The evil eye Grand Traverse logo.

ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE

September 6, 2026

The Grand Traverse Mountain Bike is no ordinary mountain bike race. It is a point-to-point from Aspen to Crested Butte, Colorado. In total, bikers travel 40 miles across the Elk Mountains with over 6,800′ of elevation gain. The course starts with a 3000′ ascent up Aspen Mountain before continuing deep into the Elk Mountains. This mountain bike race is not for the faint of heart.

The Grand Traverse is operated as a fundraising event for Crested Butte Nordic, a 501(c)(3) recreational non-profit organization.

Cruising through the curves on Richmond Ridge.

Triple Crown and priority registration for the 2026 event will open at midnight on Monday, November 17th. General registration for the ski, run, and bike opens at midnight on Monday, December 1st.

Questions? Contact events@cbnordic.org.

A biker splashes through summer puddles.

REGISTRATION

Individuals wishing to enter the 2026 Grand Traverse Triple Crown competition may gain guaranteed entry into the Ski event through priority pre-registration beginning November 17, 2025. See the Triple Crown page for more details.

General registration for the 2026 run will open on Monday, December 1st at midnight.

POLICIES, DATES, and DEADLINES

We do not offer race entry refunds or transfers between participants.

We strongly recommend purchasing Racer Protection at registration. Racer Protection covers your registration purchase in the event that you cannot attend the event due to unforeseen circumstances (injury, illness, loss of a job, etc.). You can find more information on Racer Protection on the Run Sign Up registration page.

We will operate a traditional waitlist. As numbers allow, the Race Director will contact waitlisted teams with an event registration link. The waitlist and registration will close about two weeks prior to race day.

A beautiful day for a bike through the September Aspens.

THE COURSE

This is a 40-mile point-to-point event. If you preview any part of the course, be prepared for a long day out in the alpine.

MANDATORY GEAR

Bikers are required to carry the following gear:

  • waterproof windshell with hood

  • hat or buff

  • gloves

  • helmet (must be worn at all times)

  • tracking device

The listed gear are the essentials required to race. However, every athlete should exercise their own backcountry sense as to what supplementary gear they may wish to pack.

A Colorado Outdoor Search and Rescue Card (or a current Colorado hunting/fishing license) is required to participate in any Grand Traverse race. You will have to show proof of purchase at bib pick-up. Do this ahead of time and save yourself the headache. This $5 supports Colorado Search and Rescue and offers great protection in the unlikely case of a backcountry rescue.

2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, September 3, 2026

  • Racer Meetings | Zoom (not mandatory, but recommended. See GT email for ID and Passcode)

    Run - 7:00 p.m.

    Bike - 7:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, September 4, 2026

SATURDAY, September 5, 2026

SUNDAY, September 6, 2026

  • No Day of Bib Pick-Up

  • Final Race Announcements
    6:45 a.m. - 6:59 a.m.

  • Bike Race Start
    7:00 a.m.

  • Bike Finish Line | Town Park, Crested Butte
    12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  • Podium Ceremony | Crested Butte
    3:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT:  All information is subject to change.  For the safety of racers and volunteers, weather conditions may require a change in the race start time or location, the official course, or race rules – or may lead to cancellation.

The men's winner crushes Upper Upper in a speedy time.

AID STATIONS & FINISH LINE BAGS

There are three aid stations on the bike course. Drop bags are not permitted, but finish line bags will be transported from Aspen to Mt. Crested Butte.

Gnarly Nutrition is the official hydration sponsor of the Grand Traverse. Gnarly Hydrate and Fuel20 will be provided on course. We encourage you to try their products before race day.

We know that a successful race includes successful fueling. You can expect to find the following nutrition at aid stations along the run and bike courses:

Full Aid

  • water

  • Gnarly Hydrate (electrolytes) and Fuel20 (electrolytes and calories)

  • Honey Stinger gels, energy chews, and waffles

  • soda

  • salty and sweet snacks

  • fresh fruit

  • pickles

Limited Aid

  • water

  • Gnarly Hydrate (electrolytes) and Fuel20 (electrolytes and calories)

  • Honey Stinger gels, energy chews, and waffles

SHUTTLES

We offer a post-race shuttle from Mt. Crested Butte back to Aspen. Spots are limited. The shuttle leaves Mt. Crested Butte at 5 p.m. We also offer bike transport for dual sport athletes.

Shuttles and bike transportation will be available to book on Run Sign Up at registration.

PRIZE PURSE

RESULTS

VOLUNTEER

This race takes a village. We rely on our amazing community of volunteers. Volunteer roles will be posted starting June 1st.

Nothing like the high alpine on a mountain bike.

ELITE ATHLETE ENTRY

The Grand Traverse will allocate up to 5 competitive entries per gender in the Trail Run and Mountain Bike events to create a competitive field in each event. 

FAQs

Book lodging in Crested Butte or Aspen with Halo: ‍ ‍

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Looking for a training race. Join us for the Grin & Bear It Mountain Bike Race in Crested Butte!

July 11, 2026

New this year, we’re adding a mountain bike race to the traditional trail running events. Join us for a 25k loop in July. Perfect training conditions for those technical Elk Mountain trails.

A biker tests their skills on technical Crested Butte terrain.

The Grand Traverse is made possible with the generous support of our partners.

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