Last updated June 7, 2026

Event for 2027 has not been confirmed yet… The Sisters Stampede 2027 stands out in Oregon’s cross-country scene as one of the few events that truly captures Central Oregon’s distinctive lava rock terrain while offering legitimate singletrack racing. Limited to 500 riders, this Memorial Day weekend fixture has built a reputation since 2010 as a technical challenge wrapped in stunning alpine scenery.

The Peterson Ridge Trail System provides the venue, and the Sisters Trail Alliance’s meticulous maintenance shows. The long course covers 27 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, while the short option runs 14 miles with 500 feet of climbing. Both routes are predominantly singletrack, which sets this apart from fire road-heavy XC races common in the region. The rolling terrain is punctuated by Central Oregon’s signature lava rock features that demand line choice and bike handling skills beyond typical cross-country racing.

This is technical singletrack racing, not a gravel grinder on dirt. The volcanic rock creates natural obstacles and technical sections that favor riders comfortable with rocky, loose surfaces. The climbing isn’t relentless, but the technical demands are consistent throughout. Hardtails can handle the course, but full suspension provides a clear advantage on the rockier sections.

As part of the Oregon XC Series, the Sisters Stampede draws a competitive field across 33 categories, with $1,000 in overall prize money backing up the top-three awards in each division. The race format varies by category, with some doing single laps and others tackling two, keeping different skill levels appropriately challenged on the same trail system.

The Three Sisters Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop that makes this more scenic than most XC races, though riders focused on technical sections won’t have much time for sightseeing. The post-race gathering at Three Creeks Brewing has become part of the event’s appeal, creating more of a festival atmosphere than a typical race series stop.

Memorial Day weekend timing means this is often the season opener for many Pacific Northwest riders, and the 500-rider cap keeps it from feeling like a mass participation event. For riders seeking technical singletrack XC racing in a more intimate setting, the Sisters Stampede delivers exactly what Oregon mountain biking does best.