From iconic festival weekends and endurance challenges to all-women’s enduro races and a historic freeride finale, the 2026 mountain bike season reflects a sport that continues to grow stronger, more inclusive, and more inspiring for women riders across every discipline.
Mountain biking is about more than just start lines and finish times, it’s about building confidence on the climbs, finding flow on the descents, and forging lasting connections on and off the trail. In 2026, women are shaping the future of the sport at every level, from grassroots endurance rides and community-driven events to elite competitions and global freeride stages. Whether you’re racing for the first time, riding for fun, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, these are the top U.S. mountain bike races you’ll want to get involved with this year.
Every one of these races offers a chance for women riders to challenge themselves, celebrate their progress, and connect with a community that welcomes and empowers. If you’re thinking about stepping up your riding game or trying your first race, these events are built for you.
- Low Gap Race
Ukiah, California | January 25, 2026
Race Type: Mixed-terrain road / dirt
Part of the Grasshopper Adventure Series, the Low Gap Race offers a fun and supportive environment on rolling mixed-terrain roads and dirt trails near Ukiah. Known for its approachable courses and welcoming vibe, Low Gap is perfect for women riders looking to explore racing on varied surfaces, improve their skills, and connect with a friendly community. The event emphasizes progression and camaraderie, making it an ideal stepping stone for riders new to mixed-terrain racing or seeking a joyful race experience.
Registration: Opens spring 2026; check the official Grasshopper Adventure Series website for details.
More info & registration: Grasshopper Adventure Series – Low Gap - Sea Otter Classic
Monterey, California | April 16–19, 2026
Race Type: Cross-country, downhill, festival racing
The Sea Otter Classic is a legendary cycling festival and a cornerstone of the Life Time Grand Prix Championship Series. It features cross-country and downhill racing alongside a massive expo and demo rides, making it a vibrant place for women riders to race, learn new skills, network, and soak in the full cycling culture. Sea Otter is an ideal first race or a key stop on your race calendar, with courses and events welcoming all skill levels.
Registration: Varies by discipline; opens late winter.
More info & registration: Sea Otter Classic - Marinduro
San Anselmo/Fairfax, California | May 9, 2026
Race Type: Enduro mountain bike race
MarinDURO, a blind enduro race on some of Marin County’s most iconic trails, challenges riders with multiple timed downhill stages and untimed transfers. This race is ideal for women who want to dive into enduro racing with a community-focused event that values progression and trail stewardship. Post-race celebrations bring everyone together, making it a rewarding experience beyond the competition.
Registration: Marinduro Registration - Wente 8-Hour Mountain Bike Race
Willits, California | May 30, 2026
Race Type: Endurance (solo and team relay)
Known as the world’s funnest eight-hour endurance race, Wente is as much about community as competition. With flowy singletrack trails, camping, and shared meals, Wente creates an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that encourages women riders to push their limits while enjoying the journey. Whether you’re riding solo or on a team, Wente is a perfect race to test your endurance in a fun and welcoming environment.
Registration & Info: Wente 8-Hour Race - Sturdy Dirty Women’s Enduro
Washington State | July 18, 2026
Race Type: All-women’s enduro race
The Sturdy Dirty is a powerful all-women’s enduro event designed to build confidence, foster progression, and create community on challenging Pacific Northwest trails. Registration opens on Valentine’s Day, inviting women everywhere to commit to themselves and their riding goals. This race stands out for its supportive atmosphere, technical courses, and the incredible spirit of the women who ride it.
Registration Opens: February 14
Registration Link: Sturdy Dirty Enduro - 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest
McGaffey, New Mexico | July 18–19, 2026
Race Type: 12- and 24-hour endurance mountain bike race
This endurance race through pine and aspen forests in the Zuni Mountains offers solo, duo, and team formats. The 13.5-mile loop, campfire atmosphere, and nighttime riding create a festive and adventurous setting, perfect for women riders and teams seeking to challenge themselves while enjoying a supportive community.
Registration: Available through Zia Rides.
More info: 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest - USA Cycling Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships
Big Bear Lake, California | July 25–26, 2026
Race Type: Downhill and gravity racing
This championship gathers the best downhill and gravity riders in the country to compete on steep, technical terrain. It’s a platform where women riders push the limits of speed and skill in a thrilling, high-stakes environment. For women looking to test themselves against top competitors or experience the intensity of gravity racing, this event is a must.
Registration: Gravity MTB Nationals - Downieville Classic
Downieville, California | August 6–9, 2026
Race Type: Cross-country, downhill, festival racing
Downieville remains a bucket-list destination for women mountain bikers seeking a true adventure. With epic backcountry cross-country routes and legendary downhill runs, it’s a place to challenge yourself and connect with a community that celebrates riding and camaraderie in one of California’s most iconic mountain towns.
Registration: Opens early summer.
More info: Downieville Classic - Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike
Leadville, Colorado | August 15, 2026
Race Type: Ultra-endurance mountain bike race
In 1994, 150 gutsy riders braved 100 miles of high-altitude, extreme Rocky Mountain terrain, starting at 10,152 feet, climbing to 12,424 feet, and pedaling into global cycling history. Today, the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB is one of the most prestigious endurance cross-country mountain bike events in the world. Every year, a select handful of gritty and determined cyclists make the pilgrimage to Cloud City to Race Across the Sky and take their shot at etching their name among the Leadville Legendary. The red carpet awaits.
It’s a transformative goal for women racers of all levels, from elite to everyday athletes, who want to push their endurance and strength in one of the world’s toughest mountain bike races.
Registration: Lottery-based; opens fall prior.
More info: Leadville Race Series - Life Time Big Sugar & Little Sugar Mountain Bike Races
Bentonville, Arkansas | October 11 & 17, 2026
Race Type: Cross-country mountain bike race (Little Sugar) & Gravel endurance race (Big Sugar)
These back-to-back races close out the Life Time Grand Prix season with fun, community, and challenge. Little Sugar welcomes riders of all levels on Bentonville’s world-class trail network, while Big Sugar’s gravel endurance course provides a festive finale for riders looking for a last big challenge. Women riders consistently praise these events for their technical terrain, supportive vibe, and fall energy.
Registration: Opens summer (Little Sugar through Life Time Grand Prix; Big Sugar via event site).
More info: Life Time Grand Prix - Red Bull Rampage Virgin, Utah | October 2026
Event Type: Freeride mountain biking.
The third-ever Red Bull Rampage closes the year with a historic freeride event showcasing the world’s best riders tackling massive desert lines and natural terrain. It’s a milestone for women’s freeride mountain biking and a beacon of progression and possibility for riders dreaming big.
Registration/Entry: By invitation / selection.
Why These Races Matter for Women
The 2026 mountain bike season is more than just a schedule of events. It’s a movement of women riders stepping into their power, riding harder, and supporting each other across every discipline, from endurance and cross-country to enduro, downhill, and freeride. These races offer not just competition, but community, courage, and connection.
Ready to ride, race, or just get inspired? There’s never been a better time for women to take on the trails and make 2026 their year.
