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PRESENTED BY UTAH GRAVEL SERIES

THE FORT
DESOLATION FONDO

Calling all gravel riders! We’ve partnered with the Utah Gravel Series to host the Fort Desolation Fondo—a gravel-riding, camping and festival experience. The music kicks off Thursday night, followed by Friday and Saturday rides exploring the legendary gravel roads around Torrey and Capitol Reef. You’ll be back in time for cold drinks, great food and more live music under the desert sky.
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September 24-26

Cougar Ridge Resort | Torrey, UT

FROM THE SADDLE TO THE STAGE

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or up for a new adventure, the Fort Desolation Fondo combines epic rides by day with live music and festival vibes by night. Choose from a GA or VIP Fondo Camping Bundle, which includes two 3-day festival passes, one 30'x30' camping spot with the Fondo crew and two days of riding for one person. Additional riders can purchase the Fondo Rides Add-On. All campers and riders must have 3-day festival passes.
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START AND FINISH AT THE FESTIVAL

Friday and Saturday’s rides begin right in the campground at Cougar Ridge Resort, where the festival happens, with full support from the Utah Gravel Series crew. All rides include aid stations, course markings and sweeping desert views.
GET YOUR TICKETSMap of Fort Desolation Fest showing main stage, VIP area, food trucks, reception center, ticketed oasis, campsite areas labeled Camp Cougar Ridge and Camp Coyote, villas, accessible parking, and directions to Torrey and Highway 12.

CHOOSE YOUR DESERT ADVENTUREs

From smooth, scenic routes to rugged backcountry climbs, each day of riding features two routes (one shorter, one longer) showcasing a different side of the red rocks surrounding Torrey and Capitol Reef.
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Smooth Knoll Loop (Lite)

38 mi.
2,359 ft.
Mixed Surfaces

Smooth Knoll Loop

50.6 mi.
3,299 ft.
Mixed Surfaces

Capitol Reef Out & Back

39.8 mi
3,318 ft.
Mixed Surfaces

Capitol Reef Loop

57 mi
5,610 ft.
Mixed Surfaces

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.

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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. 

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CAN I ATTEND THE FESTIVAL AND NOT RIDE? 

Yes!  If you’re camping with a rider but don’t want to ride, you DON’T need to purchase the Fondo Rides Add-On. You’ll just need a 3-day festival pass to camp and see the music. 

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CAN I RIDE AND NOT ATTEND THE FESTIVAL? 

Yes! But you can’t camp at the festival without a 3-day festival pass. Riders who aren’t camping or attending the festival will need to park in GA parking and meet their fellow riders at the designated starting point, which will be announced closer to the event. The rides begin and end on the festival grounds to offer the best possible experience for those attending the festival.