Land Events
Go On Gravel Or On Foot
Join in on the fun without getting wet! If you’re into scenic Colorado mountain bike races, running trails, relaxing during a calm yoga session at the park, or racing your favorite wiener dog, the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is your place to get active this summer.
The Royal Gorge Region features not only world-class whitewater on the Arkansas River, but several fantastic single-track trail systems, perfect for mountain biking runs and trails.
The Great Escape Trail Events
The Great Escape Trail events are designed to showcase the best of Cañon City’s downtown and singletrack recreation amenities. Miles of singletrack trail, tempting gravel roads, and plenty of downhill fun await participants of either the mountain bike or trail running events. Choose the distance of your liking – 5K, 10K, or the hefty 17-mile grinder (biking only) – to add some ‘dirt’ to your Whitewater Festival weekend.
While these events are timed, they are designed for varied ability levels. Never done a running or mountain bike event? Enjoy the fun, camaraderie, and friendly courses of the Great Escape Events. Here to win? We’ll see you on the trails.
What You Get When You Register
Register online through July 24th for just $20! (Kids are $15).
What’s included in your registration fee:
- FREE entry to the Whitewater Festival on Friday and Saturday
- Swag bag
- One FREE beer (21 and over only)
- Marked course with aid stations
Add on a tee or tank for just $15 by July 10! (kids’ sizes available in tee only).
Trail Running Race & Event Schedule
Friday
- 5:50-7:30 pm: Packet pickup and late registration ($5 more per event) at Centennial Park.
Saturday
- 7:00 am – 9:30 am: Packet pickup and late registration ($5 more per event) at Centennial Park (must be +15 minutes before event start!)
- 7:45 am: 5K Trail Run / 10K Trail Run START
- 9:30 am: 10K MTB Ride START
- 9:45 am: 5K Family / Beginner MTB Ride START
- 10:00 am: Award Ceremony for running Events (or sooner if schedule allows). Overall award winners are invited to attend the “big” ceremony on Saturday evening on the Main Stage.
- 10:30 am: Award Ceremony for bike events (or sooner if schedule allows). Overall award winners are invited to attend the “big” ceremony on Saturday evening on the Main Stage.
Trail Running Races & Events
The Pizza Madness 5K Trail Run
This course leaves from Centennial Park and travels along the Arkansas Riverwalk trail. You’ll cross over the river at the pedestrian bridge, head toward Tunnel Drive, and turn around at the Trailhead (or go up the hill for a beautiful view and a little extra elevation gain). Return to the park for a nice, easy second half and post-run celebration at the park.
Location
South Cañon Trails
Time of Event
Saturday at 7:45 am
Elevation Gain
279 feet
Distance
~4 miles
Event Cost
$20 for adults / $15 kids (discount at checkout)
Course
The Pizza Madness 10K Trail Run
You’ll experience the best of lower South Cañon on this beautiful fun. Leave from Centennial Park, climb up Wagon Trail, then make a hard right to climb all of Schepp Ridge for stunning views of the town, mountains, and the Ecology Park. At the end of Schepp Ridge, you’ll climb up Water Gap (hill!) to an aid station, then hit Jackrabbit and Schepp down to an easy descent on Mutton Bustin’. You’ll start your descent on Mutton Bustin’, where you’ll then return to Centennial Park to awaiting spectators.
Centennial > Colburn Lane > Wagon Trail > Schepp Ridge > Water Gap > Eco Parking Lot (Aid Station) > Jackrabbit > Recycle > Schepp Ridge > Mutton Bustin > Wagon Trail > Colburn Lane > Centennial Park
Location
South Cañon Trails
Time of Event
Saturday at 7:45 am
Elevation Gain
433 feet
Distance
~6 miles
Event Cost
$20 for adults / $15 kids (discount at checkout)
Course
Mountain Biking Race Events
Remember that we are a 1% for Trail event, which means that you’ve supported trails in the area just by registering!
5K Family / Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
Bring the kiddos! Try a mountain bike event for the first time! This low-stakes and super-fun course will allow mountain bikers of all experience levels to enjoy participating in an event. This course follows the Arkansas Riverwalk west to Tunnel Drive and has very little elevation gain. Youth as young as 6 years old may enjoy this course (our younger on a bike seat), and kids as young as 10 are welcome to ride solo.
This course leaves from Centennial Park and travels along the Arkansas Riverwalk trail to the trailhead at Tunnel Drive. Turn around at the trailhead or climb the hill for an extra high-five and a sweet view. Return to the park for a beginner-friendly 5K race.
