Welcome to Iowa's Driftless Region!

Soaring limestone bluffs, crystal-clear trout streams and fast-moving rivers, old-growth forests, challenging mountain biking, and some of the most scenic gravel roads you’ll find anywhere in the world. This isn’t just the Iowa cornfields you expect—this is the driftless region!

The Wild Driftless Adventure Race will take you into some of the most scenic areas of NE Iowa, featuring trekking, biking, and paddling for teams of 2-4 or soloists. The course is designed for all ability levels with an eye toward serving as a fantastic entry-level event for first-timers AND challenging the most seasoned adventure racers.

3 OPTIONS FOR TEAMS & SOLOISTS

WILD DRIFTLESS

9-hour time limit

Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and trails/adventure surfaces)
Paddling (canoes in flat-water and gentle rivers/streams)
Special tasks

Approximate distances:

Bike: 20-34 miles (32-55 km)

Trek: 5-13 miles (8-22 km)

Paddle: 2-8 miles (3-13 km)

WILD DRIFTLESS LITE

5 hour time limit

Trekking (on foot)
Biking (gravel roads, paved roads, and trails/adventure surfaces)
Special tasks
No paddling

Approximate distances:

Bike: 10-15 miles (16-25 km)

Trek: 2-6 miles (3-10 km)

WILD DRIFTLESS LITE - TREK ONLY (NEW IN 2027)

5 hour time limit

Trekking (on foot) only
Optional special tasks

Approximate distances:

Trek: Up to 15 miles (24 km)

REGISTRATION COSTS & DEADLINES:

Costs are per participant.

For 2027, our participant limit is TBD. Register early so you don't miss out!

Wild Driftless (9-hour)

$125 by July 31

$140 by August 31

$150 by September 25

Wild Driftless Lite (5-hour)

$85 by July 31

$100 by August 31

$110 by September 25

Wild Driftless Lite Trek-only (5-hour)

$60 by July 31

$75 by August 31

$85 by September 25

*USARA membership required (single race for $8 or yearly for $35), available at link.

Included in your registration cost is a high-quality race experience, a fantastic post-race meal, prizes, swag, specialized gear rentals, snacks and drinks.

Registration Opens Jan 4

IMPORTANT LINKS

Mandatory Gear: Click here for Mandatory Gear List --2026 version (PDF)
Race Rules & Regulations: Click here for race rules and regulations -- 2026 version (PDF)
2026 Race Morning Schedule: Click here for 2026 Race schedule (PDF)