Get ready to unleash your inner adventurer in the breathtaking backcountry of Colorado, where Fruita is calling your name! This rugged desert playground is the ultimate hub for thrill-seekers, boasting a smorgasbord of adventure sports that'll make your heart race!
Whether you're crushing trails on foot, paddling through whitewater, shredding the mountain on your bike, scaling cliffs, or exploring stunning canyons, Fruita has got your back! The Adventure Fest weekend is a total blast, featuring a trail half marathon, a gnarly long or short course mountain bike race, and a 50K gravel challenge on the legendary 18 Road trails.
Plus, ladies, don’t miss out on the free women's gravel bike clinic and group ride—it's the perfect chance to meet fellow adventurers! So gear up for an unforgettable weekend where competition meets community, and let’s celebrate the great outdoors together!
At Gemini Adventures we believe in a simple notion that makes all the difference: Competition makes us faster, and collaboration makes us better.
Trail Runs
Spring Desert Ultra 55K
The Spring Desert Ultra 55K takes runners deep into the rugged backcountry of the North Fruita Desert, linking the Edge Loop, Sarlacc, and Cicada trails into one challenging desert adventure. This is a true trail ultramarathon with rocky singletrack, technical sections, sustained climbs, steep descents, and exposed high-desert terrain.
The course rewards smart pacing and sure footing as runners navigate some of Fruita's most iconic trails. Expect changing terrain, rocky and uneven surfaces, short punchy climbs, longer sustained efforts, and technical descents. With expansive views of the Book Cliffs, mesas, and surrounding desert, the scenery is every bit as impressive as the terrain is demanding. Come prepared for an early-season test of endurance, strength, and trail-running skills.
Fruita Trail Half Marathon
The 13.8-mile Fruita Trail Half Marathon offers a more approachable way to experience the trails of the North Fruita Desert. The course follows beautiful, flowing singletrack through classic Fruita desert terrain, with rolling trail, short steep climbs and descents, rocky sections, and plenty of runnable miles.
Along the way, runners will enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding buttes, mesas, and Book Cliffs. The combination of fast, flowing trail and short technical sections keeps things interesting without overwhelming the course. Whether you're looking to race the clock or simply enjoy a scenic day on the trails, the Fruita Trail Half Marathon is a rewarding introduction to early-season desert running.
As part of the Adventure Fest weekend, these races are more than just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to experience Fruita’s vibrant adventure community and connect with like-minded runners. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply soaking in the desert vibes, these races are a fun and memorable way to kick off your racing season!
Bike Races
Push your limits and ride the edge—literally—on two of Colorado’s most thrilling 50K bike races! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the North Fruita Desert, these world-class courses combine The Edge and Sarlacc Trails, along with other iconic routes, to create an unforgettable mountain biking experience.
From stunning cliffs to rugged back canyons and sweeping desert vistas, every turn delivers adventure and challenge. Choose your race:
- Sarlacc Attack Long Course (50K, 3,400’ climb)
- Sarlacc Attack Short Course
- Dirty Edge Gravel Race (50K, 2,700’ climb)
These inspiring and sporty courses are perfect for testing your early-season stamina and are quickly becoming classics in Fruita, CO. Whether you’re taking on technical climbs, ripping flowy descents, or simply soaking in the desert views, these races are a must-ride for any mountain biking enthusiast.
Discover what Fruita has to offer on these rugged and iconic trails—where adventure meets stunning beauty!
Explore Our Events
Adventure Fest is a weekend-long celebration of outdoor adventure for individuals and families of all experience levels. In a sport where much of the time is spent solo, this is an opportunity to come together, share experiences, and connect with the adventure community.
Held at the North Fruita Desert Trailhead in Fruita, CO, the festival offers camping, exciting races, clinics, and activities for all ages.
Weekend Highlights
Friday Night: Packet pick-up at the Fruita Rec Center, plus Adventure Fest merchandise, sponsor booths, and community connections.
Saturday:
- Spring Desert Ultra 55K run—North Fruita Desert's newest backcountry ultramarathon
- Sarlacc Zippity 22K and Dirty Edge Gravel 50K, two of the region’s most scenic and rewarding endurance races.
- Kids' races: A Balance Bike Race for ages 4 & under and a Beginner Kids’ MTB Race for ages 4-8.
- Bonfire Awards & Beer at the campground, followed by the Glowstick Bonfire.
Sunday:
- Fruita Trail Half Marathon or Sarlacc Attack 50K - challenge yourself in the rugged desert and finish in time to make it home and refresh for Monday.
- Pack up, say goodbye, and leave with unforgettable memories!
Whether you're racing, riding, learning a new skill, or just soaking in the adventure vibe, Adventure Fest is the ultimate weekend escape in Fruita’s legendary outdoor playground.
Looking for the biggest challenge at Adventure Fest? Fruita AF is our two-day endurance experience where athletes take on events on both Saturday and Sunday.
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Two Day Challenges
SDU Challenge (55K Run/Half Marathon)
Dirty Fruita Half (Dirty Edge Gravel/Half Marathon)
Dirty Sarlacc (Dirty Edge Gravel/Sarlacc Attack)
105K Challenge (55K Run/Sarlacc Attack)
2 Day 22K (Short Course MTB/Half Marathon)
Everyone who completes both days will receive a special finisher’s award—because it’s not about placing, it’s about pushing yourself to finish this epic two-day test of endurance.
Campsites are reserved for our event and are available to reserve when you register online. Each site has a fire ring, concrete picnic table, 12’ x 12’ tent pad and graveled parking spaces. Vault toilets are within walking distance of the campsites.
There is no water, electricity, or garbage collection service, so come prepared with plenty of water and trash bags. Additionally, campers will need to bring their own firewood. Each individual site is limited to ten people and two vehicles.
View camp assignments. If you’d like to switch to a different available campsite, email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can check out the campsite map and locations.
Take Interstate 70 west to Fruita (exit 19). Turn north onto Cherry Street and take the first right onto Aspen Avenue. Go through the roundabout and continue on Aspen to Maple Street. Take a left on Maple Street and then travel north. The street will turn into 17.5 Road. Take a right on N.3 Road and then a left on 18 Road. Travel approximately 7 miles on 18 Road to the trailhead and look for signs/markers for our Colorado half marathon race.
