2026 High Altitude Classic
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Registration Open for 2026 HAC
🚲
Registration Open for 2026 HAC 🚲
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HIGH ALTITUDE CLASSIC
High Altitude Classic
XC Mountain Bike Race
September 20, 2026
**Registration Opens Sat, July 18**
Essential Info & Start
DATE: Sunday, Sept 20, 2026
START: 10am @ High Altitude Shop (Downtown Cloudcroft)
AWARDS: 2pm Finish Line @ Elevation Park/Cloudcroft Disc Golf Course (Top of Mescalero Ave)
Notable for 2026
175 Racers Max - The HAC can now accommodate more racers. We sold out in 2024 & 2025, so don’t wait to register.
FREE T-Shirt - First 50 Registrants
No +$15 One-Day Fee - The HAC is independent for 2026. Racers without a USAC license will not have to pay an additional +$15 one-day license (benefiting approx 80% of racers).
Lodger’s Tax Support - For 2025 & 2026, the Cloudcroft Lodgers Tax has helped make the race possible! So, thank you for staying at local lodging, hotels, and Airbnbs.
Finish Line & Awards Party at Elevation Park - worked great last year; we’re keeping it for 2026. Join us here ->> (Map link)
Course & Maps
RACE DISTANCES
Pro/Cat 1 = 17 Miles | 2,914 ft | 1 Full Course + 2 Half Course Laps
STRAVA Route -> Click here to view
GPX File -> Click here to download
Cat 2/SS = 13.5 Miles | 2,245 ft | 1 Full Course + 1 Half Course Lap
STRAVA Route -> Click here to view
GPX File -> Click here to download
Cat 3 = 10 Miles | 1576 ft | 1 Full Course
STRAVA Route -> Click here to view
GPX File -> Click here to download
Full Course Route on Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/route/2025-high-altitude-classic-full-course/
Map Below
**Notice: Bailey Canyon's Endless Downhill trail, used in the legacy HAC race course, is now restricted by the US Forest Service. Please respect the closures and do not bypass the fences. The Chubby Tire Volunteer Crew is collaborating with the local US Forest Service to permit and build new singletrack trails around the restricted areas for future use.
Registration and Prices
High Altitude Classic XC Race
$65 / participant (Thru Aug 1)
$75 / participant (Aug 1 - Sept 8)
$85 / participant (Sept 9, Unless Event Sells Out)
**Field Limited to 175 Racers. On-site registration only if spots remain. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.**
Merch (Optional)
HAC T-Shirt - $20/ea (S, M, L, XL)
FREE T-Shirts for the first 50 registrations!
HAC Hat - $25/ea
Hat Option 1 (Trucker)
Hat Option 2 (Distressed)
Saturday, Sept 19, 2026 - 3-5pm @ Cloudcroft Brewing
Sunday, Sept 20, 2026 (RACE DAY) - 8-9am ONLY @ High Altitude Shop
**Click the locations above for Google Maps Link
Bib Number & Merch
Pick-Up
History
The High Altitude Classic is a mountain bike race in Cloudcroft, NM, with a storied history dating back to the '90's.
With blazin' fast single track descents, rocky technical sections, and not-so-easy double track connectors, it's easy to see how this race can quickly challenge the best of your skills, yet leave you wanting to come back for more each year.
The race is a USA Cycling-sanctioned event and part of the New Mexico Off-Road Series (NMORS).
We're grateful to have a loyal following from New Mexico, Texas, Chihuahua Mexico and several other regional states such as Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.
Who
You're perfect for the High Altitude Classic, if...
Enjoy a challenge
Want to race mountain bikes
You're competitive or aspire to be
Optional Qualifications...
May (or may not) have a bike that costs more than your car
You own at least one pair of Lycra shorts
Refer to your bike clothing as a "kit"
Prizes
Pro/Cat 1/SS: $2500 CASH PRIZE PURSE + Trophy
Cat 2/3: Trophy & Schwag Prize
**Equal payout for men and women.**
