Welcome to the 10th year of Bull of the Woods Trail Races in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico! In 2026, we are excited to host two different half marathons, one full marathon, and NEW THIS YEAR a 10K course! The full marathon and TSV half marathon distance will take you to Kachina Peak at 12,481ft then you will continue on to the Northside half marathon course where you will climb Fraser Peak at 12,168ft! You will span the entire Taos Ski Valley on this course, truly giving you some much deserved trail-cred! The Northside half marathon will follow the previous years, primarily tight single-track course on Northside trail system, maximizing your trail-fun and big-trail-views. Keep reading 'Trail Beta' for more detailed course description.
The new 10K course will consist of about 1.2K on mountain roads to bring you up to the base of Lift 8 and then singletrack trails from there to the finish with close to 2,000 ft in elevation gain! This is course is extremely different than the Up & Over 10K earlier in the summer, so be sure to register for both!
Trail Beta
Bull of the Woods Trail Races are two separate half marathons and full marathon distance trail races that is designed to maximize your trail running experience on a primarily single-track course through alpine forests, meadows, and overlooks that will bring out your inner joy and keep you smiling all the way home. This is high-country mountain running at its best, starting at about 10,000 ft with ascents to 12,163 ft Fraser Peak(half marathon 2/marathon course) and 12,481 ft Kachina Peak(half marathon 1/marathon course). Your senses will be on overdrive as you take in views of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, La-Cal Basin, Lobo Peak, Gold Hill and the Queen herself Wheeler Peak.
For the Kachina Peak Marathon/half marathon 1 course, a 'sky'-style high-alpine course, you will start on the incredible Taos Ski Valley Ski Resort to climb, at times 'hands-on-knees' to the spectacular 12,481 ft Kachina Peak! Here, take a minute to gaze the entire Wheeler Peak Wilderness "Cirque" encompassing 7 peaks over 12,000+ ft. Your fun will be maxed out with over 7,000 feet of climbing - and what goes up, must come down! Start your rowdy ridge descent down Highline and West Basin Ridges, made popular during the winter season, to the finish of the half marathon 1 course. For the full marathoners, you will then refuel at the base and cross over to the jaw-dropping scenery and pristine single track of Northside Trails System. Here, make your way to Fraser Peak 12,163 ft and gaze across the valley to where you once were - Kachina Peak! From here, it's all fast descending, winding, secluded single track and maximum fun to the finish. At the finish, you'll have the satisfaction of having enjoyed the best trails and views of Northern New Mexico!
Keep scrolling down for more in-depth course descriptions.
Want to Volunteer?
Volunteers will be coordinated by the Enchanted Circle Trails Association (ECTA) and a portion of the event proceeds support ECTA's efforts to develop, maintain, and promote trails regionally.
Email events@enchantedcircletrails.org to sign up or get more information, or message us via facebook https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedCircleTrailAssociation
