reach the Grand Canyon. The racecourse follows sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail across Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, showcasing high desert landscapes, alpine forests, and grasslands rich in Native American history.
Race morning at 7:00 AM typically sees temperatures around 12 degrees Celsius with a light breeze blowing from the north. The trail conditions are firm but slightly soft underfoot, providing runners and cyclists an authentic feel of Arizona's natural terrain. Participants will experience clear skies and minimal risk of precipitation during their run or ride, making for ideal conditions to enjoy the scenic vistas along the route.
Since its inception in 2019, this event has become a significant part of Flagstaff’s endurance racing calendar, drawing athletes from across the United States who are eager to test themselves on challenging terrain. The race supports conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives within Arizona's national forests. Over the years, it has attracted hundreds of participants each year, with many returning runners seeking personal bests or new records.
The Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Ultra takes place entirely in Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, featuring a mix of singletrack trails, doubletracks, and forest roads. Runners start near 7,500 feet above sea level before ascending towards peaks reaching nearly 9,000 feet along the course. For cyclists, there are specific routes designed for mountain biking that offer similar elevation gains but with unique challenges on two wheels rather than legs.
On race day, temperatures range from a minimum of about 11 degrees Celsius to a maximum around 24 degrees Celsius, averaging approximately 18 degrees throughout the event period. Humidity levels remain relatively low at an average of 43%, and there is minimal chance of rainfall with less than one millimeter expected on race morning. The sun will be out for over eleven hours during daylight, providing ample opportunity to soak in Arizona's natural beauty.
The Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Ultra offers a variety of distances including the solo run at 100 miles and 55 kilometers, as well as mountain bike options ranging from individual rides to multi-person relay teams. Distances also include various combinations for both running and cycling relays.

100M - 2 Person MTB
Start: 05:00:00 • Fee: $275.00

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Flagstaff.

thermostat Temperature

11.3° / 23.8°

wb_sunny Feels like

8.2° / 19.3°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 27m

water_drop Avg rainfall

0.7 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

11.5 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (5.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

43.8%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:09

nightlight Sunset

18:31

About Flagstaff

Learn more about the host city, Flagstaff.

Flagstaff is a city of over 75,000 people (2019) near the San Francisco Peaks mountain range of northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon. At an altitude of 6,990 ft (2,130 m), Flagstaff and much of the surrounding region are substantially cooler than the low desert that dominates the southern part of the state. Though still dry by east coast standards, enough rain and snow falls in the area to allow a forest of ponderosa pine trees to cover the landscape. Winters tend to be cold, and heavy snowfall is expected on an annual basis.