Chuska Challenge Mountain Bike Festival
Date: September 26th, 2026
Location: Buffalo Pass, Red Valley, AZ, US
Welcome riders to the Chuska Challenge, set amidst the stunning Chuska Mountains!
Weekend Schedule
- Friday: Riders set up campsites, bike tune-ups, local food trucks, and live music.
- Saturday: Chuska RACE and Chuska TOUR (both 20-mile routes). The Tour is non-competitive, while the Race is timed with awards. Aid stations will be available. The course features rolling mountain roads with elevations between 8300 and 9000 feet, offering spectacular views and a mix of rocky and firm surfaces.
- Youth Races: Begin at 1:00 p.m. Distances and age groups TBD based on registration. Lunch and dinner available from food vendors.
- Sunday: Relaxing morning at camp with light breakfast items available.
Registration
Online registration is open at www.navajoyes.org. On-site registration available Friday and Saturday morning at the race site.
Registration Includes: Long-sleeve performance t-shirt, course support, finisher’s medal (for racers), camping, live music, and a chance at race awards.
Camping
Campsites are available near the Chuska camp. Portable toilets and wash stations will be provided. Expect chilly nights and mornings; cold temperatures, rain, or early snow are possible.
Live Music Stage
Featuring live native music from artists like Pinon Pickers, Red Hawk, Talibah Begay, Derrick Benally, Nolan James, and Gary Elthie.
Packet Pick-Up & On-site Registration
Saturday morning from 8:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Awards
Overall and age-group awards for the Chuska race. The Tour de Rez Cup will also be presented.
Sponsors & Support
Sponsored by NavajoYES. Supported by Immanuel Mission, Mesa Edge Bikes, Ancient Dunes MTB, Navajo Rangers, Beclabito CERT, Bisti Bikes, Roof Butte Search & Rescue, and Kokopelli Bikes & Board.
Contacts
- Info/Timing: Josh - [email protected]
- Tom: [email protected] || 928.429.0345
- Rygie: 505.686.2300 || [email protected]
- Website: www.navajoyes.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/NavajoYES
Directions
The campsite is located in the northern Chuskas, between Red Valley and Lukachukai, east of Buffalo Pass overlook.
- From East (Shiprock, Durango, etc.): South on US-491 to Navajo Route 13 (N13). Turn right (west) on N13. Camp is approximately 12 miles from Red Valley on the right (north) side of N13.
- From South (Window Rock, Gallup, etc.): North on Navajo Route 12 (N12) to Lukachukai (N13 junction). Head east on N13 for about 12 miles to Buffalo Pass. Camp is one mile east of the pass on the left (north) side of N13.
- From North (Kayenta, Tuba City, etc.): East on US-160 to Navajo Route 59 (N59). Turn right (south) on N59 for 44 miles to Many Farms. East on US-191 to Round Rock. South on Route 12 for 15 miles to Lukachukai. East on N13 toward Buffalo Pass. Camp is one mile east of the pass on the left (north) side of N13.