24 Hours in the Old Pueblo 2027: Dates, Registration & Rider Guide
February 13, 2027 @ 12:00 – February 14, 2027 @ 12:00 MST
24 HOP 2027
Registration for 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo 2027 isn’t open yet — but if you’re already thinking about it, you’re not early. You’re on time.
24HOP sells out quickly after registration opening, every year. The riders who show up in February are almost always the ones who started planning in September, or sooner.
This page has everything you need to get started: event details as they’re confirmed, course breakdown, logistics, and a complete guide to making the most of your time in Tucson before and after the race.
Because if you’re flying in to ride one of the best events in mountain biking, you might as well ride some of the best trails in the country while you’re here.
→ Is 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Worth It?
Quick Facts
When: February 2027 (exact dates TBD — typically Presidents’ Day weekend)
Where: Willow Springs Ranch, near Oracle, AZ — about 45 minutes north of Tucson
Who: Solo riders, duos, and teams up to 10
Course: ~17 miles per lap | ~1,200 ft elevation gain | 60–90 min average lap time
Terrain: Fast, rolling singletrack through classic Sonoran Desert scenery
Lighting: Mandatory for night laps (sunset to sunrise)
Vibe: Equal parts endurance race, camping trip, and desert community gathering
We’ll update this page with official 2027 dates as soon as they’re announced. See Registration below to make sure you don’t miss it.
What Is 24HOP?
Picture this: thousands of riders, lights glowing in the night, grinding out laps on a remote desert loop. Some are here for glory, some for bragging rights, most for the stories.
24HOP is equal parts endurance race, camping trip, and community gathering — a true showcase of why Tucson is one of the best mountain biking destinations in the U.S. It starts at high noon on Saturday and ends 24 hours later, with everything from elite solo efforts to 10-person teams in costumes running laps through the cactus. The desert does not care what category you’re in.
If you want the full breakdown of whether 24HOP is right for you — solo vs. team, fitness requirements, honest expectations — read our full event review: Is 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Worth It? (coming soon).
And here’s the 2026 24 HOP event entry, including a quick recap.
Registration
2027 registration opens through Epic Rides — typically in the fall, often September or October.
It sells out fast. Not “sells out in a few days” fast. Minutes/hours fast. If you missed 2026, you know.
The most important thing you can do right now: go directly to Epic Rides and sign up for their official registration notification. That’s the alert that actually matters — it comes from the organizer the moment the window opens.
→ Sign up for official 2027 registration alerts at Epic Rides
How to be ready when registration opens:
- Create your Epic Rides account before registration opens
- Have your team roster ready, you’ll need everyone’s details
- Know your category (solo, duo, 4/5/8/10-person team)
- Have payment info ready to go
- Most important: your awesome team name
Tucson Trail Intel and Race Week Logistics Before February
MTB Diaries will have course notes, ride recommendations, and race prep content in the months leading up to 24HOP. Sign up below and we’ll send it when it’s ready.
Get Tucson ride intel and 24HOP 2027 updates from MTB Diaries, and a free Tucson Trails MTB Cheat Sheet:
Course Overview
The 24HOP course is a desert masterpiece — fast, flowy, and technical in just the right places. Expect hardpack singletrack, punchy climbs, and sections of cactus-lined trail that glow at sunrise.
Highlights:
- The “Bitches” — a series of rolling, energy-sapping, gasline road climbs early in the lap. There is a bypass option for this section available to all riders after Lap 1. Unless you’re in a rush, it’s recommended to try this out (one of the nicest sections of trail on the course).
- Desert Solitude — miles of fast-rolling desert singletrack, with slight grades and a few punchy ups/downs. Also… the Whiskey Tree.
- Final climb and high-speed descent back to camp — the longest sustained climb on the course, followed by the quickest descent (including the optional rock roll and kicker), then you’re done.
- Pro insight: The course is not especially technical, but fatigue, darkness, and desert hazards (rocks, cholla) make it a true endurance test.
- 2026 course note: Weather was perfect, with desert rains even kissing the soil briefly on Friday. Then bright and sunny on Saturday for the start, and a starry night to ride through.
Getting There
Driving: Willow Springs Ranch is located near the town of Oracle, Arizona. From Tucson, head north on Oracle Road (AZ-77) for about 45 minutes. Turn left on Willow Springs Road (dirt) and follow the signs to the venue.
Camping
All participants camp on site
Spots are first come, first served (except reserved premium/vendor areas)
Expect limited facilities — bring everything you need for off-grid desert living
RV / Trailer Tip: Access road is rough. Air down your tires a bit and drive slow. Once at 24 Hour town, certain areas are not accessible due to clearance issues (ruts, rocks, etc.) Plan to arrive early to lock down a primo spot.
