Colorado Trail Race

The Colorado Trail Race is the ultramarathon of bikepacking — a 500-mile unsupported individual time trial from Denver to Durango along the legendary Colorado Trail. There are no aid stations, no SAG vehicles, no course marshals. Just you, your bike, your gear, and 500 miles of some of the most stunning and demanding terrain in the American West. Riders carry everything they need, resupply in small towns along the route, and push through sleep deprivation, altitude, and mechanical challenges to reach Durango.

The route follows the Colorado Trail through high alpine passes, dense forests, exposed ridgelines, and remote wilderness areas. You’ll climb above 12,000 feet multiple times, navigate technical singletrack with a loaded bike, and cross rivers that may or may not have bridges. Finishing times range from under a week for the fastest riders to three weeks or more for those taking a more sustainable approach. Every finisher has earned something that goes beyond a medal.

This event is not for beginners. Aspiring participants should have extensive bikepacking experience, strong backcountry skills, and a deep understanding of their own limits. Bike setup is critical — every gram matters over 500 miles, and mechanical reliability is non-negotiable. Study race reports from previous years, test your gear thoroughly, and be honest about your fitness and mental resilience. The Colorado Trail Race will test all of it, and the reward is an experience that fundamentally changes how you think about what’s possible on a bicycle.