Push your limits on this epic 55K loop that combines The Edge, Sarlacc, and Cicada trails. Run along dramatic cliffs, tackle grinding climbs, and technical descents of the Edge Loop. This is the ultimate early-season endurance test and the perfect excuse to keep training through the winter.
The half marathon (13.8-mile loop) takes runners on beautiful, flowy singletrack through Colorado’s stunning North Fruita Desert. With short, steep climbs and descents, the course offers breathtaking views of the nearby buttes and mesas, making every step as scenic as it is rewarding.
As part of the Adventure Fest weekend, these races are more than just a challenge—they’re 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 trail races promise a fun and memorable way to kick off your racing season!
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 TBA, plus Adventure Fest merchandise, sponsor booths, and community connections.
Saturday:
- Spring Desert Ultra - 55K ultramarathon experiencing some of the best of Fruita's backcountry.
- Sarlacc Zippity 22K mountain bike race—flowy singletrack, rolling descents and breathtaking desert views.
- Dirty Edge Gravel 50K - one of the region's most scenic gravel races.
- Free 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 Desert Disco Glowstick Bonfire, an easy-flow night ride perfect for all ages.
Sunday:
- Fruita Trail Half Marathon - one of the region’s most scenic and rewarding endurance races.
- Sarlacc Attack 50K - an epic mountain bike race with backcountry vibes, epic climbs and intense descents.
- Pack up, say goodbye, and leave with unforgettable memories!
Whether you're running, 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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Fruita AF (Short Course): Complete the Sarlacc Attack short course MTB race on Saturday, then choose either the Dirty Edge gravel race or the Fruita Trail Half Marathon on Sunday.
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Fruita AF Ultimate: Tackle the Sarlacc Attack long course MTB race on Saturday, then pair it with your choice of Sunday’s gravel race or 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.
Finisher’s mementos will be given as racers cross the finish line. Placer’s awards for the Spring Desert Ultra will be awarded along with raffle prizes at the Bonfire Awards on Saturday night and approximately 10:30 am for the half marathon. Both the men’s and women’s winners will receive comp entries to next year’s race.
There will be beer, hot food and games. See old friends and make new ones! Family, friends, and crew are invited, so bring everyone.
Adventure Fest is a weekend of celebrating everything we love about the outdoors and this includes our community. We hope to see you at the awards ceremonies!
Customized cowbell awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each of the following age groups:
- Under 20
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60+
Racers will receive customized finisher’s awards as they cross the finish line. Awards and mementos will not be mailed after the event.
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.
Spots are limited for the Fruita Trail Half Marathon. Register early for the best pricing!
New Adventure Fest merchandise! Available at checkout. All custom jerseys must be ordered before March 20th can be picked up at the event.
The Fruita Trail Half is a fun and exciting loop on the breathtaking singletrack outside of Fruita, CO. The course is 13.8 miles and features almost 1000′ of climbing. During this event, you'll enjoy the open desert with short steep climbs and descents alongside many beautiful views of the nearby buttes and mesas.
The half marathon loop will be run in a counterclockwise direction that contains all kinds of switchbacks and challenging terrain. The course is connected by three Aid stations: Chutes and Ladders (3.5 miles), Frontside (7.5 miles), and Western (11.4 miles).
The North Fruita Desert is an epic place in the springtime and we’ll help you get the most out of your experience. Adventure Fest is a fun weekend of running and socializing!
Spring Desert Utra 55K – Course Description
Course Breakdown:
• Start/Finish: North Fruita Desert Event Area
(Elevation ~5,070 ft)
• Distance: ~34.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: ~4,100 feet
• Surface: 100% dirt
• Max Elevation: ~7,298 feet
Cut-off:12 Hours
Aid Stations:
-Coal Gulch- 7.3 miles
-Sarlacc- 17.3 miles
-Mesa- 23.8 miles
-South AS- 29.6
The SDU is a desert trail run adventure that rewards patience, strong climbing legs, and confident handling on rugged terrain. Runners will experience everything that makes this landscape special — fast gravel, flowing singletrack, rocky technical sections, long sustained climbs, and a rugged descent back toward the finish.
Miles 0–2 | Fast Start
The run begins with a gravel road climb from the start area, giving runners space to settle into position before the trail narrows. A steady climb on gravel roads allows the field to spread out and establish early pacing. This is a good opportunity to find your rhythm, settle your breathing, and avoid bottlenecks before entering singletrack.
Miles 2–7 | Singletrack Entry
Runners transition into winding desert singletrack with smooth flow and steep rollers. This section keeps the pace lively before the course opens back onto gravel roads for a couple of miles leading toward the Coal Gulch Aid Station. After refueling, runners will begin the climb to the legendary Sarlacc Trail.
Miles 7–18 | The Sarlacc Section
The terrain quickly becomes more rugged as the course dives into one of the most demanding parts of the race. The climbing continues steadily as runners push deeper into the backcountry before reaching the Sarlacc Aid Station, marking the end of this challenging stretch.