What to Bring
A successful 24HOP weekend is all about preparation. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Fast-rolling mountain bike (light and fast works well)
- Helmet, gloves, eyewear
- Lights: handlebar and helmet (at least one light is required to ride from 5 pm onwards)
- Tools, tubes, floor pump, lube
- Shelter (tent, van, RV) and a place to sleep
- Food & hydration for the weekend
- Warm clothes — it gets cold at night (including rain gear… some years it rains)
- Cash for food trucks and merch
For a detailed checklist, check out our companion post:
What to Expect (and How to Prepare) for 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo
Make the Most of Race Week: Ride Tucson
If you’re traveling for 24HOP, you’re already making the trip to one of the best mountain biking destinations in the Southwest. Don’t waste it on logistics.
Tucson has world-class riding within 20 minutes of downtown — singletrack that most visiting riders never find because they show up for the event, suffer for 24 hours, and leave. The riders who extend their trip by two or three days come back with stories that have nothing to do with the race.
The MTB Diaries Tucson Ride Guide is built specifically for the traveling rider. It covers every major trail network in the area, includes a curated set of classic routes you won’t find by searching Trailforks, and tells you exactly what to ride based on how much time you have and how your legs are feeling after 24 hours in the desert.
Already own the guide? The 24HOP section includes a full virtual pre-ride of the race course, so you can study it before you arrive.
Local Tips
- Arrive early (even the weekend before) to secure good camping
- Pre-ride the course if you can — it’s well worth knowing the lap
- Bring extra sealant, tire plugs, and even a tube — cactus doesn’t care who you are
- Hydrate early and often — desert dryness sneaks up fast
- Don’t overdo things early on; you’ll want energy come Sunday morning
More Arizona MTB Events
Check out these other events:
- Sedona MTB Festival (Sedona, AZ)
More Information
Official event site: Epic Rides – 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo
All About Riding Tucson → The Best Tucson Mountain Biking
How to Prepare: What to Expect at 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo
The Best and Most Complete Tucson MTB Resource: Tucson Ride Guide
Epic Rides
24 Hours in the Old Pueblo 2027 – FAQ
When is 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo 2027?
The 2027 is expected to take place Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 2027, at Willow Springs Ranch near Oracle, Arizona — about 45 minutes north of Tucson.
How do I register for 24HOP 2027?
Registration is hosted by Epic Rides. Spots typically open in October and sell out fast — sometimes within minutes. Follow MTB Diaries for reminders and insider prep tips.
Do I need a team to race?
No! Riders can register as solos, duos, or teams of up to 10 people. The vibe is inclusive — whether you’re hammering laps or riding for fun, there’s room for everyone.
Is camping included?
Yes. Camping is part of the event and takes place on-site at Willow Springs Ranch. Spots are first come, first served unless you reserve a premium/vendor space. Plan to bring everything you need for a few days of off-grid desert living.
What’s the 24HOP course like?
The course is roughly 17 miles per lap with about 1,200 feet of climbing. It’s fast, flowy, and rocky in spots — a true Sonoran Desert singletrack experience. The main challenges come from endurance, not extreme technicality.
Do I need bike lights?
Yes! All riders on course between sunset and sunrise must use lights. Bring a high-quality handlebar light and a helmet-mounted backup with spare batteries — night laps are part of the magic.
What’s the weather like in February?
Daytime highs average 70°F (21°C), but nights can dip into the 30s°F (0–5°C). Bring layers, a warm sleeping bag, and a good tent — it’s the desert, so expect big temperature swings. And rain is always possible.
Can I bring my family or support crew?
Absolutely. 24HOP is as much a community event as it is a race. Many riders bring friends, family, and kids to hang out, cheer, and enjoy the desert camp atmosphere.
Is there food or water available on-site?
Yes. There are food vendors, water stations, porta-johns, and even a shower trailer, but you should still come prepared. Bring your own drinking water, cooking gear, and food for the weekend.
What bike should I ride?
A fast-rolling mountain bike is ideal. The course isn’t overly technical but rewards comfort and efficiency. Tubeless tires and good sealant are a must — it’s cactus country.
How do I prepare for 24HOP?
Check out our full post: What to Expect and How to Prepare for 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo 2026. It covers training, camping setup, gear, and pre-race logistics in detail.
How can I stay updated on 24HOP and Tucson riding?
Join the MTB Diaries email list for Tucson trail recommendations, 24HOP tips, and updates when the full Tucson Ride Guide launches. Plus get the free Tucson Trails Cheat Sheet instantly.
Last updated: February 2026