Inaugural 2026 Lewis and Clark Gravel Classic in Montana Announced
A Stunning NEW Gravel Adventure on the Historic Montana Trails this July 25th 2026. Nearly $21,000 prize purse for the open Men and Women’s 116 mile and 61 mile races!
On July 25, 2026, the inaugural Lewis & Clark Gravel Classic invites you to pedal the same wild Missouri River corridors that challenged the Corps of Discovery more than two centuries ago. Starting and finishing in the friendly riverside town of Cascade, Montana, this is more than a race — it’s a full-on celebration of Montana’s unmatched gravel, history, and wide-open beauty under the Big Sky. Choose your own adventure with three epic distances, all tracing historic trails through the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and along the dramatic Missouri River canyon.
But the Gravel Classic is just the beginning. Cascade sits on the banks of the legendary Missouri River — widely regarded as one of the world’s premier wild-trout fisheries. Bring your fly rod: blue-ribbon water for rainbow and brown trout is literally steps from the start/finish line, with easy access to the famous “Land of the Giants,” Holter Lake, and the Gates of the Mountains wilderness waterway.
You’re also perfectly positioned for Montana’s grandest adventures. Glacier National Park lies just 2.5–3 hours north, Yellowstone National Park about 3.5–4 hours south — making the Gravel Classic weekend an ideal Launchpad (or finale) to a bigger Montana road trip. Hiking, boating, wildlife watching, hot springs, ghost towns, craft breweries, and western history are all within easy reach.
Choose Your Adventure
There are 3 distances to suit all abilities of gravel fans from novices to elite riders. Velvet to Champagne Gravel (no single track), 33mm+ wide tyres to your preference recommended.
The Sacagawea is the perfect introduction to Montana gravel: Nearly 38 miles of pure joy with just enough bite to make you earn the grin. 100% gravel, 1,444 feet of gain, and zero technical nonsense. Get ready for one of the most scenic half-day rides in the West. Zero excuses, pure Montana joy.
The Lewis 61.3 miles of Montana gravel bliss. Kick off in Cascade and warm the legs with a gradual climb into the Missouri River canyons. Miles 15–35 serve up 2,000 feet of flowing fire-road rollers and sweeping bluff-top views. Drop the hammer on a 1,200 feet descent through open meadows, then blast the final 15 miles back to town. 100% gravel and 3,543 feet of elevation gain, all flow, zero mercy.
The Clark is a 116-mile gravel epic starting and finishing in downtown Cascade, Montana. The route forms a demanding counter-clockwise loop through the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Missouri River canyon. Terrain is predominantly gravel and dirt Forest Service roads, with short paved connectors and occasional rougher sections. Riders face multiple long, sustained climbs, emote forested highlands, and fast exposed stretches along the Missouri River. This is rugged, mountainous gravel with big elevation changes, significant remoteness, and classic Big Sky views – a true Montana adventure ride, 82% gravel and 18% paved 9,154 feet of elevation gain. The 116 mile course has 28 total miles of pavement.
There is nearly $21,000 in prize money spread across the 116 and 62 mile races. The creme de la crème of privateers and sponsored Elite riders are already down on the start sheet. More on that later.
There will be two aid stations for the 116 mile race and one for the 62 and 38 mile races (with gels, water etc).
Finish Line Celebration at Railroad Park!
Stick around after you cross the line — the real party starts at Railroad Park!
After the race, relax and recover with post-race hydration including adult beverages and a gourmet election of food trucks parked near race central (Railroad Park).
Live music kicks off immediately after, headlined by Miller Campbell.
The Awards Ceremony take place at 6 pm, celebrating our top finishers with nearly $21,000 USD in cash prizes.
Accommodation: Cascade, MT
Great Falls MT is 28 miles from the course and Helena is 60 miles with a good selection of hotels. There are also a number of camping spots along the Missouri River and in Cascade, great for van life and RV lovers.
The River’s Edge Motel in Cascade, Montana (event sponsor) is literally a stone’s throw from the Missouri River which offers blue ribbon trout fishing and spectacular views.
Central Montana (centralmontana.com) is the official tourism hub for the vast, uncrowded heart of Montana, stretching from the dramatic Rocky Mountain Front and Missouri River Breaks to wide-open prairies and island mountain ranges.
Come for the gravel. Stay for the river. Leave with stories that start with “Remember that time on the Missouri”. We can’t wait to see you in Cascade.
Register NOW to SECURE a PLACE
Prices are currently $135 for 116 mile, $90 for 62 mile, $65 for 38 mile. Entries are capped at 1,000 riders and is expected to sell out well in advance!
For more information, please visit: https://www.bikereg.com/lewis-and-clark-clark-gravel-classic or click the button below to register now.
Sun Feb 1st - 4am, 9am, 3pm EST
