While the U.S. might not have the cycling prestige of European WorldTour racing, the gravel scene continues growing and branching out. These days, you can find events that are as rowdy (or tame) as you’re looking for at just about any distance.
Perhaps more folks are signing up for gravel events in part because of the Life Time Grand Prix, where age groupers can ride the same courses as the pros, who are battling it out for generous prize purses. The series is entering its fourth season and constantly making changes and improvements to keep things exciting and competitive for racers and amateurs alike.
Or maybe the continual draw to the discipline is merely the urge to get off the beaten path and try something more adventurous. Gravel racing tends to be more welcoming, with an open-to-anyone atmosphere and epic celebrations and after-parties. Many events don’t have time cut-offs and encourage riders who haven’t traditionally been included in bike racing—often offering training programs, scholarships, and community building.
Whatever it is that’s bringing more and more people to gravel events, we’re all for it. And while we still love some of the larger, classic U.S. gravel races, we’ve also found some events that might not yet be on your radar. With multiple distances, there's certainly something for everyone in just about every corner of the country.
Old Man Winter Rally, Lyons, CO, February 2, 2025
Distances: 10K trail run, 50K mixed terrain bike ride, 100K mixed terrain bike ride, or 10K run / 50K bike ride combo
Vibe: While biking in February in Colorado might not immediately sound like a good time, this event is an absolute party. And the weather can deliver just about anything. The race has seen years where it’s snowy and sloppy, with frigid temperatures, and just as many where it’s beautiful and mild, feeling more like May. No matter what, there’s a huge bonfire, scavenger-hunt-style prizes, and plenty of celebrating after. You might also find yourself racing beside one of the many Boulder area pros, but don’t worry: it’s too early in the season for anyone to take themselves seriously.
The Mid South, March 13–16, 2025, Stillwater, OK
Distances: Inspiration 12-mile ride, The Mid South 50-mile, The Mid South 100-mile, The Mid South double (where you run the 50K and ride the 100-mile)
Vibe: Mid-South’s reputation often precedes it. If you’re in the market for a good old faith-in-humanity-restored-moment, this is probably the race for you. Further evidence? There’s a bigger party for the final finisher than for the winner, and the race for the win is often pretty competitive. This race truly has a place for everyone.
Whiskey Tango Fondo, April 27, 2025, Alabama Hills, CA
Distances: 100-mile, 70-mile, 50-mile
Vibe: This race is put on by former WorldTour rider Phil Gaimon, who is hilarious and always looking for a good time. But he’s also taken part in many races, so he knows how to do things right. He lives in the hills of LA to do as much epic riding as possible year-round. So you can trust that he picked an incredible location for his race. The roads for this event include the gateway to Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. Also, the trailhead for mountaineering routes such as the East Face (Mount Whitney).
Gravista, May 10, 2025, Buena Vista, Virginia
Distances: 68-miles, 34-miles
Vibe: Don’t let the numbers fool you. These courses might not be the longest in distance, but they have some epic climbing. The Stoked (68-mile) course has four major climbs, totaling 8,524 on the day. The Worthy (34-mile) course has 4,400 feet of climbing. It may be a bit of a suffer-fest, but the views and the (eventual) descents make it worth it.
Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, June 25-29, 2025, Bend, OR
Distance: 350 miles
Vibe: If you’re of a certain age, you probably remember playing the OG computer game, Oregon Trail, where if you didn’t make the right decisions, you could get dysentery and die. Don’t worry: that’s not the vibe of this incredible week of gravel riding. But this adventure likely does involve some decision-making and maybe even some problem-solving. Just not enough to induce real stress.
The event includes five days of gravel riding and four nights of camping. But this isn’t bikepacking—your gear is transported for you, and at the end of each leg, there’s a catered dinner and a celebration bar. Along the way, you’ll get breakfast, lunch, fully stocked aid stations, and a course mechanic. Considering all of that, the $1,425 price tag honestly isn’t too bad.
SBT GRVL, June 26-29, 2025, Steamboat Springs, CO
Distances: 100-mile, 57-mile, 37-mile non-competitive routes, plus a 37-mile competitive circuit
Vibe: Although SBT has been around since 2019, this year will be all new. A new date, totally new routes, and hopefully, a new sense of community and direction. After much tension between the town and the race, all parties have come to an agreement. There will be various ride options for those who aren’t looking to be competitive, and then a 37-mile rolling champagne-gravel loop starts and finishes in Hayden, just 25 miles from downtown Steamboat Springs. The elite race will consist of three laps, with top pros competing for their share of a prize purse, while amateurs will power through two lung-busting laps and a shot at age group podiums and prizes. All racers will line up at the Routt County Fairgrounds for a neutral rollout.
Kowtown Gravel, July 5, 2025, Kremmling, CO
Distances: 90-mile, 65-mile, 34-mile
Vibe: Put on by local ranchers and business owners, these routes are truly rural and genuinely gorgeous. The roads crisscross the Colorado River on smooth gravel and dirt. The shorter route stays nice and mellow for a perfect entry-level course. The longer distances climb into the mountains more, with a few spicy sections to keep it interesting. This whole event has a family feel—loads of fun in a beautiful spot without all the long lines and overwhelming circus scenes.
Rebecca’s Private Idaho, August 28-31, 2025, Sun Valley, ID
Distances: Queen’s Stage Race, Harriman (Stage 1) & Dollarhide (Stage 2), Tater Tot (Stage 3), French Fry (Stage 3), Baked Potato (Stage 3)
Vibe: Hosted by the legend and Queen of Pain herself, Rebecca Rusch, this is one of the more unique races in the country. Because it’s a stage race and the stages are so wildly different, this race can be as epic or as mellow as you want. Take on the whole long weekend of racing, and it’s a challenge for pros and amateurs alike. Or choose one stage and give it your all. One thing is certain: Rusch and her community will make you feel special and welcome.
The Bovine Classic, Atascadero, CA, October 25, 2025
Distances: 94-miles, 70-miles, 50-miles, 40-miles
Vibe: Billed as America’s 4th-hardest cow-themed gravel ride, you can be sure this one is seriously unserious. The courses all include a nice mix of dusty gravel and smooth tarmac and promise some legit climbing. But also stocked aid stations, good music, cow costumes, actual cows, and much fun. This is an excellent end-of-season race for folks who want one more big day.
The Spirit World 100, Patagonia, AZ, October 30–November 2, 2025
Distances: 100-miles, 80-miles, 50-miles
Vibe: This is a whole weekend of group rides, camping, regional food trucks, beer, wine, and epic racing. For the main event, you essentially have ten hours to ride from Patagonia to the border of Mexico and back. Along the way, you’ll probably make some good friends. And when you get back, you can be sure you will be well-fed. Kick off the desert season with this special long weekend where the stars are bright, the sun is warm, and the gravel is magical.
