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Texas Canyon Mountain Bike Race & Fun Ride 2026: Complete Guide
January 24 @ 08:00 – 17:00
7th Annual Texas Canyon MTB Race – Dragoon, Arizona
Racing or riding the all-new Texas Canyon course? Get the complete breakdown—race options, course details, what to expect, and southern Arizona trail beta for making the most of your trip.
Event Quick Facts
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Location: Amerind Museum, Dragoon, Arizona (I-10 east of Tucson)
Entry: $45-65
Format: XC (2 distances) + fun ride + kids loop
Registration: https://bit.ly/TCMBR26
Always verify details with organizers — race info subject to change
About This Guide: MTB Diaries independently researches events to help riders discover information and plan trips. We combine race information from organizers with local and regional trail knowledge—so you know what to expect on race day AND what other mountain bike opportunities exist in the area. Remember, event details (start times, course, registration) can change. Always verify current information at the official event site before race day.
Event Overview
The Texas Canyon Mountain Bike Race returns for its 7th year, announcing an entirely new and improved racecourse featuring “50% singletrack” winding through the famous granite boulder formations of Texas Canyon.
Located at the Amerind Museum in Dragoon (about 70 miles east of Tucson, a straight shot on I-10), this event looks to offer something for everyone: competitive races for serious riders, a mellow fun ride for families and beginners, and even a kids’ loop for the littlest riders.
What makes Texas Canyon special: Amerind Museum property is also usually off-limits to mountain biking, so this is a rare chance for a unique ride.The course threads through massive granite boulders—think Cochise Stronghold meets mountain bike racing. The terrain is unique, technical, and visually stunning.
Post-race perks: Registration includes free admission to the Amerind Museum and Art Galleries. Plus food trucks, live music, and awards featuring Native American art pieces for overall winners.
Supporting the mission: Participation enables Amerind to further its mission of fostering knowledge and understanding of the Native Peoples of the Americas through research, education, and community engagement.
Race & Ride Options
The 2026 event offers four distinct options—pick your adventure:
The Fulton Full Course (Competitive Race)
Distance: 42 miles (4 laps)
Terrain: 50% singletrack, 50% jeep trails through Texas Canyon boulders
Start Time: 10:00 am
Who it’s for: Experienced racers ready for a legitimate challenge
e-MTB Legal: Check with organizers (typically competitive races are analog-only)
What to expect: Four laps means you’ll get intimately familiar with the course—technical rock sections, punchy climbs, and fast jeep trail connectors. The new singletrack through the boulder fields sounds like it’ll be special.
Awards: Overall male/female winners receive medals + Native American art. Age group winners (1st-3rd) receive medals.
The Lockett Rocket Short Course (Competitive Race)
Distance: 21 miles (2 laps)
Terrain: 50% singletrack, 50% jeep trails through Texas Canyon boulders
Start Time: 10:10 am
Who it’s for: Intermediate racers or anyone wanting the full course experience in half the distance
e-MTB Legal: Check with organizers (typically competitive races are analog-only)
What to expect: Same course as the full, just two laps instead of four. Looks like a way to hit all the highlights—technical singletrack, granite boulders, and desert jeep trails—without the full endurance commitment.
Awards: Overall male/female winners receive medals + Native American art. Age group winners (1st-3rd) receive medals.
Race divisions (both competitive categories):
- Jr Male/Female (12-19)
- Male/Female (20-59)
- Male/Female (60+)
- Open to ages 12-99
The Friends of Amerind Fun Ride (Non-Competitive)
Distance: 6.2 miles
Terrain: Dirt roads around Amerind Museum property
Start Time: 9:00 am
Who it’s for: Families, beginners, anyone wanting a fun non-technical ride
e-MTB Legal: ✓ Yes — e-bikes, mountain bikes, and gravel bikes all welcome
What to expect: Reads as about fun, not competition. Roll around the Amerind property, take in the scenery, and enjoy the day without pressure. Likely perfect for first-timers or riders who want to participate without racing.
Awards: Participation medals for all registrants (no competitive awards).
Little Tykes Fun Loop (Non-Competitive, Kids)
Distance: ~0.25 miles
Start Time: 9:05 am
Who it’s for: Kids 8 and under (with parent supervision)
Entry: FREE
What to expect: Short, safe loop designed to let kids have fun and feel included. Parents ride alongside. Advertised as entirely non-competitive—just smiles and participation medals.
Awards: Participation medals for all little riders.
Course Details
New for 2026: The course has been completely redesigned to include 50% singletrack (up from previous years’ mostly-jeep-trail layout).
Terrain:
- Granite boulder fields (technical, rocky, scenic)
- Desert jeep trails (fast, rolling, occasional loose rock)
- Minimal elevation gain per lap (see course map at registration site)
- Technical level: Intermediate to advanced (for competitive races)
Course map: Available at bottom of race registration site: https://bit.ly/TCMBR26
Pre-riding: Check with organizers if course is available for pre-ride before race day.
⚠️ Important: Course details subject to change. Always verify current course map and start times with race organizers before event day.
