Last Updated May 22, 2024

The 2025 event date is not confirmed -- Adventure Fest 2025 is a unique multi-sport experience in one of the Best Destinations for Outdoor Athletes - Fruita, Colorado, near Utah's border, and combines MTB, Gravel, and a Trail Running event in a one-weekend festival celebrating backcountry racing. The Adventure Fest 2025 weekend features a thrilling lineup of events, including a trail half-marathon and both 50K mountain bike and gravel races along the legendary 18 Road trails. Additionally, participants are invited to attend a complimentary women's gravel bike clinic and join in a free group gravel ride. This is a unique opportunity to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, partake in exhilarating activities and celebrations, and experience a race that perfectly combines the spirit of competition with community camaraderie.

Premier regional event operator Gemini Adventures produces the event, and they are guided by a fundamental principle: while competition can drive us to achieve greater speeds, it is collaboration that truly enhances our capabilities.

The team at Strambecco considers Adventure Fest to be one of the premier events in the region and is featured on a number of our "Best" guides, including:

• Best Mountain Bike Race Events in the Rockies 
• Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Rockies
• Best Trail Running Race Events in the Rockies
• Best Mountain Bike Race Events in Colorado
• Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in Colorado
• Best Destinations for Outdoor Athletes - Fruita

Below, you will find information on course details, lodging, dining, and other outdoor activities to do while in town for Adventure Fest.

Event & Course Info

The weekend starts with the Sarlacc Attack MTB event on Saturday, a 50K loop (3,400' of elevation gain) that combines The Edge, Cicada, and Sarlacc trails, and an event that our team considers to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Race Events in Colorado. You’ll ride on the edge of cliffs and push your limits on world-class singletrack, uphill grinds, and flowy descents of the Edge Loop. From there, racers will experience one of the most fun singletracks in the state: the Sarlacc trail. All riders will be the first to experience the trail for the year because the event takes place on the season’s opening week!

The Dirty Edge Gravel event on Sunday will make you realize why 18 Road is famous for world-class biking and why we consider it one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in Colorado. With expansive views of the beautiful Book Cliffs, you will ride through the endless gravel roads of the North Fruita Desert before attacking the back canyon section of the Edge Loop, hence the race name. This mix of smooth gravel, sporty fun, and gorgeous vistas makes The Dirty Edge an unforgettable 50K bike (2,700' of elevation gain) event in Colorado.  The producer will hold a free gravel clinic for women on Saturday. A group ride will follow the clinic; everyone can join for a course preview. These will be led by pro bikers Lauren Costantini, Reese Ruland, and George Simpson.

Rounding out the weekend of racing at Adventure Fest is the Fruita Trail Half Marathon, which is also on Sunday.  This stunning half-marathon course is a fun and exciting loop on flowy singletrack in Fruita, CO, and is one that our team considers to be one of the Best Trail Running Events in Colorado. Racers will experience breathtaking views of buttes, mesas, and landscapes across the Fruita desert as they traverse challenging terrain of short, steep hills and beautiful descents. In total, racers will travel 13.8 miles of gorgeous open desert in pristine early-season condition and climb over 1,000’ vertical feet during this half marathon.

Area Accommodations & Things to Do

Where to Stay in Fruita

After days of pushing physical limits, Fruita offers a range of accommodations to ensure a restful retreat. The hotel partner of Adventure Fest is Super 8 located downtown, while The Balanced Rock Inn is another option which has recently been remodeled; there are also choices like La Quinta or Comfort Inn. Alternatively, charming bed and breakfasts like the Castle Creek B&B or the Historic Downtown Motel offer a cozy escape with a touch of local hospitality. We also enjoy staying at one of the many great home-like experiences in the area and can personally vouch for Tour de Fruita.

That being said, it’s a great time of year to camp and there are a myriad of options including North Fruita Desert Campground, Fruita CO River Section, Highline State Park, and other unique one of a kind camping locations. However, participants of Adventure Fest often opt to reserve on-site camping at 18-road during registration.

Dining in Fruita

Downtown Fruita becomes a hub for post-activity, with local eateries and breweries welcoming tired but satisfied athletes. Fruita, CO, and the surrounding area boast a burgeoning culinary scene, offering a blend of traditional American fare, local delicacies, and eclectic dining options influenced by the region’s rich outdoor and cultural activities. The aroma of gourmet pizza from The Hot Tomato wafts through the air, providing the perfect culinary reward for a day spent conquering Fruita’s trails. Fruita’s burgeoning brewery scene, including spots like Copper Club Brewing Company, serves as a perfect post-adventure gathering point, while Best Slope Coffee is the go-to spot for cyclists pre and post-rides.

Outdoor Activities around Fruita

While the festival is the focal point of the weekend, Fruita’s allure extends beyond the slickrock and singletrack. Fruita is known for its rugged and beautiful landscape, which offers various outdoor sports activities. In addition to mountain biking, Fruita offers many other outdoor sports activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting. The Colorado River flows through Fruita, providing whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. This small town in the Colorado River’s Grand Valley is surrounded by the Book Cliffs to the north and the Colorado National Monument to the south. The city has an elevation of around 4,500 feet and covers an area of approximately 8 square miles. The Colorado National Monument, with its towering red cliffs and expansive views, beckons for exploration.

Naturally, one of the most popular activities in Fruita is mountain biking, with trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. The Kokopelli Trail System covers over 140 miles of terrain and is a favorite among riders. Other popular mountain biking trails include the Horsethief Bench Trail System and the North Fruita Desert Trail System. Athletes can extend their adventure by tackling Rim Rock Drive via road bike, a scenic cycling route that winds through the geological marvel of the Colorado National Monument.

For those with a penchant for pounding trails on foot, Fruita’s trail running scene is equally captivating. The Kokopelli Loops offer a mesmerizing array of singletrack options with breathtaking vistas of the Colorado River. Whether tackling the challenging Mary’s Loop or opting for the more moderate Rustler’s Loop, trail runners find themselves immersed in a desert symphony of color and solitude.

The surrounding area of The Grand Junction and Palisade area, or “Grand Valley,” also has many activities to enjoy, from local vineyards and breweries & distilleries to outdoor activities within the Colorado National Monument.