Utah Gravel Series to host the Fort Desolation Fondo—a cycling, 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.
| Torrey, UT
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.
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.
DO I NEED TO BE AN EXPERT GRAVEL RIDER TO PARTICIPATE?
You don’t necessarily need to be an expert, although the longer routes do require off-road skill and experience. Consider the short routes to be Intermediate and the long routes to be Advanced/Expert. The shorter routes on both days provide less technical off-roading. Check out the FAQ on the longer route through Capitol Reef (below) for more technical information. You’ll definitely want to be on a bike that can handle dirt roads and variable conditions.
IS FORT DESOLATION FONDO A RACE?
For some, throwing a leg over the bike makes it a race! But, no, these Fondo rides aren’t races. They’re a great chance to ride with support through some amazing backcountry that has low visitation. Come out and enjoy!
WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?
A gravel bike is ideal since the route follows paved and dirt roads. We suggest >=40mm gravel-specific tires for both Friday and Saturday routes.
CAN I RIDE A MOUNTAIN BIKE?
Yes! Not everyone has a gravel bike, so if you choose to ride a mountain bike, it’s recommended that you use a less aggressive MTB tire to reduce rolling resistance when you’re on the pavement.
CAN I RIDE A ROAD BIKE?
It’s not recommended. The dirt road sections will make riding a road bike quite challenging, and the backcountry sections of Capitol Reef National Park are absolutely NOT suitable for a road bike.
ARE THE RIDES SUPPORTED?
Yes! There will be well-stocked food and aid stations along the route. Plan on First Endurance EFS and Liquid Shot, along with plenty of snack options, pickle juice and more.
ARE THE ROUTES CLOSED TO TRAFFIC?
Other than in Capitol Reef National Park on September 26th—the one day of the year the park closes to vehicular traffic until late afternoon—the roads are OPEN. It’s your responsibility to be aware of traffic, fellow riders and wildlife. You must obey the rules of the road.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON THE FRIDAY ROUTE?
The Friday route leaves the festival grounds with a few miles on gravel roads and then a paved transition to the gravel loops on the western slope of Boulder Mountain. You’ll enjoy expansive views along with the amazing red-rock cliffs north of Bicknell and Torrey. The Friday routes are not as technical as the long Saturday route. The short route would be classified as Intermediate. The long route would be classified as Advanced.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON THE LONGER ROUTE THROUGH CAPITOL REEF?
This is an Expert/Advanced route classification. Continuing past the turnaround for the short course, you’ll head onto Pleasant Creek Road, followed by South Draw Road with some technical features. We highly recommend >=40mm gravel tires. The terrain includes technical double track, a few sandy sections, fast double track and maintained dirt roads as you climb toward Boulder Highway.
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.
CAN I REGISTER FOR THE FONDO AND NOT ATTEND THE FESTIVAL?
You can, but you’ll be missing out on all of the fun in the evening at the music festival. Also, 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. If camping/RV-ing isn’t your jam, you can reserve a hotel in town and buy your passes and Fondo ride passes separately.
