Mountain biking, trail-hiking and more: St. Joseph gears up for annual River Bluff Trails Fest

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Outdoor explorers of all ages will get the chance to participate in three days of near, non-stop activities at the scenic bluffs at River Bluff Trails Park beginning Friday, May 16 in St. Joseph.

From mountain biking and trail-hiking to 5Ks, yoga, photography and all of the classic festival amenities like vendors and food trucks, residents and families will be treated to a weekend filled with adventure at River Bluff Trails Fest, a three-day outdoor festival that takes place Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18.

St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator Jessica Oshel said the event has grown from a bike-centric event that started in 2022 to an all-encompassing outdoor festival, one that gives both kids and adults the chance to explore nature, hone their skills or participate in competitive races.

"It is such a beautiful location between the bluffs. You've got that nice elevation that really overlooks the Missouri River. So you have that beautiful valley next to it," she said. "So it's a really cool way to get out and see, even if you're not a mountain bike family, just see the trails."

Trail and mountain bikers of all skill levels will have plenty of opportunities to put St. Joseph's moniker of "St. Flow, Mo" to the test, as a wide-range of long distance, short distance, closed course and obstacle rides will be featured through the 15-mile trail park, along with other locations along the bluffs and St. Joseph, such as the Missouri River and Krug Park.

"With the new pump track and the skill flow area, that's something really unique that you don't get with the mountain bike trails," she said. "We've got the mountain biking stuff. Enduro races. We also have the trail running 5K and 10K. But then we've got food trucks. And this year we're adding nature walks with photography and the flora and fauna."

The event is free to attend, but those looking to participate in organized races must register and purchase tickets. Registration will be allowed the day of the event.

River Bluff Trails Festival race registration websites:

Wheels Up Skills Clinics: Wheels Up @ River Bluffs Trail Fest Learn to Jump May 16 & 17th 2025
Root’s Women’s Skills Clinic: Women's Intermediate Clinic - Roots MTB
Race Reg: River Bluff Trails Fest Online Registration

A full schedule of events and festival information can be found at www.facebook.com/RiverBluffTrailsPark and www.facebook.com/events/595671953355189/

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