Reputation: Regional CO event.
[01]
Course Overview
KowTown Gravel. An 88-mile high-country throwdown through Kremmling ranchland.
88 mi
Distance
--
Elevation
Kremmling, Colorado
Location
June 12 (Saturday), 2027
Date
~2027
Field Size
$130
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / The Ride with Ben Delaney
Photo: YouTube / The Ride with Ben DelaneyHigh-country Colorado gravel across exposed ranchland, hard-packed county roads, doubletrack, punchy climbs, and technical descents.
Signature challenge: Managing repeated mountain efforts and technical descending in thin, exposed Kremmling air.
RIDERS REPORT
Double digit grades
Steep climbs where riders report needing more gears, with 42 chainring and 10-44 cassette not being enough for the steep gradients.
High altitude climbing
Course reaches 9,200 feet elevation with riders experiencing slow average pace of 2.5 miles per hour on climbs.
Grouse Mountain
High point of the course with a rocking descent back down to the valley following the climb.
Gravel roads run nice and smooth, smoother than many pavement roads, especially for the shorter distances.
Course features some chunky dirt roads that test equipment, with riders noting the rough conditions.
[04]
From the Field
We have close to 200 head of cattle and the course runs right through the ranch - I'm looked at as a legitimate rancher that has a problem with aerobic exercise.
The Ride with Ben Delaney · 12K views
I'm riding the cow course 65 miles in total, 5,000 plus feet of climbing again at elevation - and I have learned not to push it at elevation, for me that's a death sentence on the day.
Back of the Gravel Pack · 3.8K views
The 85 mile Bowl course has some 7,200 feet of climbing, takes us up almost to ten thousand feet, running alongside the Colorado River up past the Scholl family ranch seeing all their cattle out here this morning.
The Ride with Ben Delaney · 12.1K views
The riding in Kremling is incredible - you could go 35 miles in a few hours and you might see more elk than you'll see people. It's just miles and miles of untapped and untamed gravel.
The Ride with Ben Delaney · 12.1K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced KowTown Gravel? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
June 12, 2027 KOWTOWN GRAVEL
RIDERS REPORT
Put on 47mm Pathfinder Pro tires on Reserve 40/44 wheels which plump up to nearly 50mm to stay on track.
Stock 40mm Rambler tires work well for the course conditions.
[08]
Train for KowTown Gravel
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
4
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
8
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
6
Race Specificity
5
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Denver (DEN) 2 hours
Lodging
Kremmling has limited lodging. Plan ahead or stay in nearby towns.
Food
Kremmling has limited dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
2027 packet-pickup schedule not yet published
Parking
All four announced routes start and finish at West Grand High School; final 2027 parking instructions are pending
RIDERS REPORT
Riders report very slow average pace of 2.5 miles per hour on the climbs due to steep grades and high altitude.
When not racing hard, it's easier to enjoy the spectacular views along the course.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
3
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M
Mixed-terrain specialist. Balanced grip and speed for variable conditions.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at KowTown Gravel?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 75°F and lows of 41°F, with a 47% chance of rain on any given day. June in Kremmling means exposure on those 'sun-baked gravel flats' the organizers warn about, plus afternoon thunderstorm potential at 8,000+ feet elevation. The course runs through 'wide-open ranch country' where weather changes fast and shelter is scarce. No historical weather guidance provided for planning purposes. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[2]
How are the logistics for KowTown Gravel?
Parking split between West Grand High School and a separate K-8 lot suggests tight space management in a small town. On-site camping and packet pickup streamlines race morning, but rural Kremmling means limited lodging options and long drives from Denver. Course permitting uncertainty until race time is amateur hour.[1]
How adventurous is KowTown Gravel?
Remote ranchlands, rolling mountains, and 85% gravel through BLM territory delivers Colorado backcountry experience. The 'untapped and untamed' marketing actually matches the terrain description for once. Long climbs and technical descents in high-altitude ranch country provides real adventure, not manufactured difficulty.[5]
How prestigious is KowTown Gravel?
Now in its fourth year with $5,000 in prize money split between top five men and women on the Bull course. Limited to 750 riders and serves as a fundraiser for the community gym floor in Kremmling. Still very much a grassroots Colorado event without documented pro field or major gravel scene recognition.[5]
Should I race KowTown Gravel?
If you're local to CO—yes, it's solid. If you're traveling—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Official Official 2027 date, distances, venue, course character, support, and event overviewwww.kowtowngravel.com/
- Official Official labeled 2026 course details used only as training-demand contextwww.kowtowngravel.com/courses
- Other Sources Avidcyclistavidcyclist.com/event/kowtown-gravel/
- Other Sources Competitivetimingcompetitivetiming.com/kowtown-gravel-results/
- Other Sources Thegravelridethegravelride.bike/kowtown-gravel-another-secret-stash-of...
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/11969/kowtown-gravel
- Other Sources Gravel-Resultswww.gravel-results.com/race/22803
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf4xmVRnKZI