Crooked Gravel

Crooked Gravel – Winter Park, United States

• Date: August 7, 2027
• Location: Winter Park, Colorado, United States
• Distances: 93 miles, 67 miles, 25 miles
• Event Type: Gravel Race

High in the Colorado Rockies, Crooked Gravel offers a formidable high altitude gravel race that traces its inspiration back to an exploratory ride conceived by Ron Kiefel nearly a decade ago. Set against the stunning backdrop of Winter Park, the event invites riders to experience the quiet beauty of mountain gravel roads, a world away from the everyday. With routes that climb through aspen groves and past babbling brooks, it’s a day for finding rhythm above the treeline.

Three distinct courses offer varying levels of challenge, each sharing the thin, crisp air of the high country. The 25-mile Rambler provides a perfect introduction to mountain gravel, a rolling and scenic loop with wide-open views. For those seeking a greater test, the 67-mile Grinder pushes upward to 10,500 feet with a sustained 12-mile climb. The longest route, the 93-mile Epic, combines the other two into a true test of endurance, a defining high altitude gravel race experience.

The event begins with a neutral, police-led rollout from the Rendezvous Event Center at Hideaway Park, guiding all riders for the first four miles. Once the timed section begins, the routes diverge into the Arapaho National Forest. The experience is about more than just the clock; it’s about the personal challenge amidst a vast landscape. The timed portions of the rides conclude before returning to town, allowing for a relaxed, untimed cruise back to the finish line.

At the heart of the event is the shared experience in a remarkable setting. The courses are demanding, featuring significant elevation gain and surfaces that are predominantly gravel and dirt roads. The Grinder course, for example, is a lollipop-shaped route that includes a tough but rewarding 13-mile climb gaining 2,500 feet. This high altitude gravel race is as much about the sweeping descents on rough forest service roads as it is about the strenuous climbs.

Beyond the ride itself, the event is built around a sense of community and family fun. The start and finish are located at Hideaway Park, a venue equipped with facilities and space to relax. After crossing the finish line, riders are greeted with refreshments and live music, creating a warm atmosphere to share stories from the day. The region offers many opportunities for gravel events in United States, but this one has its own distinct character.

Registration is limited to 550 riders across all distances, and spots tend to fill quickly. For those considering the challenge, early registration is encouraged to secure a place. Full details on the courses, schedule, and registration can be found on the official event website. It promises a day where the effort is matched only by the expansive beauty of the Colorado mountains.