McDowell Meltdown 2026
MBAA XC
Jan 10, 2026
Fountain Hills, AZ
Mountain Bike
About
Desert trails, tight turns, smiles guaranteed—stay clear of the cactus!
The McDowell Meltdown is an XC mountain bike race held at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills, Arizona, on January 10, 2026. Riders of all experience levels will experience classic southwestern desert riding: short but punchy climbs, rolling singletrack, tight technical turns, and winding trails lined with majestic saguaro cacti. The event offers various distance options and categories, from first-timers to seasoned competitors, all supporting Arizona's mountain biking community and local trails. Enjoy the camaraderie, event vendors, and the iconic opening race of the MBAA XC Series.
COURSE DETAILS
Multiple route options (3mi, 5.5mi, 10mi, 33mi); classic desert singletrack; punchy climbs and fast descents; cactus-lined rolling terrain.
Race HIGHLIGHTS
- Historic former Cactus Cup venue
- Multiple divisions for all ages and skill levels
- Proceeds support Arizona trail projects
- Team and individual race options
- On-site food vendors and event photography
- First race of the 2026 MBAA XC Series
RIDE TYPES
Race overview
3 miles (Green), 5.5 miles (Black), 10 miles (Blue), 33 miles (Red/Marathon)
Fountain Hills elevation: 1,600–1,700 ft / Approx. 622 ft of climbing per 10-mile loop
Desert singletrack, rolling hills, short steep climbs, tight technical turns, cactus-lined trails.