Name: The Rad Dirt Fest 2026
Start: 2026-09-26T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-09-26T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Trinidad, Colorado

About This Event

Produced by Life Time Events, the team behind the Leadville Race Series and Unbound Gravel, The Rad Dirt Fest showcases the remarkable terrain around Trinidad, Colorado. Set against the backdrop of towering Spanish Peaks and expansive mesas in late September, this event has quickly established itself as a premier gravel destination in southern Colorado’s high desert.

Three distinct routes cater to different ambitions and abilities. The Frijole covers 47 miles with 4,632 feet of climbing, offering smooth gravel paths and manageable terrain for newcomers or those seeking a more relaxed day. The Anteloop stretches 68 miles with 6,558 feet of elevation gain, combining desert landscapes with views of snowcapped peaks and sections of champagne-smooth gravel. The flagship Stubborn Delores presents a serious challenge at 113 miles and 10,613 feet of climbing, reaching its highest point at 8,921 feet in a mesmerizing alpine setting.

All three routes feature a signature two-mile technical gravel section on the South Shore Trail within Trinidad Lake State Park, adding a distinct challenge to each course. The terrain varies from buttery smooth surfaces to more demanding technical stretches, with the longer routes showcasing the dramatic elevation changes and diverse landscapes that define this region bordering the San Isabel National Forest and Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area.

Aid stations are strategically positioned throughout each course, with strict cutoff times enforced on the longer routes. The Stubborn Delores requires reaching Spanish Peaks Inn by 1:20 pm and Trinidad Lake State Park by 7:40 pm. Weather typically brings temperatures in the 80s during the day, cooling to the 50s in early morning, though the high desert climate can be unpredictable.

The event maintains a festive atmosphere with comprehensive awards ceremonies recognizing 20 categories for the two longer distances and four categories for the Frijole route.

Life Time Events is a premier organizer of endurance events across the United States, known for hosting some of the most iconic cycling and trail running competitions. With a mission to inspire healthier, happier lives, Life Time Events brings together athletes from all over the world to participate in challenging and celebrated events.

Prominent Events Organized by Life Time Events:

Leadville Race Series
- Description: The Leadville Race Series includes the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Leadville Trail 100 Run, two of the most challenging endurance events globally. Participants compete at high altitudes in the rugged terrains of Colorado, making these races a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Other events in the series include the Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, and Silver Rush 50 Run.
- Links:
  - Leadville Trail 100 MTB
  - Leadville Trail 100 Run
Sea Otter Classic
- Description: Held in Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic is one of the largest and most diverse cycling festivals in the world. The event features a wide range of races, including road, mountain, and e-bike competitions, along with a massive expo that draws cycling enthusiasts from around the globe.
- Link: Sea Otter Classic
Unbound Gravel
- Description: Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is a premier gravel race held in Emporia, Kansas. It offers multiple race distances, including the grueling 350-mile XL route. The event is a cornerstone of the gravel racing community, known for its challenging terrain and the strong camaraderie among participants.
- Link: Unbound Gravel
Life Time Grand Prix Series
- Description: This series features six of the most prestigious off-road cycling events, combining both mountain biking and gravel disciplines. The series includes events like the Crusher in the Tushar, Big Sugar Classic, and the Chequamegon MTB Festival. The Grand Prix attracts elite cyclists competing for one of the largest prize purses in U.S. cycling.
- Link: Life Time Grand Prix Series
Tour of the Battenkill
- Description: Known as the “Queen of the Classics,” this challenging mixed-surface race takes place in Greenwich, New York. It’s renowned for its scenic yet demanding course through rural roads and offers a vibrant post-race celebration.
- Link: Tour of the Battenkill

Life Time Events continues to set the standard in endurance sports, offering world-class competitions that challenge athletes while fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. Whether you’re into trail running, mountain biking, or gravel racing, Life Time Events provides opportunities to push your limits in some of the most stunning landscapes across the U.S.