The 5 Annual Fort Desolation Music and Adventure Travel Festival and the Fort Desolation Fondo gravel rides are set to take place from September 24-26 at the Cougar Ridge Resort near Torrey. The event, presented by the Utah Gravel Series, will feature a mix of backcountry cycling routes, live music, and camping experiences centered around the red rock landscapes of Capitol Reef.
Gravel Riding Routes
The Fort Desolation Fondo offers participants a variety of cycling challenges through the legendary gravel roads surrounding Torrey. According to event organizers, the rides are designed for both experienced cyclists seeking course records and casual riders looking for scenic wilderness rolls. The program includes two distinct routes for both Friday and Saturday, with each day presenting a shorter 'Lite' option and a longer route.
Course Details and Support
The Friday and Saturday riding schedules feature specific distances and elevations. The Smooth Knoll Loop (Lite) covers 38 miles with 2,359 feet of climbing on mixed surfaces, while the full Smooth Knoll Loop extends to 50.6 miles with 3,299 feet of elevation gain. For those seeking more rugged terrain, the Capitol Reef Out & Back provides a 39.8-mile route with 3,318 feet of climbing, and the Capitol Reef Loop offers a much more strenuous 57-mile journey with 5,610 feet of elevation.
Event Logistics
All rides will begin and end at the festival grounds located at Cougar Ridge Resort. The Utah Gravel Series crew will provide full support for the event, including clearly marked courses and fully stocked aid stations. Organizers noted that while the rides start as a neutral pack, riders are free to push their limits or enjoy the scenery at their own pace.
Camping and Festival Access
The festival offers various ways to participate, including GA and VIP Fondo Camping Bundles. A bundle includes two 3-day festival passes, a 30'x30' camping spot shared with the Fondo crew, and two days of riding for one person. While additional riders can purchase add-ons, all campers must possess 3-day festival passes to attend. The event also accommodates those who wish to attend the music and camping without participating in the cycling portions.
Local Lodging Options
The event serves as a centerpiece for the Torrey area, which offers extensive lodging options for festival attendees. Nearby accommodations include the Broken Spur Inn, Capitol Reef Resort, and the Flute Shop Trading Post and Motel within Torrey itself. For those traveling from further away, lodging is available in nearby towns such as Teasdale, Capitol Reef, Bicknell, Grover, and Lyman, with some locations like Fish Lake and Boulder situated roughly 45 to 50 minutes from the area.
Torrey Business and Dining
Beyond the festival grounds, Torrey provides a wide array of local businesses for visitors. Food and drink options include The Wild Rabbit, Hunt & Gather, Rim Rock Restaurant, and the Capitol Burger Truck, alongside coffee shops like Shooke Coffee and Dark Sky Coffee. Shopping opportunities range from the Chuckwagon General Store and Etta Place Cider & Gift Shop to the Torrey Gallery and Fine Art.
Regional Adventure Services
Adventure seekers can also engage with local guides and outfitters in the region. Services available include Sleeping Rainbow Adventures, Fremont River Guides, Waterpocket Adventure Co., and several specialized tour operators focusing on photography, wilderness ridge adventures, and backcountry trail llamas.
