Gran Fondo Moab
The La Sal Loop Returns in 2026!
Saturday, May 2nd, 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
Your timed section will begin as you cross the start line in Lions Park. You will have a police escort down highway 128 along the Colorado River, this is to give oncoming traffic warning of the event coming through, passing this control car will not be permitted. You will then turn onto Castle Valley Rd and continue to climb up into the LaSal mountains where your timing finish will be at Warner Lake Rd which is also aid station 2. But remember, the roads are open to public traffic so stay as close to the white line shoulder as possible so that everyone is safe out on the road.
KOM/QOM PRIZING
Our KOM and QOM segment will put your legs to the test. This timed section runs from the start line at Lions Park all the way to Aid Station 2 at the top of the La Sal Loop Road climb.
It’s simple: climb fast, climb smart, and maybe climb your way into a crown.
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 / 91.1 km
Elevation Gain: +5,364 feet / 1,635 m
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.
*All distances and elevation gain are approximate and will vary depending on the watch, app, or measuring device that you use.
*Due to unforeseen limitations, the following information is subject to change at any time before, during, or after the start of each stage.
