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Dirty Edge Gravel 2027

Dirty Edge Gravel 2027

Presented by Gemini Adventures · Updated June 2026
Gravel Mixed Surface
Fruita, CO
May 9, 2027
Solo

50K

Distance
50km
Elevation Gain
2,700ft
Terrain
gravel
Difficulty Index
17Approachable
Approachable Extreme

About This Event

Last updated June 7, 2026

Event for 2027 has not been confirmed yet… The Dirty Edge Gravel 2027 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 2027 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.

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.

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.

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.

Founded in 2003 by a group of passionate runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts, Gemini Adventures has become a premier producer of endurance events in the American Southwest. The company is renowned in Colorado for organizing challenging backcountry races that blend intense physical demands with breathtaking natural scenery. Gemini Adventures specializes in events that take participants through remote, rugged landscapes, primarily across Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

Key Events

  1. Desert RATS Trail Running Festival
    • One of the flagship events, this festival is part of the prestigious UTMB World Series. It features various distances, including a grueling 100k that takes runners through the dramatic desert terrain around Fruita, Colorado. Participants face significant elevation gains and must navigate technical trails that showcase the stunning beauty of the high desert, including mesas and cliff edges.
  2. Adventure Fest
    • Held in Fruita, Colorado, Adventure Fest is a multi-sport extravaganza that combines mountain biking, gravel racing, and trail running over a single weekend. Events like the Sarlacc Attack 50K MTB, Fruita Trail Half Marathon, and Dirty Edge Gravel 50K are part of this festival, attracting outdoor athletes from across the country. The festivity celebrates not only competition but also the vibrant outdoor culture of Fruita, offering participants and spectators alike a full immersion into the world of endurance sports.
  3. Rexy Co2uT
    • Known as the “Queen of the Desert,” this unique gravel race spans the challenging terrain from Colorado to Utah, connecting the iconic cycling towns of Fruita and Moab. The event is designed for the hardcore gravel enthusiast, featuring long stretches of technical riding, substantial elevation gains, and awe-inspiring desert vistas.
  4. Enchanted Forest Trail Races
    • Set in Red River, New Mexico, this event offers a variety of trail races, including a marathon and a half marathon. The course takes runners through the picturesque Enchanted Forest, known for its lush landscapes and challenging elevation changes, making it one of the top trail running events in the Southwest.

Gemini Adventures is dedicated to creating experiences that push participants beyond their limits while providing them with the support necessary to tackle such demanding courses. Each event is not only a race but a journey through some of the most stunning and remote areas in the United States, making Gemini Adventures a favorite among endurance athletes seeking both competition and adventure.

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