Unbound Gravel 200
📍 Kansas, Flint Hills, USA
gravel
Date
3–6 June 2027
Distance
200mi · 100mi · 50mi · 25mi
Elevation
2,800 m
Difficulty
gravelbeginner friendly
Fort Desolation Gravel Fondo
Utah, USA · 24–26 September 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
This multi-day gravel event in Utah offers routes from 35 to 57 miles daily, featuring significant elevation gains on mixed surfaces, primarily gravel and dirt through red rock landscapes. It combines challenging rides with an evening music festival experience.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 35.3 miles · 39.8 miles · 50.6 miles · 57 miles
- Elevation
- 1,710 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt, tarmac
- Typical W/kg
- 2.5–3.5
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is ideal for both experienced gravel riders seeking challenging routes and casual cyclists looking for a scenic adventure with entertainment, offering multiple distance options to suit different fitness levels.
Who will struggle
Riders new to sustained climbing on gravel, or those with limited endurance for multi-day events with significant daily mileage and elevation, may find the longer routes particularly demanding.
Training focus
Focus on long-distance endurance, climbing on varied terrain, and developing bike handling skills for gravel and dirt, ensuring you can manage back-to-back challenging days.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the available ride distances and their characteristics?+
The event features four routes: Smooth Knoll Loop (50.6 miles, 2,399 ft elevation, 59% gravel), Smooth Knoll Loop LITE (35.3 miles, 2,238 ft elevation, 44% gravel), Capital Reef Loop (57 miles, 5,610 ft elevation, 46% gravel), and Capital Reef Out and Back (39.8 miles, 3,318 ft elevation, 24% gravel).
Where does the event take place and what is the terrain like?+
The Fort Desolation Fondo is held in Torrey, Utah, starting from Cougar Ridge Resort. Riders will traverse legendary backcountry routes through stunning red-rock scenery, experiencing a mix of gravel and other unpaved surfaces.
What is included in the Fondo bundle packages?+
Each Fondo bundle includes two 3-day festival passes (GA or VIP), a 30’x30’ camping spot within the Fondo crew area, and two Fondo rides (one on Friday and one on Saturday) for one person. Additional rides and festival passes can be purchased separately.
What kind of support is provided on the routes?+
The Utah Gravel Series team provides dedicated support including fully stocked aid stations and clearly marked courses. The ride begins with a neutral start before riders are free to set their own pace.
What are the dates and daily start times for the rides?+
The event runs from September 24-26, 2026. On Friday, September 25th, the Smooth Knoll Loop starts at 9:00 AM, and the LITE version at 9:05 AM. On Saturday, September 26th, the Capital Reef Loop starts at 9:00 AM, and the Out and Back version at 9:05 AM.
How do I register for the Fort Desolation Gravel Fondo?+
Registration is handled through fortdesolation.com. After registering for a bundle package, participants receive an email with a passcode and registration code to select their daily ride distances.