Grin & Bear It
Crested Butte, United States • 11 Jul 2026
Event overview
The Grin & Bear It is an annual trail event organized by Crested Butte Nordic in Crested Butte, Colorado. The event offers multiple race options:
- 25 km Loop
- 15 km Out and Back
- Mountain bike - ~14.83 miles
The mountain bike route follows most of the 25 km course and is described as just under 4,000 ft of climbing. The run events list minimum age limits of 16 and the bike event is open to ages 12 and up. Registration opens December 1, 2025.
Course and logistics
Both the 25 km loop and the 15 km out-and-back start and finish at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. The 25 km course lists approximately 2,900 ft of elevation gain and loss; the 15 km course lists about 1,600 ft. The 25 km route climbs to a saddle near 10,700 ft and reaches a high point near 10,983 ft; an earlier climb tops around 9,431 ft. Runners on the loop make a short spur to Green Lake for a small aid station and a lake dunk; bikers bypass that spur and continue down the Green Lake trail. Course aid is limited; volunteers filter water at aid stations. All competitors are required to carry a minimum of 16 oz of water. There is a cut-off at the Baxter Gulch saddle (approx. mile 6) for both run and bike events. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.