Gran Fondo Moab

The La Sal Loop Returns in 2026!

Saturday, May 2rd, 2026

After a two-year hiatus, the iconic La Sal Loop Route is back for the 2026 Gran Fondo Moab—and the wait paid off. The major road construction was a full repaving of the long, legendary descent, which now rides smoother (and faster) than ever.

The route starts at Lions Park before guiding you along the stunning canyon road beside the Colorado River, through the towering red rock walls and into the heart of Castle Valley. From there, you’ll climb toward the snow-capped La Sal Mountains, soaking in one of the most scenic stretches in the Southwest.

The finale? An immaculate ribbon of pavement delivering a fast, flowing descent straight back to Old City Park where you’ll cross the finish line for a celebratory photo. Then it’s an easy spin back downtown to Swanny Park where good food and cold drinks at ChillVille will cap off the day.

The La Sal Loop is a Moab classic—and in 2026, it returns better than ever.

2026 Registration is OPEN

Only 500 spots available!

2026 SCHEDULE

Friday, May 1st

4:00 - 7:00pm: Race Packet Pick Up - Swanny City Park - 400 N 100 W, Moab

Saturday, May 2nd

7:00am – 7:30am: Package Pick Up - Lions Park - 1850 N Hwy 191, Moab
7:45am: Call to Start - Lions Park
8:00am: Gran Fondo Start - Lions Park
11:00am - 2:00pm: Finish at Old City Park
11:00am: Lunch and Awards at Swanny City Park
2:00pm: Gran Fondo Course Closes

Limited parking is available at Lions Park, we encourage you to ride to the start from downtown utilizing 500 West. This is a mandatory start time to receive timing and support. Anyone who starts before or after 8am will not be supported or get a time.

ROUTE TIMING

The main timed segment begins just past Aid Station #1, shortly after riders have safely crossed onto Highway 313 and merged into traffic. This segment will be timed from this point up to the top of the climb, through the turnaround, and back down. Finishing across the highway from where it started, just before the railroad tracks and bike path—so please ease up as you approach the Highway 191 intersection. For everyone’s safety, please note that no sections of the bike path will be timed.

KOM/QOM PRIZING

For riders looking to push themselves, there’s an additional timed KOM and QOM section after Aid Station #1 on Highway 313. Challenge yourself for this honor by riding to the route’s high point at the Dead Horse and Canyonlands Junction, where the top five fastest women and men will qualify for prizes.

COURSE NOTES

All riders will receive a bike number and wristband. You must wear your event wristband to get access to the course, aid stations, and lunch.

This is a timed event, riders will not be able to enter the route before the event start time. Please warm up in and around town before the ride.

The route will be on open roads with two-way motorized traffic. All cyclists must obey traffic laws at all times. There will be a strict yellow-center line rule, even on the parts of the course that have no painted center line. The road in the mountains is very narrow, with blind corners where riders can encounter oncoming motor vehicles so always stay as far right as possible. Please ride with caution.

Law enforcement will be patrolling the course.

DOWNHILL CAUTION

Be extremely careful on the downhills as some of this route can be technical and these roads are open to motorized traffic, such as motorbikes and ATV’s. Ride with caution!

FAQ’s

Questions? You can find answers here.

MECHANICAL SUPPORT

There will be on-site mechanical support.

SPECTATORS

Spectators are welcome at the start and finish lines!

THE COURSE

STATS
Distance: 56.6 miles
Elevation Gain: +5,364 feet

Gran Fondo Moab delivers a signature slice of red-rock magic, high-alpine grandeur, and world-class pavement—all packed into one unforgettable ride on the iconic La Sal Loop Road.

Your day begins at Lions Park, where the Colorado River cuts through towering canyon walls and the early-morning light paints the cliffs gold. From the start, riders roll out onto Highway 128, one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the Southwest. The route winds along the river’s edge, offering wide-open views of sandstone towers, glistening water, and deep canyon corridors carved by time.

At Mile 25, riders make the turn onto the legendary La Sal Loop Road, and the character of the ride shifts from desert calm to alpine challenge. The road climbs steadily toward the snowcapped La Sal Mountains, trading red rock for pines, aspens, and crisp mountain air. It’s the kind of climb that rewards every pedal stroke with bigger views and a deep sense of accomplishment.

After cresting the high point, riders are treated to a fast, smooth, and freshly paved descent—a dreamlike ribbon of blacktop that swoops and curves back toward red-rock country. The finish line awaits at Old City Park, where shade trees and wide lawns welcome riders home.

Once you’ve crossed the line, the adventure ends not with a sprint, but with a smile: a gentle, neutral roll back into town leads everyone to Swanny City Park, where a well-earned meal and cold drinks are waiting.

This is Moab riding at its finest—towering canyon walls, alpine peaks, silky pavement, and a finish that feels like a celebration. The kind of ride that stays with you long after you’ve rolled out of town.