What to Expect on Race Day
Arrival & Parking
- Arrive early for packet pickup and course familiarization
Start Times (Confirm with Organizers)
- 9:00 am: Friends of Amerind Fun Ride
- 9:05 am: Little Tykes Fun Loop
- 10:00 am: Fulton Full Course (42 miles)
- 10:10 am: Lockett Rocket Short Course (21 miles)
Weather (Late January)
- Typical temps: 40-60°F (cool morning, mild afternoon)
- Dragoon is ~4,200 ft elevation (cooler than Tucson)
- Bring layers: Start cold, warm up as you race
Support
- Oro Valley Bicycles on-site for quick fixes and repairs
- Food trucks post-race
- Live music (details TBA)
Post-Race
- Awards ceremony (overall winners + age group)
- Museum access included (show bike plate or guest pass)
- Food trucks and live music
- Hang out, celebrate, explore Amerind
Riding Southern Arizona (Beyond the Race)
Checking out the Texas Canyon MTB Race is a great excuse to add some time to explore southern Arizona’s incredible winter riding. If you’re driving from Tucson, Phoenix, or beyond, consider extending your trip.
Nearby Trail Options
Cochise Stronghold (30 min south of Dragoon):
- Granite boulders and rugged mountains (6,000+ ft elevation rising into pine forests)
- Technical singletrack, forest roads, stunning scenery, check Trailforks
- Cooler temps than desert riding
Tucson (60 miles west, 70 min drive):
- Major trail networks (100+ miles of riding)
- Winter = prime season (70-80°F, sunny, dry)
- The 7 Tucson MTB Classics cover the essential rides
Get comprehensive trail info: Our Tucson MTB Ride Guide includes all 7 Classics, complete trail networks, trip planning, e-MTB access, and GPS files. Perfect for extending your race weekend into a full southern Arizona MTB trip.
Trip Planning
Where to Stay:
- Dragoon area: Limited options (Airbnb, nearby Benson hotels 15 min west)
- Tucson: Full range (hotels, Airbnbs, closer to major trails)
- Combine: Race Saturday in Dragoon, ride Tucson trails Sunday-Monday
When to Ride:
- January = ideal southern Arizona weather (cool mornings, mild days)
More southern Arizona riding:
- Tucson Mountain Biking hub — Complete Tucson trail guide
- Best Time to Ride Tucson — Seasonal guide
e-Mountain Bikes
At the race:
- Competitive races (42/21 miles): Typically analog-only—verify with organizers
- Fun Ride (6.2 miles): e-bikes explicitly welcome (plus gravel bikes)
- Little Tykes: Any bike works (balance bikes, training wheels, etc.)
Riding the area:
- Texas Canyon is on a mix of private (Amerind), BLM, and state lands
- e-MTB access rules vary—check specific land management agency
For comprehensive southern Arizona e-MTB access info, see our Tucson MTB Ride Guide (covers Tucson networks 60 miles west, including best e-bike route).
FAQs
Q: Can I pre-ride the course?
A: Check with organizers—but mountain biking is not typically allowed on Amerind Museum property.
Q: Are there age categories?
A: Yes. Competitive races have Jr (12-19), Open (20-59), and 60+ categories for male and female. See “Race Divisions” above.
Q: What if I’m a beginner?
A: The Friends of Amerind Fun Ride (6.2 miles) is perfect for beginners—non-competitive, non-technical, and welcoming to all bikes including e-bikes and gravel bikes.
Q: Are e-bikes allowed?
A: Yes for the Fun Ride, check with organizers for competitive races (typically analog-only). See “e-Mountain Bikes” section above.
Q: What’s included with registration?
A: Free admission to Amerind Museum and Art Galleries (show your bike plate or guest pass post-race). Plus participation medals and awards (depending on category).
Q: Can I bring my kids?
A: Absolutely! Little Tykes Fun Loop (free, ages 8 and under) is designed for kids. Older kids can race competitive categories if experienced.
Q: Is there mechanical support?
A: Yes—Oro Valley Bicycles will be on-site for quick fixes and repairs.
Q: Corporate or group registration?
A: Contact organizers directly for group registration details.
⚠️ Important: Race details (start times, course, categories) are subject to change. Always verify current information at https://bit.ly/TCMBR26 before race day.
Ready to Ride Southern Arizona?
Racing Texas Canyon? Extend your trip and explore Tucson’s world-class desert mountain biking—just 60 miles west.
Get the Tucson MTB Ride Guide — All 7 Classics, complete trail networks, e-MTB access, GPS files, and trip planning.
Not ready to buy? Get free Tucson trail recommendations and trip planning tips.
More Arizona MTB Events:
- 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo 2026 (Feb 13-15, Tucson)
- Sedona MTB Festival 2026 (September, Sedona)
Event organized by Amerind Museum
MTB Diaries is not affiliated with race organizers. All race details subject to change—verify with organizers before event.
Last Updated: January 2026
Course map & registration: https://bit.ly/TCMBR26
Amerind Museum
amerind@amerind.org