2026 Courses
Our new 2026 SBT GRVL p/b Wahoo courses showcase the rural scenic beauty of remote regions of Routt County as we take riders and racers on sections that they’ll find familiar from past years, as well as on entirely new segments. Be prepared for plenty of climbing on the Blue Ride and Black Race courses, as well as a handful of steep and loose sections that will test you physically and mentally. Time cutoffs will be strictly enforced for Blue and Black courses and riders not averaging 8mph elapsed time will be re-directed to a shorter course.
2026 SBT GRVL® Black Race Course | 108 Miles | 8,189 Feet | 70% Gravel
Our signature course returns for professional and amateur racers looking to compete amongst each other and against the clock. Our most challenging route for 2026, the Black Course will feature separate starts for Elite Men/Open, Women and Amateur categories as well as our rolling enclosure/safety bubble at the front of each group. Our $22,000 prize purse will be split evenly between the top Elite Men’s/Open and Women’s Elite fields, GRVL® Femmes racers will compete for a cash prize, and podium prizes await the fastest amateurs in their age groups. Racers will roll out from Yampa Street in downtown Steamboat, climb Zipp Cow Creek before ascending toward Trout Creek and Wahooligan Pass on their way toward Hayden before taking a partial lap of the 2025 race course and returning to descend Zipp Cow Creek and finishing on Yampa Street. New for 2026 outside/team nutrition support will be available at the Hayden Gun Range aid station and spectator zone.
2026 SBT GRVL® Blue Ride Course: 73 Miles | 5,843 Feet | 65% Gravel
Don’t want to race but still want an epic day on the gravel with your friends? Our Blue Course is a fan favorite that incorporates the most dynamic elements of the Black Course but cuts back to Steamboat after Wahooligan Pass instead of rolling toward Hayden. The course is new, but if you’re experiencing déjà vu it’s because we’re taking you in a reverse direction on some of our favorite sections from previous year’s Blue and Black Courses.
2026 SBT GRVL® Red Ride Course: 53 Miles | 4,198 feet | 52% Gravel
Our second longest ride distance, this 53 mile route features stunning gravel, fast paved sections, 3 aid stations, and hours of entertainment. The perfect half century, this course splits its time between our famous champagne gravel and some rolling paved hills in ranch country, but will keep you on your toes by throwing in our famous and chunky Cow Creek on your way out and back to the finish.
2026 SBT GRVL® Green Ride Course: 25 Miles | 1,822Feet | 31% Gravel
Your gateway to GRVL®, our new 2026 Green Course is our most beginner and e-bike friendly route. This 25 mile course starts on the pavement, transitions to champagne gravel and finishes with a bang on our infamous Zipp Cow Creek section. Don’t be fooled by the distance, this bite size course will whet your appetite but provides plenty of challenge with long scenic climbs at an altitude of 7,000+ feet.
