Cave Creek Cactus Classic (C4)

🪅 Festival
🏆 Prizes
⛰️ Scenic
🎗️ Charity Ride
Event Date

Nov 8, 2025

Location

Cave Creek, AZ

Discipline

Mountain Bike

About

Conquer rugged trails and desert beauty in Arizona’s thrilling C4 challenge!

The Cave Creek Cactus Classic (C4) is an iconic annual mountain bike race held in Cave Creek, Arizona. This event challenges participants with a 24–25-mile ride across the scenic Sonoran Desert, traversing Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and Cave Creek Regional Park. Organized by the Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association (DFMBA), the race unites the community to support local trail maintenance efforts. Riders encounter technical singletrack, rocky ascents, and speedy descents, all amid magnificent desert vistas. The famous gunshot start, sheriff’s escort, and vibrant finish line festivities at Local Jonny’s Tavern make this race a unique celebration of riding and local spirit.

COURSE DETAILS

Technical desert singletrack with rocky sections, steep climbs, and fast descents. Route includes Spur Cross Ranch and Cave Creek Regional Park.

Race HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gunshot start and sheriff’s escort through Cave Creek
  • Challenging technical trails including the Flume Trail’s exit
  • Sprint finish on New River Road
  • Festive post-race atmosphere with awards, vendors, and live music at Local Jonny’s Tavern

RIDE TYPES

XC-CrossCountry
Single Speed

Event Location

Race overview

Course Length

24–25 miles

Elevation / Elevation Gain

City Elevation: ~2,200 ft / Course Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft

Terrain

Technical desert terrain with rocky singletrack, steep climbs, and fast descents

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