Feel the burn!

We are excited to announce the Third Annual Charcoal Burner Gravel Ride and Run, set for May 17th, 2025. Join us for an incredible experience at Vermejo Park Ranch (Raton, NM), an expansive 558,000-acre property in the Southern Rockies, featuring closed private roads amidst the captivating wildlife.

For gravel bike enthusiasts, choose from our unique routes covering a variety of distances (99m ,66m or 41m) to fit your preferred challenge. Runners can take on the half marathon, a 13.1-mile course through the scenic beauty of Vermejo Park Ranch.

The courses feature two-track ranch roads, rural dirt roads, and well-maintained gravel roads. Aid stations strategically placed along the routes will ensure your needs are met, with support provided for both the gravel ride and the half marathon.

Embark on this extraordinary journey, starting and ending at the only remaining historic charcoal ovens in New Mexico. Embrace the burn, and we look forward to welcoming you in May for a day of exhilarating races against the stunning backdrop of Vermejo Park Ranch.

Course:

Bike:

long - 99 miles

medium - 66 miles

short - 41 miles

Run: - 13.1 Mile

Payout / podium

Long :

Payout Top 5 overall men/women (combined min $4200)

1st $800 | 2nd $600 | 3rd $400 | 4th $200 | 5th $100

Podiums: Under 40 | Over 40

Medium:

Podiums: Under 40 | Over 40

Short:

Podiums: 19 & under |20-39 | Over 40

Run:

Podiums: Under 40 | Over 40

F.A.Q.

I'm not a racer, can I still ride? Absolutely! This is a 'Gravel Event", open to all rider types, casual riders to seasoned gravel pros. Ride as you see fit!

Is there a cutoff? We have a 6pm cutoff for all riders.

Will there be a preride? Yes will will have a scheduled preride (date to be announced) open to all registered guests. You will also have the option to preride a portion of of the course the day before the event.

If I don't participate in the scheduled preride, can we preride before the event weekend? No, Vermejo is on private property and only opened to Vermejo Resort Guests.

Can I register day onsite? Yes, but prices go up. Cash or Check only due to limited cell coverage.

Can we rv/tent/van/car camp? All Spots are filled. Yes, you must reserve online. Spots are limited! There are no hookup, but portable bathrooms will be provided. No generators allow past quite time (10pm-6:30am). limit 4 people per site, and 2 vehicles.

Can I change my distance after I register? You can change your distance any time before the race. Once the race start, you may not change. If moving to a longer distance, you will need to pay the difference in price.

Will there be support/feed zones? Yes, we will have multiple rest area. You will have the option for a drop bag for the medium and long courses.

Are ebikes allowed? Yes, you may register for the short course. You will be riding for fun, there are no E-Bike podiums.

Directions:

DO NOT RELY ON GOOGLE/APPLE MAPS

Driving directions from Raton, NM:

From exit 450 on Interstate 25 in south Raton, turn west on New Mexico State Highway 555/York Canyon Road. (Tractor Supply, Hospital, Holiday Inn Express, NMGF) Continue west on NM 555. You will pass main ranch gates Crow and McCuen at MM 18-18.5. Continue west to the Slick Wire gate between miles 23 and 24 on the north side of the highway. Enter through the green Ranch gate.

Once inside the Ranch gate, you will drive down a ranch graveled road to the race venue/camping, approximately 2.75 miles near the Canadian River.

Accommodations

Vermejo

Vermejo is excited to offer 2025 Charcoal Burner riders and runners the opportunity to enjoy discounted guest packages before and during the event. This is your chance to experience elevated hospitality, including guest accommodations and meals at the Best Resort in the Southwest, as awarded by Condé Nast Traveler last month! Guests who book these packages will also receive an exclusive opportunity to preview the course the day before the Charcoal Burner. Race registration is included. Call 877-2TURNER for details.

Raton Pass Motor Inn

The Raton Pass Motor Inn is offering 2- and 3-night packages for the Charcoal Burner. These packages include lodging at the Raton Pass Motor Inn and a guaranteed 50% discount on race registration. Please call 575-445-3641 for more information.

Moss Adventures Package

Book the ultimate backcountry camping experience and focus on your race! Moss Adventures will host fully equipped tent camping onsite, where you can immerse yourself in the Vermejo wilderness. The package includes an exclusive pre-race tour of the course and a hot breakfast on Sunday. Choose from 2- or 3-night packages with Moss Adventures. Bring your own bedding, and Moss will take care of the rest. Contact Moss Adventures at 575-909-0958 or sandra@mossadventures.com for more information.

Blue Dragonfly B&B

The Blue Dragonfly Inn B&B is offering 2-day packages for the Vermejo Charcoal Burner. Your package includes a 2-night stay at the quietest B&B, access to an indoor pool and hot tub, breakfast accommodations, and 50% off your race registration. Located in Cimarron, a little over an hour from Vermejo. Please call 575-425-0005 or email bluedragonflyinn@gmail.com for more information and reservations.

On Site Camping

Onsite camping is sold out. For waitlist, please email info@sixpackoutdoors.org