New Mexico · Cuba

Deadman Peaks

The Backbone 100 at Deadman Peaks is a double-out-and-back on the Continental Divide Trail through the Rio Puerco Valley near Cuba, New Mexico — remote high desert between 6,350 and 7,400 feet of elevation, with approximately 12,600 feet of cumulative gain. The course is faint single-track and jeep trail over rock, sand, and slickrock past mushroom rocks, volcanic plugs including Cabezon Peak, and vast mesa views. Completion is rare: across documented editions, only 32 runners have finished the 100-mile distance. The race runs alongside shorter options from the same start.