Schedule of Events

When the dinosaurs rise early and the gravel gets real.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Desert Gravel race weekend. From check-in to the finish line beer, this is how we roll in Fruita. All times are subject to minor adjustments—watch your email and our social channels for updates as we get closer to race day.

* Schedule subject to change

Friday, April 24, 2026

Check in. Package pick up. Meet up.

Venue: Civic Center Park, Fruita, Colorado
(Corner of Peach St. & Ottley Ave)

  • 2:00 PM – Rider Arrival & Camping (Dry) Check-In Opens
    Old Fruita Middle School (just two blocks from start/finish)

  • 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Packet Pickup
    Civic Center Park – Registration Tent (big white tent)
    Beat the lines and grab your swag early!

  • 4:00 PM - Shake Out Ride

  • 4:00 PM - 7:00pm - Live Music on Stage

  • 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Chillville Beer Garden Hours

  • 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM – Opening Ceremonies/Course Briefing

  • 8:30 PM - Volunteer Meeting

Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Race Day

All events start and finish at Civic Center Park
(Unless otherwise noted)

  • 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM – Last minute Check-In

    7:00 AM – Utahraptor (Red Course) 125-Mile Start

  • 7:30 AM – Triceratops (Black Course) 100-Mile Start

  • 8:00 AM – Stegosaurus (Blue Course) 75-Mile Start - No Cut off

  • 9:00 AM – Pterodactyl (Green Course) 50-Mile & Fruitadens (Orange) 30-Mile - No Cut off

  • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Riders Cross the Finish Line

  • 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Post race lunch served in ChillVille (Civic Center Park)

  • 4:00 PM - 125 mile and 100 mile Podium Awards (Main stage at Civic Park)

  • 6:00 PM - 9:00PM - Live Band - James Williams & The Faith Peddlers - all are welcome (over 21) Civic Center Park

  • 9:00 PM - Beer Garden closed. Sleep well!

Cut Off Times: These will be enforced.

  • Utahraptor (Red Course - 125 mile)
    Checkpoint C: 1:00PM closure @ 60.1 miles, Aid #3
    Checkpoint B: 3:00PM closure @ 83.1 miles, Aid #4
    Checkpoint A: 4:30PM closure @ 99.9 Miles, Aid #5

  • Triceratops (Black - 100 mile)
    Checkpoint B: 3:00PM Closure @ 61.6 Miles, Aid #3
    Checkpoint A: 4:30PM Closure @ 76.6 Miles, Aid #4

  • Stegosuarus (Blue - 75 mile)
    Checkpoint B: 3:00PM Closure @ 35.9 miles, Aid #2
    Checkpoint A: 4:30PM Closure @ 52.6 miles, Aid #3

  • Pterodactyl (Green - 50 mile)
    Checkpoint A: 4:30PM Closure @ 26.7 Miles, Aid #2

  • Fruitadens (Orange - 30 mile) - No cut off - take your time and take lots of pics.

 Need to switch distances? Have a last-minute question?
Visit the Race Office tent during packet pickup or early on race morning—we’ll get you sorted.

Note: Routes are subject to change at any time for permitting and/or safety.