Firecracker 50
Colorado's iconic July 4th MTB race in Breckenridge at 10,000+ feet. 50 miles of high-altitude singletrack on Summit County trails. A true bucket-list event.
The vibe
High-altitude holiday pain fest
Fifty miles. Ten thousand feet of elevation. July 4th weekend. The Firecracker 50 has been a Colorado mountain bike rite of passage for over two decades, sending riders up and over Breckenridge’s Summit County trails on America’s birthday weekend. The altitude alone will humble fast riders who haven’t spent time above tree line, and the course doesn’t let up until you’re rolling back into town.
The race starts and finishes in Breckenridge, which means you’re riding through actual ski resort terrain — gondola lines, exposed ridgelines, and some of the most scenic miles in Colorado mountain biking. July 4th also means Breckenridge is in full summer mode, with the town packed for the long weekend. Book lodging well in advance — Summit County fills up fast for the holiday.
Altitude prep is non-negotiable. Spend at least two nights above 9,000 feet before race day, ease your pre-race efforts, and carry more water than you think you need. The course is well-marked and supported, but this is real mountain racing — mechanicals happen, weather moves in fast, and a conservative first half makes the second half survivable. Cross the finish line and watch the fireworks from Main Street.