Naatsisaan Trail Races 2026

Description

NAATSISAAN TRAIL RACES

Navajo Mountain, Utah

Saturday October 31, 2026

START TIMES: Ultra @ 7:15 a.m. ||10-miler @ 10:00 a.m. || 5K @ 3:00 p.m.

Yá'át'ééh runners! Welcome to the Naatsisaan Trail Races

The Naatsisaan Trail Races at Navajo Mountain offer unique courses in one of the most beautiful spots on Dine’ Bikeyah.

REGISTRATION – Online registration for the Naatsisaan 10-Miler , Naatsisaan Ultra , and the 5K will remain open online through their respective start time.

COURSE & CHECKPOINTS –

The 10-miler and 50K begin from Navajo Mountain High School and traverse challenging and stunning landscapes, including dirt roads, old doubletrack and trails. The route arcs around Lost Mesa, and includes dramatic views from the northeast side of the mountain. Runners will climb above Navajo Begay, along the 2006 fire site and in to Cha (Beaver) Canyon, where they will make the turn and head for the high school. 50k runners will then complete a second similar, but shorter loop.

The non-competitive 5K trail race is a scenic and tough run on local dirt roads; there are overall and age-group swag awards for this event, and the event will include on course support. The 5K will also begin and end at Navajo Mountain H.S., taking runners on a scenic and challenging course.

Aid stations for the 10-miler and 50k will include Honey Stinger energy gels, salty, sweet and high carb foods, medical support, communication and fluids. The course is marked with pin flags, cairns and some signage; however, runners should study the course map and try to become familiar with the route. The course is subject to revision, at the discretion of race organizers and/or local leaders. Alternative routes may be utilized in case of bad weather.

RUNNER RESPONSIBILITIES : Runners will need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions and have the appropriate gear to accommodate such conditions. Appropriate rain gear and footwear are crucial. Hypothermia and heat issues can both pose a real threat in the high desert in the fall season, and runners must be prepared for the potential onset of such conditions. Aid stations will have generous supplies of fluids; however, runners should plan to bring their own hydration system.

AFTERNOON CELEBRATION – There will be a community cook-out and live music from 2:00 til 5:00 p.m. at the high school. The 5K race/run begins at 3:00 p.m., and will be followed by a trunk-or-treating activity near the finish line!

LODGING/CAMPING – The Navajo Mountain High School is offering rustic camping on the grounds of the school, just a short walk from the start and finish line. Camping includes access to restrooms and showers in the school.

If you are looking for a motel for Friday or Saturday nights, the communities of Kayenta, Tuba City and Page, Arizona (each about two hours from the high school) have multiple lodging options.

WEATHER – The weather in the Navajo Mountain area, including the surrounding canyons, can be very volatile. Runners should be prepared for rapid changes in conditions, including rainy conditions, wind, snow and cold. The mountain section of the route may be windy, cold and is more likely to experience snow/rain. Less likely, but still possible, are heat issues on this route, even in late October. Please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for any extreme weather and trail conditions that may arise.

AWARDS – Overall and age-group awards will be presented in the 50k and 10-miler events. All finishers will receive a finisher’s medal.

The Naatsisaan Trail Ultra and the Navajo Parks Race Series are organized by the nonprofit organization NavajoYES in collaboration with Navajo Mountain High School. The event enjoys sponsorship and/or logistical support from Utah Navajo Health System, Naatsisaan Community School, and the Naatsisaan Chapter.

CONTACTS

Tom: 928.429.0345 ; chuskaman@yahoo.com ; www.navajoyes.org

Josh/Rocky Mountain Timing (registrat