Village Gravel
Flagstaff, Arizona
Gravel
60 miles | 4,400 ft elevation | 93% gravel
https://www.villagegravel.com/Ride date: August 2026
Village Gravel is a true endurance challenge that takes place in Flagstaff, Arizona, located in the high country mountains in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, this makes for a beautiful yet demanding place for a race.
The 60-mile course took us north into the Coconino National Forest and all the way around the San Francisco Peaks. There were long stretches of rugged gravel but also many miles of well-maintained dirt roads.
There were three main climbs. The first (mile 9) was steady and topped out at an elevation of 8,500 feet. The second (mile 35) was rocky and the biggest challenge (in my opinion), but offered stunning, sweeping views. The third climb (mile 49) was short and punchy, and once it was over it was mostly downhill to the finish.
The route also incorporated a couple miles of singletrack, as well as a 4-mile stretch along a busy, paved highway. The total elevation gain was about 4,400 feet and truly showcased the best of Flagstaff riding.
This event was really well done, with plenty of support out on course (including SAG and police presence at intersections), two well-stocked aid stations and great signage throughout the course. This was the perfect event to put my fitness to the test and push myself, while also enjoying beautiful scenery and exploring somewhere new.
Village Gravel is more than a race. It was an entire weekend of activities from Friday to Sunday, including shakeout rides, a fat tire crit race, post-race pool party, happy hour at Partner Row, a film festival at the amphitheater, a pancake breakfast and a kids’ race!
Note: The majority of the course takes place along dirt roads where dispersed camping and hunting are permitted, so being comfortable around that type of recreation is recommended.
Hotel Recommendation
Village Camp Resorts - located about 20 minutes west of downtown Flagstaff, this property has a number of luxury RV sites and cabin rentals. It is the home base for all the Village Gravel festivities, and being able to stay where the race starts/ends made things so easy and convenient. The cabin was cozy and clean, and just steps from all the race weekend activities. The resort has a number of amenities, including a pool, kids playground and a clubhouse with a bar and restaurant.
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