24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest
📍 New Mexico, USA
mtbBeginner friendly
Date
18–19 July 2026
Distance
16 mile loop
Elevation
2,528 m
Difficulty
mtbbeginner friendly
State Championships
Arizona, USA · 7–8 November 2026
Difficulty: 3/5 — Hard
A two-day mountain bike State Championship event in Arizona featuring a 4.1-mile course with 106m of climbing per lap, incorporating technical features like roots, boulders, and sand. The race caters to various youth categories with distances up to 33km and is held at over 5,000 feet elevation.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 13.2km · 26.4km · 33km
- Elevation
- 530 m
- Surface
- singletrack, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 3–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is ideal for qualified middle and high school student-athletes seeking to compete in a challenging yet fun mountain bike state championship, including options for a more relaxed "No Drop Explorer Ride."
Who will struggle
Riders unfamiliar with technical singletrack, short steep climbs, or sandy sections, as well as those unacclimated to racing at over 5,000 feet elevation, may find this course particularly demanding.
Training focus
Training should prioritize technical bike handling skills for roots, boulders, and sand, coupled with short, high-intensity intervals for the steep climbs, and endurance to manage the elevated course.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What type of terrain can riders expect?+
The course rolls through pine and oak trees, grassy fields, and features singletrack with small boulders, roots, short steep climbs, and some soft sandy areas, all at over 5,000 feet elevation.
How long is the course and how much climbing per lap?+
The course is 4.1 miles (approximately 6.6 km) long and involves 348 feet (approximately 106 meters) of climbing per lap, running in a clockwise direction.
What are the race distances for different categories?+
Middle school races are 2 laps (8.2 miles/13.2 km), High School JV1 and Varsity Girls are 4 laps (16.4 miles/26.4 km), and High School Varsity Boys race 5 laps (20.5 miles/33 km).
Do I need to qualify to participate in the State Championships?+
Yes, student-athletes must qualify by competing in at least two conference series races and meeting specific top-overall individual series point criteria for their category, with high school seniors being an exception.
What are the registration deadlines and options?+
Online registration closes Wednesday, November 4, at 11:59 p.m. Onsite registration is available on race days for an additional $15 fee, but membership must be completed online beforehand.
Is pre-riding the course allowed?+
Yes, registered student-athletes and licensed coaches can pre-ride on Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and again after racing concludes (around 3:00 p.m.) until 5:30 p.m., with specific times for certain categories.