Travelling and Staying in Fruita

Where the mesas rise high, and the hospitality runs deep.

Getting Here

Desert Gravel begins and ends in Fruita, Colorado, nestled between the Book Cliffs and the Colorado River. This slice of high desert sits right on the edge of adventure—gravel roads, red rock canyons, and the wide‑open beauty of the Colorado–Utah borderlands.

Fruita is part of Colorado’s “Grand Valley,” which includes nearby Grand Junction and Palisade—three towns with great vibes, local flavor, and more bike culture than you can shake a derailleur at.

Closest airport:

  • Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 20 minutes from Fruita
    Serviced by major carriers with direct flights from Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, L.A., and Chicago.

Driving distances:

  • Denver, CO – 4 hrs

  • Salt Lake City, UT – 4.5 hrs

  • Boulder, CO – 4.5 hrs

  • Moab, UT – 1.5 hrs

  • Telluride, CO – 2.5 hrs

  • Flagstaff, AZ – 6 hrs

Whether you're loading up the van, flying in with your bike, or migrating like a modern pterodactyl, getting here is easy—and worth every mile.

Staying Here

You’ve got options. From crash‑ready camp spots to cushy king beds, Fruita and the Grand Valley make resting easy after a day in the desert.

Lodging Options:

  • Hotels & Motels: Fruita, Grand Junction, and Palisade all offer hotel and motel accommodations across a range of budgets. Book early—weekends fill fast, especially during spring race season.

  • Short-Term Rentals: Dozens of Airbnbs and VRBOs in the valley. Bonus points for ones with bike storage and backyard hot tubs.

  • Event Camping:
    We offer designated camping for riders and crews at Old Fruita Middle School — just two blocks from the start/finish line.

    • Space for tents, vans, trailers & RVs (dry camping only)
      (Pricing: Trailers/RV’s (over 24’) - $99, Vans/Small Trailers/RV’s (under 24’ - $79, and Tenting - $49)

    • Reservations open soon; details will be emailed to registered riders

    • Quiet hours enforced (even dinos sleep sometimes)

Things to Know

Fruita’s all about the outdoors — bring layers, sunscreen, and plenty of hydration. April temps can swing from chilly mornings to sun‑baked afternoons.

  • Cell service is solid in town but can fade fast in canyon country—ride prepared.

  • Bike shops galore — Need gear, last‑minute fixes, or an extra CO2 cartridge? Fruita and Grand Junction have top-tier local shops ready to help.

  • Local eats & drinks — Breweries, taco joints, and pizza stops make post‑ride refueling a delight. Don’t skip Hot Tomato or Copper Club.

Make the Journey Part of the Adventure

Whether you're crossing the Rockies, hugging I‑70, or flying in from afar, getting to Fruita is half the fun. This isn’t just a race—it’s a pilgrimage. A rolling, dusty, dino‑blessed descent into one of North America’s most underrated gravel zones.

And when the sun sets behind the Book Cliffs, and the dirt settles on your socks, you’ll know you’re in the right place.