Adventurous athletes - and those less athletically inclined, too - can answer the call of the wild in Arizona's high country with two epic races across two days: the Bear Jaw Groove mountain bike race and Groovin' in the Aspens trail run. Participants at all experience levels are encouraged to join in the adventure, whether on wheels or on foot, on Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24.

The annual Bear Jaw Groove bike race returns at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 and features a brand-new venue and an upgraded 10.5-mile loop that's fast, fun and friendly for recreational riders to compete in 11M, 22M, 33M or 44M races. Riders can race solo, pair up in a duo or conquer the course with a four-person team. A free kids' race will also be offered.

Groovin' in the Aspens (previously known as Gaspin' in the Aspens) is back by popular demand and groovier than ever with a variety of trail distances: 6K, 10K, 20K, 30K or 50K. With an 8 a.m. start on Sunday, Aug. 24, all routes wind through the towering aspens and pines that dot the scenic Flagstaff trail system.

Various registration options are available for each event, depending on the course and number of participants. Groovin' in the Aspens registration closes Aug. 21 and Bear Jaw Groove registration closes on Friday, Aug. 22. To register for either event, visit bearjawevents.com.

Race day registration will also be available beginning at 6:30 a.m. at Fort Valley Trailhead.

Packet pickup is available on race day before the race begins or from 12-4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, at Run Flagstaff (204-A E. Route 66, Flagstaff AZ 86001)

Learn more at bearjawevents.com or on Instagram (@bearjawaz and @groovinintheaspens).

The Bear Jaw Groove mountain bike race and Groovin' in the Aspens trail run are presented by Bear Jaw Events, a Flagstaff-based organization passionate about outdoor recreation and community engagement. Bear Jaw's mission goes beyond organizing races with a commitment to celebrating Flagstaff's unique trail systems, promoting inclusive participation across all skill levels and supporting adaptive sports. In fact, participants in both events are encouraged to make donations to High Country Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit that enriches lives through accessible outdoor activities.

Race sponsors include Nackard Pepsi, Findlay Toyota, Flutter Public Relations, Trail Manos, Ride Reactive, Phat Lid Teams, Trail Print, and Teton Diplomacy.

Date and Time: On Sat, 23 Aug 2025 09:00 - 16:00

Venue details: Fort Valley Trailhead, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86004, United States

Category: Community | Local / Community