Location
Arkansas Riverwalk
Time of Event
Saturday at 9:45 am
Elevation Gain / Loss
279 feet
Distance
~4 miles
Event Cost
$20 for adults / $15 kids (discount at checkout)
Course
Along the Arkansas River to Tunnel Drive
10K Mountain Bike Race
Intermediate-level riders with the ability to navigate some technical elements will enjoy this fun and fast 6-mile course. Leave from Centennial Park, climb up Wagon Trail, then make a hard right to climb all of Schepp Ridge for stunning views of the town, mountains, and the Ecology Park. At the end of Schepp Ridge, you’ll use Piñon Trail to merge onto Recycle. You’ll start your descent on Mutton Bustin’, where you’ll then return to Centennial Park to awaiting spectators.
Centennial > Colburn Lane > Wagon Trail > Schepp Ridge > Water Gap > Eco Parking Lot (Aid Station) > Jackrabbit > Recycle > Schepp Ridge > Mutton Bustin > Wagon Trail > Colburn Lane > Centennial Park
Location
South Cañon Trails
Time of Event
Saturday at 9:30 am
Elevation Gain / Loss
433 feet
Distance
~6 miles
Event Cost
$20 for adults / $15 kids (discount at checkout)
Course
Trail Event FAQs
Wait, REALLY a race for kids and families?
Yes! We are so excited to offer courses that are suitable for youth and families to complete TOGETHER. Children who complete the course of their own volition (they cannot be attached to an adult’s bike) can compete for age-group prizes. Children too young to ride on their own do not need to register, but they can ride along with an adult parent/participant for fun! We are so proud of our youth participants and encourage you to reach out with questions (hello@royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com) if you would like to know more about this family-friendly environment.
Are these courses suitable for beginners?
Yes! As long as you have basic mountain bike and trail running skills, there is an event are for you. If you’re brand-new to mountain biking, we recommend the 5K race. Intermediate riders will enjoy the 10K event, and advanced riders with ability to climb for extended periods of time will be well-suited for the 27K Grinder. We are excited to offer a community event that fosters a love of mountain biking and trail running. You do not need any prior experience in races or events. Our course is well marked, our aid stations will be stocked with treats, and we’ll have volunteers on the course to help you along the way.
Why aren't you doing the "Grinder" anymore?
We loved putting on such a unique and fun distance / event for the festival, but the reality is that there just weren’t enough participants to make it an economical part of the event schedule. It’s HOT out there, and the event board decided that it’s better to keep things short and sweet for running and biking distances.
Will the events be timed?
Yes. All participants will be timed. We give awards for:
- 5K Run – 1st through 3rd in two age groups – youth (18 and under) and adult (19+), M/F
- 5K MTB Ride – 1st through 3rd in youth (18 and under) M/F
- 10K Run – 1st through 3rd in two age groups – youth (18 and under) and adult (19+), M/F
- 10K MTB Ride – 1st through 3rd in two age groups – youth (18 and under) and adult (19+), M/F
What if weather prohibits running / riding this event?
If the event is cancelled due to poor weather / trail conditions, refunds will NOT be given. Swag bags will be distributed and the event will offer a ‘virtual’ option. Participants can then ride or run the course at a later date and post their results online through the Trailforks app. In this case, no awards will be given.
Grassy Events
Yoga in the Park
Join Cañon Yoga for a relaxing yoga session in the park. This class will include movement and breath work. Whether you are new to yoga, an advanced practitioner, or anywhere in between, you are welcome to join us.
Please bring your own mat or towel, if you have one. If not you can practice in the grass. Advanced registration not needed. Donations accepted but not expected.
Experience Level
Beginner to Advanced
Event Cost
FREE
Time of Event
Saturday at 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Location
Centennial Park
Wiener Dog Races
Hot Diggty Dog Weenie Dog Races
Let your weenie dog (dachshund or dachshund mix) get all the glory in our annual race. Located in the Southeast corner of Centennial Park.
Experience Level
Anyone with a cute little dachsund
Event Cost
$10 per dog
Time of Event
Saturday at 3:00 pm
Location
Southeast corner of Centennial Park
Our Partners
Profits from the festival benefit Royal Gorge RIO (formerly the Whitewater Kayak Recreation Park or WKRP). This non-profit organization supports the continued expansion of the Whitewater Park, river restoration, and community causes.
