Last Updated May 24, 2024
The 2025 event date is not confirmed - The Dirty Edge Gravel event is a part of Adventure Fest, a unique multi-sport experience in one of the Best Destinations for Outdoor Athletes - Fruita, Colorado, near Utah's border, combining MTB (Sarlacc Attack 50k), Gravel, and a Trail running event (Fruita Half Marathon) in a one-weekend festival celebrating backcountry racing. Premier regional event operator Gemini Adventures produces the event. Dirty Edge Gravel is a standout event of the weekend and will make you realize why 18 Road is famous for world-class biking and why we consider it to be one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in Colorado and one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Rockies.
Below you will find information on course details, lodging, dining, and other outdoor activities to do while in town for Dirty Edge Gravel.
Event & Course Info
Dirty Edge Gravel offers a unique 50K route on non-technical gravel roads that wind through the expansive North Fruita Desert. 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. Participants will tackle a loop that transitions into a stunning out-and-back, featuring approximately 2700 feet of climbing. The course is characterized by rolling hills, short steep climbs, and descents, all while providing panoramic views of the nearby buttes and mesas. Racers will be supported with well-stocked aid stations, with the 16 Road station available twice at miles 5 and 13, and a critical turnaround point at the Sarlacc aid station at mile 20. This level of support is designed to help participants make the most of their race experience, enhancing the Dirty Edge Gravel 50K's reputation as one of Colorado’s premier gravel races.
The producer shares inside scoop on the event and also features a free women’s gravel clinic on Saturday, led by professional biker Reese Ruland. The clinic, followed by a group ride, provides an excellent opportunity for participants to preview the course, hone their cycling skills, and connect with the cycling community in a supportive setting.
Post-race, join us for awards, where finishers' mementos and placer’s awards will be distributed, and the top three male and female finishers in each age category will receive customized cowbell awards. Winners also earn complimentary entries for next year's race.
The promises a weekend full of trail fun, hot food, microbrews, and great company - this event is a perfect blend of competition and community. Whether you're a seasoned gravel rider or new to the scene, the Dirty Edge Gravel 50K offers an unmatched racing experience in the heart of Colorado's early-season desert. Join us to challenge yourself, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate everything we love about the outdoors.
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 Dirty Edge Gravel 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 Dirty Edge Gravel 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 cyclist 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, 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 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.
Related Events
Gemini Adventures, founded in 2003 by passionate runners, cyclists, and adventurers, curates challenging backcountry racing experiences set against mesmerizing landscapes primarily in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. With events held in remote, scenic trails, participants can anticipate not just a race, but a unique outdoor experience where the journey is as rewarding as the competition. Their primary events include the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival which is part of the UTMB World Series, and Adventure Fest which is a unique multi-sport experience in Fruita, CO and includes Sarlacc Attack 50K MTB, Fruita Trail Half Marathon, and Dirty Edge Gravel one of the Best Gravel Events in Colorado and the Rockies. In July, Enchanted Forest Trail Races, one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Southwest, takes place as well as the multi-day Desert RATS 150 Kokopelli Stage Race take place. And to close out summer, the Mountain RATS Trail Runs and Mountain RATS Firebird 25 MTB event takes place in September.
