FORT DESOLATION GRAVEL FONDO
Calling all graveleurs and music lovers
September 24-26, 2026
Cougar Ridge Resort • Torrey, Utah
FORT DESOLATION GRAVEL FONDO
Calling all graveleurs and music lovers
September 24-26, 2026
Cougar Ridge Resort • Torrey, Utah
Calling all riders! Whether you're new to gravel riding or a seasoned racer, join us for Fort Desolation gravel fondo--two days of gravel and mixed surface riding in Utah's Capitol Reef country. Registration for this event is through fortdesolation.com
Once registered for a chosen bundle package, you will be notified via email with the passcode and given a registration code. From there you can choose which distance you want to ride each day. Let's play bikes!
GRAVEL BY DAY, MUSIC BY NIGHT
Graveleurs! We’re thrilled to invite you to the Fort Desolation Fondo in the red rocks of Torrey, UT, on Friday and Saturday of the Fort Desolation Fest. After an epic adventure on the bike, you’ll be back in time to swap your helmet for a drink and settle in for world-class live music. Fort Desolation Fondo packages include 2 festival passes, a 30’ x 30’ camping spot with the Fondo crew and both days of riding for one person. (Additional Fondo riders can purchase their rides as an add-on at checkout.)
Learn more and get your package at FortDesolation.com
Learn more and get your package at FortDesolation.com
The Routes
Friday September 25th
50.6 miles
2,399 ft elevation gain
59% gravel
Start time: 9AM
Friday September 25th
35.3 miles2,238 ft elevation gain
44% gravel
Start time: 9:05AM
Saturday September 26th
57 miles
5,610 ft elevation gain
46% gravel
Start time: 9:00AM
57 miles
5,610 ft elevation gain
46% gravel
Start time: 9:00AM
Saturday September 26th
39.8 miles
3,318 ft elevation gain
24% gravel
Start time: 9:05AM
39.8 miles
3,318 ft elevation gain
24% gravel
Start time: 9:05AM
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Fort Desolation Fest is Utah’s premier outdoor music festival, set in stunning red-rock country just outside Capitol Reef National Park. See some of the best Americana artists perform against one of the most iconic landscapes in the American West. This year’s main-stage lineup features Drive-By Truckers, Andrew Bird, Grahame Lesh & Friends, Rayland Baxter, Futurebirds, Tune-Yards, Bella White and more.
The campground is the heart of the Fort Desolation Fest experience. The Fondo Camping Bundle includes a camping spot with the Fondo crew, so you can wake up to desert views and fresh mountain air. Enjoy two days of cycling adventures plus three nights of cold drinks, great food and live music under the desert sky. And before you call it a night, swing by the after-hours jam sessions on the intimate campground stage.
Fort Desolation keeps things small—so everyone can get close to the music and enjoy themselves. Pack your bike and tent, and get ready to make new friends and have the time of your life.
The campground is the heart of the Fort Desolation Fest experience. The Fondo Camping Bundle includes a camping spot with the Fondo crew, so you can wake up to desert views and fresh mountain air. Enjoy two days of cycling adventures plus three nights of cold drinks, great food and live music under the desert sky. And before you call it a night, swing by the after-hours jam sessions on the intimate campground stage.
Fort Desolation keeps things small—so everyone can get close to the music and enjoy themselves. Pack your bike and tent, and get ready to make new friends and have the time of your life.
FORT DESOLATION FONDO FAQS
WHAT ARE THE FORT DESOLATION FONDO RIDES LIKE?
Kicking off from Cougar Ridge, you’ll traverse the legendary backcountry routes surrounding Torrey with the dedicated support of the Utah Gravel Series team—featuring fully stocked aid stations and clearly marked courses. After a neutral start as a pack, you’re free to push your limits, soak in the stunning red-rock scenery or find the perfect balance of both. Whether you’re an experienced rider chasing a course record or a casual rider seeking a scenic roll through the wilderness, we can’t wait to see you on the trail.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY FONDO BUNDLE?
Both Fort Desolation Fondo bundle options include 3-day festival passes for 2 people (choose GA or VIP on the AXS website), a 30’x30’ camping spot with the Fondo crew, and two Fondo rides (one Friday and one Saturday) for 1 person. If the second festival attendee wants to participate in the rides, they can purchase the Fondo Rides Add-On. Additional riders can also purchase 3-day festival passes and the Fondo Rides add-on. Each 30’ x 30’ camping spot allows up to 6 people.
Kicking off from Cougar Ridge, you’ll traverse the legendary backcountry routes surrounding Torrey with the dedicated support of the Utah Gravel Series team—featuring fully stocked aid stations and clearly marked courses. After a neutral start as a pack, you’re free to push your limits, soak in the stunning red-rock scenery or find the perfect balance of both. Whether you’re an experienced rider chasing a course record or a casual rider seeking a scenic roll through the wilderness, we can’t wait to see you on the trail.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY FONDO BUNDLE?
Both Fort Desolation Fondo bundle options include 3-day festival passes for 2 people (choose GA or VIP on the AXS website), a 30’x30’ camping spot with the Fondo crew, and two Fondo rides (one Friday and one Saturday) for 1 person. If the second festival attendee wants to participate in the rides, they can purchase the Fondo Rides Add-On. Additional riders can also purchase 3-day festival passes and the Fondo Rides add-on. Each 30’ x 30’ camping spot allows up to 6 people.