Name: Lewis & Clark Gravel Classic
Start: 2026-07-25
Location: Cascade, Montana

THE CLARK – 116 mi

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 LEWIS – 62 mi

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 ft of flowing fire-road rollers and sweeping bluff-top views. Drop the hammer on a 1,200 ft descent through open meadows, then blast the final 15 miles back to town.

(100% gravel) 3,543 feet of elevation gain

All flow, zero mercy.

THE SACAGAWEA – 38 mi

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.

You’ll roll out of downtown Cascade on quiet pavement before the route quickly dives into smooth forest-service gravel that carries you west along the Missouri River. Gentle rollers and sweeping views of the Continental Divide keep the legs honest without ever feeling punishing. Soak in the bluffs and river bends that Sacagawea herself once traveled.

From there it’s mostly downhill and rolling fast: open meadows dotted with wildflowers, the occasional eagle overhead, and long sightlines that let you open it up on hard-packed gravel. The final miles cruise back into Helena on a mix of doubletrack and pavement—perfect for a sprint finish.

100% gravel, 1,444 ft of gain, and zero technical nonsense. Get ready for one of the most scenic half-day rides in the West.

About the Race

Woman fly fishing on the Missimg/lcgc-001.jpgouri River

Fly fishing the Missouri River

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.

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.

Race Day Timeline