Prickly Pedal Trail Race
Peoria, United States • 1 Feb 2026
Event overview
Prickly Pedal is a weekend mountain bike and trail running event on the Maricopa Trail in the Phoenix/Peoria area. Distances offered include:
- 36 Mile point-to-point MTB
- 15 Mile MTB
- 10 Mile trail run
The MTB events begin in Cave Creek and finish at Lake Pleasant Regional Park’s 10 Lane Boat Ramp. Proceeds support the Maricopa Trail & Park Foundation. Registration for the event closes on January 26, 2026.
Courses and logistics
36 Mile MTB is a point-to-point route from Cave Creek to Lake Pleasant along the Maricopa Trail. The course lists 1,385 feet of total elevation gain and a maximum elevation of 2,779 feet. Two aid stations are on course, near mile 15 and near mile 30. Crews are allowed only at the start and finish; pacers are not allowed. Drop bags are available at the finish area.
The 15 Mile MTB starts inside the Pioneer Living History Museum and follows the Maricopa Trail to Lake Pleasant. Total elevation gain is 356 feet, with a single on-course aid station near mile 9. Crews, pacers, and drop bag policies match the 36 Mile event.
The 10 Mile trail run is an out-and-back from the 10 Lane Boat Ramp at Lake Pleasant, following Frogs Tank, Beardsley, Wild Burro, and Pipeline Canyon to Pipeline Cove and back. The run lists 883 feet of total elevation gain. One on-course aid station is provided. Parking at Lake Pleasant carries a $7 spectator entry fee; racers parking at the finish may have the fee waived with an appropriate pass. Shuttles transport MTB racers and bikes to the start lines; shuttle service requires a ticket. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.