Golden Gravel Grinder 2026 — Virginia City, MT

The Golden Gravel Grinder cuts a rugged path through gloriously lonely, scenic swaths of Madison County. Beginning creekside at Discovery Park in Virginia City, the first 2 miles are a neutral roll out down to Nevada City. Past Nevada City, riders will take a left on Browns Gulch Road and climb 4 miles to the top of Williams Creek. Here 40 milers will find their first aid station. (85 milers will have to wait). From the top of Williams, riders will roll down into the Ruby Valley taking a left at mile 11.5 onto Anderson Lane and then another left a mile and a half later on the Upper Ruby Road. From here riders have another 9 miles along the Ruby until they reach the Sweetwater Aid Station at mile 22. Here 40 milers turn around and head back the way they came while 80 milers begin the lollipop. Heading southwest on the Sweetwater Road riders will take a left on Springbrook road at mile 30. From here, it’s another 10 miles until you top out at the Robb Ledford Aid station. Located at almost 8000ft, the aid station offers stunning views of Snowcrest and the vast nothingness that surrounds the range. Properly fueled, riders will head down to the Robb Creek road intersection at mile 47, taking a left towards Ledford Creek Road. Intersecting the Ledford at mile 53, riders will take another left and hit the Upper Ruby Road two miles later. Back on the Ruby Road, riders will roll back to the Sweetwater aid station fuel up and head back up and over to Virginia City. Back at Discovery Park, you will be given a hero’s welcome and we will ply you with tacos and beer all while you sit in the shade creekside.