Dirty Squirrel Gravel Grind
September 26, 2026
Distances for all ages!
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
at Minocqua Winter Park
Featuring a scenic mix of Chequamegon/Nicolet National Forest gravel roads and select ski trails within Minocqua Winter Park’s vast trail system.
Race Details
Bikers will pass the Squirrel River, Yukon Creek, and a plethora of quintessential Northwoods wetlands and towering pine forests. Featuring 5, 17, 50 and 100 kilometer race distances with aid stations, it will truly be a unique gravel grind experience for the whole family! Stick around for the free post race meal and beer (available to those who register by September 20th, 2026). Non-alcoholic options are also available.
Check out the on-site bike demos and more offered by the Chequamegon Adventure Company and Lost Wave.
Registration Information
Online registration is open until September 25th at 11:59pm CDT. Day-Of registration will be available at the Minocqua Winter Park Chalet until 15 minutes before each race. See schedule for details.
Guarantee your post race meal! Only those registered by 11:59 pm on September 20th, 2026 will be guaranteed a complementary post race meal and beverage!
The first 100 registrants of the 17, 50, 100 Kilometer races will receive a commemorative rally towel. Perfect for cleaning up after the trail.
Day-Before Bib Pick-Up
Pick up your bike plates ahead of race day. The Chalet (located at 7543 Squirrel Hill Rd) will be open on Friday, September 25th from 12:00pm-5:00pm. Otherwise, bike plates can be picked up prior to your race at the Chalet on Saturday, September 26th.
Progressive Pricing for 17/50/100K
$60 from 7/26-8/16
$70 from 8/17-9/13
$80 from 9/14-9/25
$85 on 9/26 Day of Registration
$20 for 5K Acorn “Fun Ride”
Route Descriptions
Please note that these distance and stats may change without notice, if routes need to be altered for any reason.
This event is authorized under Special Use Permit by the Chequamegon/Nicolet National Forest.
5K Acorn “Fun Ride” (3mile)
This shorter untimed race is perfect for kids and families. This race does not pass an aid station. Be prepared to carry all water, food, and emergency supplies you may need.
Total Distance: 3.1 miles / Elevation Gain: (TBD) / Surfaces: Ski Trails 3.1 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 100%
17K Red Squirrel (10.5 mile)
This race does not pass an aid station. Be prepared to carry all water, food, and emergency supplies you may need. /p>
Total Distance: 10.5 miles / Elevation Gain: 866 ft / Surfaces: Paved 5.2 miles, Gravel 6 miles, Ski trails 4.5 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 65%
ROUTE MAP TO BE POSTED SOON50K Fox Squirrel (31 miles)
This race passes 1 aid station.
50K Race Cut Of Times (Racers who don’t hit these cut off times will disqualified and be asked to return to the Minocqua Winter Park Chalet)
- Racers must reach the aid station by 10:30 am
- Racers must cross the finish line by 3:00 pm
Total Distance: 31 miles / Elevation Gain: 1,299 ft / Surfaces: Paved 3.4 miles, Gravel 26.5 miles, Ski trails 4.5 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 80%
ROUTE MAP TO BE POSTED SOON100K Black Squirrel (62 miles)
This race passes an aid station twice
100K Race Cut Of Times (Racers who don’t hit these cut off times will disqualified and be asked to return to the Minocqua Winter Park Chalet)
- Racers must reach the aid station by 10:30 am
- Racers must cross the finish line by 3:00 pm
Total Distance: 62 miles / Elevation Gain: 1,907 / Surfaces: Gravel 57.5 miles, Ski trails 4.5 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 91%
ROUTE MAP TO BE POSTED SOONRoute marking and navigation
- Minimal course markings: There will be minimal course markings with arrow cards. We cannot guarantee these will remain properly in place.
- GPS navigation is highly encouraged: Due to inconsistent cell service, we strongly recommend downloading the route to a GPS navigation device or carrying a printed map and cue sheet.
Course awareness
- Open to traffic: All courses remain open to traffic, including ATV/UTV and hunting vehicles. It is essential to follow all rules of the road and stay alert for other road users.
- Be courteous to hunters: Please be aware of and courteous to any hunters you may encounter, as this is bear and migratory bird hunting season in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Aid Station Offerings
- There is one official aid station on the course, located at the intersection of National Forest Road 131 and National Forest Road 132.
- Restricted access: The aid station is for racers and staff only. Due to limited space, narrow roads, and congestion, these areas are unsafe for additional vehicles.
- Self-sufficiency is key: Friends, family, and spectators are not allowed at the aid station. The Dirty Squirrel is a limited-support event, and there are no businesses selling food or water along the routes. Please plan accordingly by bringing enough food and water.
Checkpoints and cut-off management
- Mandatory check-in: All 50k and 100K racers must pass through the aid station checkpoint, though they are not required to stop.
- Checkpoints will be staffed by volunteers.
- Helmets are mandatory for all participants.
- Number plates and timing chips: Do not wrap your number plate around your bike tube, as this will prevent your chip from being read and you will not receive a finish time.
- Riders are responsible for their own mechanical, medical, and transportation needs.
- Bike and tire selection: The route features a mix of surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and trail. Please choose a bike and tires that are appropriate for these conditions.
- E-bike policy: Only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed. Their results will be recorded but are not eligible for awards. Racers with disabilities may use various types of adaptive bikes and trikes, some of which are electric.
Race Policy
Dropping Out
If you drop out of the race, inform The Aid Station or Course Marshall of your name and race number.
Event Schedule
Friday, September 25th, 2026
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Bib Pick Up at MWP Chalet
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
7:00 am – Park Opens & Registration/Bib Pick Up Opens7:45 am – Registration Closes For CENTURY Black Squirrel
8:00 am – Century Black Squirrel Race Start
8:15 am – Registration Closes For 50K Fox Squirrel
8:30 am – 50K Fox Squirrel Race start
8:45 am – Registration Closes For 15K Red Squirrel
9:00 am – 15K Red Squirrel Race start
9:00 am – Registration Closes For Acorn 5K “Fun Ride”
9:15 am – Acorn “Fun Ride” 5K start
Games and Bike Expo while waiting for racers to return
11:00 am – Food Available
~ Noon – 1pm AWARDS
3:00 PM Finish Cut-off
5:00 pm – Park Closes
Awards (17K/50K/100K)
Awards will be given to the overall top 3 male and female finishers.
Age group awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each 10 year age group: 19 and Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Volunteer Opportunities
Indoor and outdoor positions are available. No experience required. All volunteers will receive a race meal/beverage token and a free one-day winter day pass valid for the 2026/27 season.
Interested in volunteering? Contact us at volunteer@minocquawinterpark.org
Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring Dirty Squirrel Gravel Grind 2026? Please email Mike at mike@minocquawinterpark.org. Thank you!
