Prickly Pedal Trail Race
Cave Creek, United States • 1 Feb 2026
Event overview
Prickly Pedal is a multi-distance mountain bike and trail running event held Sunday, February 1, 2026. The event uses sections of the Maricopa Trail and regional park trails between Cave Creek and Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Peoria, AZ. Distances offered include both mountain bike and trail run options. Proceeds support the Maricopa Trail & Park Foundation.
Distances
- 36 Mile mountain bike point-to-point
- 15 Mile mountain bike (loop/point-to-point from Pioneer Museum)
- 10 Mile trail run (out-and-back from Lake Pleasant)
Course details
The 36 Mile MTB is a point-to-point route beginning in Cave Creek and finishing at Lane 10 Boat Ramp, Lake Pleasant. The MTB course includes short steep rocky climbs and descents, mixed surfaces (rock, sand, mud), rolling sections, and two on-course aid stations (near miles 15 and 30). Total elevation gain for the 36 Mile course is listed at 1,385 feet with a maximum elevation around 2,779 feet. The 15 Mile course includes mostly flat first miles, a single aid station near mile 9, and increased climbing in the final miles. The 10 Mile trail run follows Frogs Tank, Beardsley, Wild Burro, and Pipeline Canyon trails to Pipeline Cove and back, with one aid station on course.
Logistics and services
All races finish at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Lane 10 Boat Ramp. Race courses are marked with orange plastic ribbons, reflective signs, and wrong-way markers. MedStar Solutions medical staff will be based at the start/finish. Parking at Lake Pleasant has a park entry fee; racers parking at the finish may have the fee waived with proper pass. Group camping near the finish is available for a fee. Registration closes January 26, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.