Bristlecone 200 (2024)

The brainchild and long-term project of the legendary Dave Harris, the Bristlecone 200 is a 203-mile bikepacking race in Southern Utah. Using some well-known trails, dirt roads, almost unknown trails and a bit of pavement, the route loops through some of the most beautiful country in an area well known for its beauty. The route begins in Parowan Canyon climbing up to Sidney Peaks where you get your first taste of the rowdiness you will experience as it drops you down Bunker Creek.

You will continue pedaling through some dirt roads and pavement as it winds its way around to Panguitch and eventually to the Hancock and Cassidy Trails. As you continue through your day, you will eventually make it into the Red Canyon Area. The views would take your breath away if the riding already hadn’t. You’ll get to experience Thunder Mountain which is to say you’ll be surrounded by the bright red Hoodoos that are characteristic of the Bryce Canyon area before making your way onto the Grand View Trail. You will make your way across the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

All of this brings you back to the Virgin River Rim Trail, with its sweeping views and steep, loose terrain, you may start to reconsider some of your life decisions. Then you get the Navajo Lake Trail and end by finishing up your 200+ mile pedal by bombing, yes, bombing Dark Hollow.

It’ll be rowdy.