Miles 18–24 | Desert Alpine
After leaving the aid station, runners face a short but very steep gravel road climb before transitioning back onto the Cicadia singletrack. The trail rolls toward the course’s high point as the landscape opens up and temperatures often begin to cool slightly. The terrain becomes more varied with steep pitches and flowing sections. The reward for the climbing effort comes at the Mesa Aid Station, where runners are greeted with sweeping views across the desert landscape.
Miles 24–33 | The Descent
From here, the character of the race shifts dramatically as runners begin the long descent back toward the finish. This section features hard-packed trail mixed with loose singletrack and desert washes. It’s the payoff for the day’s climbing, but runners should stay sharp — short climbs and sandy patches can still sap energy. The final miles return to the flowing singletrack that the 18 Road trail system is known for. Continue in the wash and rolling hills until the South Aid Station at mile 29.6.
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.
Friday:
5:00 pm-7:00 pm – Packet Pick-Up and Late Registration at The Fruita Tavern
Saturday:
6:00 am-7:45 am – Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-Up @ start/finish
7:00 am – SDU start
8:00 am - Sarlacc 22K Short Course MTB start
8:30 am – Dirty Edge Gravel Start
8:45 am - FREE Kids Mountain Bike Race (open to kids 4-8 on two wheel pedal bike)
9:00 am - FREE Balance Bike Race (open to kids 4 and under)
11:30 am – Dirty Edge Gravel & Sarlacc Short Course Awards
7:00 pm – Cut-off for SDU
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Camp Trivia: Beer and Prizes @ start/finish
8:00 pm - 8:30 – SDU Bonfire Awards
8:45 pm - Desert Disco Glowstick Bonfire
10:00 pm - Quiet Hours
Sunday:
6:00 am - 8:00 am – Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-Up @ start/finish
7:00 am – Sarlacc Attack 50K Start
7:30 am – Fruita Trail Half Start
7:45 am - FREE Kid's Running Race (10 and Under)
10:30 am – Half Marathon Awards – Finish Line
11:00 pm - Cut-off for Sarlacc- Bruncher award
11:30 pm – Cut-off for Sarlacc Attack- Sarlacc Aid Station
11:30 - Cut-off for Half Marathon- Western AS
11:30 pm – Cut-off for Sarlacc Attack- Mesa Aid Station
2:30 pm – Cut-off for Sarlacc Attack- Luncher award
Course Records
Male: 1:48:46 Vaughn Janckila (2021)
Female: 1:49:34 Tracy Kovaleski (2021)
How do I reserve a campsite?
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.
Are Dogs Allowed?
We love dogs! Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome at the Start/Finish and aid stations. Unfortunately, we cannot allow dogs on course with their runners.
What Supplies Are Offered at the Aid Stations?
At the aid stations, racers will receive gels, sports drink, water, skittles, and potato chips. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDS will not be provided. And to reduce waste, cups will not be provided at the aid stations.
Radio contact will be available at all aid stations and each one will have the necessary medical materials to nurse any bumps, cuts, bruises, and/or blisters.
Three aid stations will be provided for the Half Marathon.
Can I Go Off Trail at any Point?
Racers must stay on the designated course at all times. Shortcutting will result in a disqualification. If you go off course, you must return to the same point you exited in order to continue.
Some singletrack sections will be designated No Passing Zones (let’s help keep singletrack single). There will be opportunities to pass that won’t harm the trails, so please be patient and wait for those areas.
Cryptobiotic soil is the foundation of desert plant life. This dark, knobby crust is made up of many different living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining the desert eco-system. However, this soil is extremely fragile and can take decades to grow. Even a footstep can damage the crust for decades, having lasting impacts on the desert environment. Please stay on the trail!
What Weather Should I Expect?
Weather in the Fruita Desert can vary. The averages for May are a low of 48 degrees and a high of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. While the weather is never a sure thing, you can typically expect highs of between 70-80 degrees with very little chance of rain in Fruita during this time of year.
What About Unforeseeable Circumstances?
In the case of unforeseeable circumstances due to weather or other extenuating circumstances that prevents the safe continuation of the race, race officials may end the race at any given time without a refund of unused portions. This rule will be implemented in the most extreme cases for the safety of the runners or officials.
I Lost Something at the Event! Is There a Lost & Found?
Items left at aid stations and lost & found items will be available at the awards ceremony immediately following the half marathon.
Can I Transfer or Cancel My Registration?
There will be no entry transfers. If you regrettably need to cancel your registration, please use UltraSignup. Cancellations will result in a credit that can be applied as a registration payment toward any Gemini Adventures event within one year’s time, minus a 15% fee. To cancel your registration, simply log in to your account, go to “Registration History,” select “Edit” for the Fruit Trail Half Marathon, and select “Cancel Registration.”
What’s our Refund Policy?
- 30 days or more prior to the event: 85% credit of registration fee (excluding UltraSignup fees).
- Less than 30 days prior to the event: No refunds or credit given.
Credits may be applied to any future Gemini Adventures race and will be valid for 12 months.
Registered runners may also switch between distances. No refunds or credit will be given for dropping down in distance. If you want to step up your distance, the added current pricing of the longer distance will be charged (excluding UltraSignup fees).
