Royal Gorge Gravel

Royal Gorge Gravel – Cañon City, Colorado, United States

• Date: 18 September 2027
• Location: Cañon City, Colorado, United States
• Distances: 100 miles, 50 miles, 30 miles, 15 miles
• Event Type: Gravel Race

The Royal Gorge Gravel is a premier gravel race in Colorado, set against the vast and dramatic landscapes surrounding Cañon City. Formerly known as The Crippler, this event carries forward a legacy of honest riding and challenging routes. Riders are invited to experience gravel at elevation, where the scale of the landscape is matched by the sense of personal accomplishment. It’s an event built by riders, with an intentional focus on the quality of the challenge.

Four distinct routes share a start line before finishing back in downtown Cañon City. The flagship 100-mile Phantom route is a significant undertaking across big terrain. The 50-mile Red Rock offers a balanced test of pacing and endurance, while the 30-mile Gorge route explores classic Colorado gravel on rolling terrain. A fast and approachable 15-mile Skyline course provides a perfect introduction for first-timers, ensuring every rider finds their line.

The experience of this Colorado gravel race unfolds through a rare combination of high-speed county roads and remote canyon stretches. The topography demands respect, with technical, punchy climbs giving way to sweeping views of the Arkansas River. The gravel under tyre connects you to a landscape of towering canyon walls and big skies. It is important to note that sections of the course cross private property, making the race-day journey a truly unique one.

The event is designed as a destination weekend, fostering community beyond the finish line of this gravel race in Colorado. The atmosphere builds on Saturday with a casual donut ride and packet pickup at World’s End Brewing. This venue becomes the heart of post-race celebrations on Sunday, where riders gather to share stories over a meal and a finisher's beer. The staggered podiums ensure every rider's effort is recognized in a welcoming environment.

Carrying the spirit of its predecessor, The Crippler, this is a fully supported affair. Participants receive a police lead-out, on-course aid stations, and medical support, allowing a focus to remain on the ride. This commitment is a hallmark of the organizing team, whose vision has elevated the event while honoring its roots. For those exploring the region, there are many other gravel events in United States that offer a similar spirit of adventure.

Ultimately, this is a ride you train for. It’s a day to test your limits against the high-altitude terrain and find a rhythm on the open gravel. The challenge is rewarded not just with a cold drink, but with the quiet satisfaction of having traversed such a memorable landscape. To learn more about the routes and registration, please see the official event website.