Inside the Bisbee Coaster Race: Arizona’s Unique Independence Day Tradition

I’m not gonna brag, but the best place to celebrate Independence Day is in Cochise County. If you live here, you know our Fourth of July celebration is way more than fireworks and barbecue. In Bisbee, Independence would not be the same without an historic roll down Tombstone Canyon.

Photo courtesy Bisbee Coaster Race

Folks in Bisbee don’t just celebrate the national holiday; they’re keeping history alive with the annual Bisbee Coaster Race.

This family-fun event is part good-natured competition and part rolling history lesson. This year marks the 95th running of the Bisbee Coaster Race, a uniquely Bisbee tradition that Robert Donahue, safety and course coordinator, says will be “running strong like we always have.”

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Photo courtesy Bisbee Coaster Race

A Race With Deep Roots

The race began back in 1911, when early versions of these lightweight “cars” were sometimes called “push-mobiles.”

Over the years, the canyon course has undergone rule changes, pauses due to World War II and COVID-19, and a revamp of vehicle equipment rules for some of the heavier adult races, which caused some serious accidents.

These days, it is a kids’ race with two categories: juniors ages 9 to 12 can run 300-pound coasters, and seniors ages 13 to 16 can run 350-pound coasters.

READ: Understanding Arizona's Fireworks Regulations For July 4th

Photo courtesy Bisbee Coaster Race

Old Coasters, New Timing

The race isn’t just a classic; some of the coasters have been around for decades, including three that once ran in the 1970s men’s race: The Flying Wedge, The Shark, and The Bomb.

Some of the other coasters are newer builds, because Bisbee families still like tinkering, testing, and trying to shave off a little time. Thanks to a $10,000 Cochise County Sheriff’s Charity Ride donation, the race has also upgraded from stopwatches to a modern wireless timing system.

READ: Cochise County Sheriff’s Charity Ride Returns For 2026 Fundraising

Photo courtesy Bisbee Coaster Race

If You Go to See the Bisbee Coaster Race

Plan to be there early. Parking in Bisbee is always challenging, to say the least, and there will be road closures for the racers' safety.

The race starts at 8 a.m. at the West Boulevard and Highway 80 underpass and ends in front of the Bisbee Library/Post Office, covering about 1.6 miles. Donahue recommends watching from the Iron Man statue, Castle Rock, or the finish line on Main Street, where “the coasters are gaining and getting the most speed.”

Photo courtesy Bisbee Coaster Race

Support the Bisbee Coaster Race

The nonprofit race committee accepts donations for permits, awards, equipment, and supplies. Raffle tickets will be on sale for only $2 and are available from staff, who you’ll spot in safety vests or staff shirts. Learn more about the 95th annual Bisbee Coaster Race on their Facebook page.