Last Updated March 12, 2024
As the gravel cycling season draws to a close, there’s no better way to celebrate than by participating in the 25 Hours in Frog Hollow event in Hurricane, Utah. Set against the stunning backdrop of Gooseberry Mesa and Zion National Park, this unique race offers an unparalleled experience for cyclists looking to push their limits, enjoy camaraderie, and revel in the beauty of the great outdoors. With a participant limit of 500, the event fosters a close-knit community atmosphere, ensuring every rider feels part of the action. Frog Town, the central hub, buzzes with excitement as racers and spectators gather to enjoy camping, racing, and relaxing by the fire.
The 25 Hours in Frog Hollow is a unique all day/night endurance event challenges riders, solo or in various team formats, to complete as many laps as possible on a 13-mile loop within 25 hours. The event is produced by premier regional operator GRO Races and is rated by Strambecco as one of the best MTB events in the Southwest and one of the Best Cycling Race Events in Utah. 25 Hours in Frog Hollow is also part of the N24 Series, an emerging 24-Hour MTB race series produced in collaboration with GRO Races, Zia Rides, and Mudslinger Events.
Event & Course Info
The 25 Hours in Frog Hollow event attracts riders from around the world, with many participants camping at the race site for the duration of the event. There are different categories of riders, including solo riders, teams of two, four, six, and eight, and even corporate teams. The goal of the race is to complete as many laps as possible within the 25-hour time limit, with the team or rider that completes the most laps being declared the winner.
The La Mans style start adds an extra layer of thrill, with racers lining up their bikes, running to them from the starting line, and setting off in a rolling wave start based on their category. The course for the race takes riders through a mix of rocky terrain, technical descents, and some smooth singletrack with each lap covering 14 miles and just over 1,000 ft. of climbing. The Frog Hollow region of southwestern Utah lies in the shadow of Gooseberry Mesa and Zion National Park just outside Hurricane, Utah. The region is known for its unique geology, which includes colorful sandstone formations and towering mesas. The course takes riders through various environments, from sagebrush flats to high desert forests. The terrain is rocky and technical in many places, with steep climbs and descents that test even the most skilled riders.
On-site food vendors will be available from Friday to Sunday, ensuring you stay fueled throughout the event and neutral mechanic support provided by VeloFix Ogden will be on hand to help with any bike issues, keeping you in the race (OTE Hurricane is the local bike shops available for support too). Treat centers stocked with Honey Stinger, Carbo Rocket, and a variety of solid foods will help keep your energy levels high – and don’t miss the midnight pie tradition, where Veyo Pies and homemade banana bread will be served (but get in line early, as supplies are limited). For post-race recovery, massage and recovery services will be available.
Awards will be presented at 11:30 am on Sunday, with prizes going five deep for Solo, Duo, and 4-person categories, and three deep for 5-person and Corporate categories. Beyond the podium, the event promises a festive atmosphere with plenty of prizes tossed out between categories, ensuring everyone has a chance to take home a piece of the celebration.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
The home base for 25 Hours in Frog Hollow is lovingly known as “Frog Town” and most people that participate choose to camp there for convenience and the experience. The host hotel is My Place, for those that prefer typical creature comforts. Camping is also available close by at Range RV Campground and has a pool & spa on site and there are some one of a kind camping locations in the area. If you prefer a more home-like experience, there are a variety of vacation rentals in the area from guesthouses with hot tubs to luxury homes perfect for a team.
The culinary scene in Hurricane and its surrounding area offers a variety of dining options, ranging from classic American fare and barbecue joints to Mexican eateries and cozy cafes. Visitors can enjoy hearty portions, friendly service, and a casual dining atmosphere, with some establishments providing unique southwestern flavors that reflect the region’s heritage. Local favorites include Rooster Run Cafe, Main Street Cafe, and Peruvian Flavors.
Hurricane, Utah, situated near the borders of Zion National Park, is an adventurer’s paradise, especially for those who thrive in the great outdoors. With its mild temperatures and scenic landscapes, November is an ideal time for outdoor athletes to explore this captivating region. The area is renowned for its world-class mountain biking trails, and the JEM Trail stands out as a must-ride for any biking enthusiast. Spanning 13 miles, this intermediate trail offers a thrilling ride with a variety of terrains, including smooth singletrack, rocky sections, and fast downhill stretches. Cyclists will be treated to stunning views of the Virgin River, Gooseberry Mesa, and the distant Zion National Park. With an elevation gain of around 800 feet, the JEM Trail provides a good workout without being overly challenging, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, as the arid climate can be deceiving. One of the most famous and challenging trails in the area, Gooseberry Mesa offers a unique combination of technical slickrock, singletrack, and stunning vistas. The trail network spans over 30 miles, providing various loop options for riders to choose from. The terrain is challenging, with plenty of obstacles and technical sections that will test your skills. The panoramic views of Zion National Park and the surrounding mesas make the effort worthwhile.
Just a short drive from Hurricane, Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering an array of trails that cater to all fitness levels. For a challenging adventure, tackle the infamous Angels Landing hike, a 5-mile round trip journey that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Zion Canyon. The hike involves steep switchbacks and a narrow ridge, making it suitable for those with a good fitness level and a head for heights. For a less strenuous option, the Riverside Walk is a 2.2-mile round trip trail that leads through the lush, narrow canyons of the Virgin River, providing a unique perspective of the park’s beauty.
Nearby Sand Hollow State Park offers a plethora of rock climbing opportunities for climbers of all levels. The park is home to a variety of sandstone cliffs and boulders, providing a diverse range of routes to explore. The climbing areas are known for their stunning red rock scenery and offer a unique climbing experience in a desert setting. Be sure to check the conditions and obtain any necessary permits before heading out.
Related Events
In addition to 25 Hours in Frog Hollow, GRO Races produced the True Grit Epic MTB which is part of is part of the National Ultra Endurance Series (NUE), as well as its sister gravel event taking place the following weekend, True Grit Gravel Epic, which is considered one of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Southwest. They also produce unPAved (one of the Best Gravel Events in the Mid-Atlantic for 2024), 6 Hours in Frog Hollow, and HRing taking place in 2024 in Iceland.
The N24 Series which 25 Hours in Frog Hollow is a part of is a collection of endurance mountain bike races that are designed to test the physical and mental capabilities of participants over a grueling 24-hour period. These races take place in various locations and are known for their challenging terrain and demanding conditions. Other races in the series include 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest and Oregon 24/12, one of the Best MTB Events in the Northwest.
For multi-sport athletes looking for in-state events to round out their calendar in Utah, be sure to check out another great in-state gravel event the Crusher in the Tushar from Life Time Events and part of their Life Time Grand Prix Series. Road cyclists will want to add the Utah-Cache Gran Fondo to their list which is a GFNS Partner Event and a UCI Worlds Qualifer, as well as Gran Fondo Moab from the TransRockies team and part of their Race Series. Our team considers all of these to be some of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southwest.
Trail runners will appreciate Antelope Canyon Ultras and Bryce Canyon Ultras from Vacation Races which is a UTMB and Wasatch Front 100 Qualifier, along with the slew of other best in class trail running events in Utah.
