Grand Traverse MTB (Aspen to Crested Butte)
Legendary 40-mile point-to-point mountain bike race from Aspen to Crested Butte over high-alpine backcountry trails and Pearl Pass.
The vibe
Point-to-point, over the divide
The Grand Traverse is one of those races that’s earned “legendary” status the hard way — 40 miles from Aspen to Crested Butte, most of it well above treeline, cresting Pearl Pass on the way. It’s short by ultra-distance standards, but the elevation and terrain make it feel like anything but a quick outing.
Riders navigate exposed alpine singletrack and jeep road with weather that can turn fast at altitude, so this is a race where conditions matter as much as fitness. The point-to-point format means logistics are part of the challenge too — get your shuttle and gear plan sorted well before race day.
It’s a bucket-list event for Colorado mountain bikers who want to say they’ve crossed the Elk Mountains under their own power, not just driven over them.