Once you arrive in Moab, there are countless mountain bike trails to explore. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. How to Get Lost in the Utah Desert? Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. The Kokopelli Trail begins with ~15 miles of singletrack above the Colorado River before a few dozen miles of 44 tracks, gravel roads, and two-tracks through badlands and over ledgey mesas before crossing the Colorado River at Dewey Bridge. This was Kaitlyns first ultra since a devastating car accident that had her questioning her ability to ride or walk again, but after a long and inspiring recovery, she managed to best Rebecca Ruschs 2013 record by 25 minutes. With hubs at the airport, United and Southwest will have the most flight options. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. With more than 10,000 feet of total climbing, the highest point on the trail tops out at over 8,000 ft above sea level. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial Trail. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Between the river and the top of ride at 8200ft I quickly realized there were not as many water sources as I had thought there would be, and this was the only time I got a little worried the morning of day 3 with 2000ft of climbing ahead of me and only 2L on me. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. } The weather can be unpredictable, regularly swinging from blazingly hot to frost-and-ice-all-over-your-tent cold. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) How to Take Care of Your Feet on a backpacking trip, How to take care of your backpacking tent, Backpacking Little lakes Valley to Gem Lakes, Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals for 2023, Top 10 Things to Do in Redwood National & State Parks, Climbing Mt Whitney in A Day (Or Two): Hiking the Mt Whitney Trail, Californias Rae Lakes Loop: The Complete Backpacking Guide, How to Make the Most of One Day in Death Valley: A Quick Itinerary, 10 Creative Things to Do in Crescent City, CA. I used a Tarptent Aeon Li tent for the Kokopelli Trail. Its June. Continuing on through the Marys Loop area, youll leave the river and parallel Mack Ridge before the river returns along with views of the Black Ridge Canyons. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli, Trip Ideas, Where to Go, Backpacking Trip Guide, Backpacking Trip Ideas, Backpacking Trips, backpacking, backpacking trips, oregon trips, oregon, oregon coast, corvallis to sea, c2c trail, c2c, Backpacking Trip Ideas, Backpacking Trip Guide, Trip Ideas, Where to Go, where to go, Backpacking Trips, backpacking, backpacking trips, colorado, colorado backpacking, brandon lampley, Bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail, Guide to Cycling the Great Allegheny Passage. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. We test. Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. Kokopelli Trail Bikepacking Route - BIKEPACKING.com We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. The BLMs webpage for the Westwater Station says explicitly, do not depend upon this water source for your trip's water needs as the system is not always operational.. Auto Repair. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. KOKOPELLI TRAIL GUIDE - BIKEPACKING - One of Seven Project I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. The Kokopelli Trail is a classic bikepacking route that spans 140 miles of rugged jeep roads and singletrack through some of the most captivating terrain in the area. The summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. Moraine Full Meal Deal 12.5 mi 20.1 km . The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { Hi, Im Phil. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). The desert environment can be unforgiving. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. Directions Advertisement. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. There are a couple of options for staging and parking; as advised by folks at Over The Edge bike shop, we chose to leave a vehicle in the parking lot behind Suds Brothers Brewery in downtown Fruita. Website Take me there. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected! The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. } Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Best Trails & Maps near Romulus | TrailLink Hot on the heels of Lachlan Mortons record that was just set in May of this year, Kurt set a new mens fastest known time as well, knocking 19 minutes off of Lachlans already impressive ride. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. The riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. Continuing through the Marys Loop area, youll leave the river and parallel Mack Ridge before the river returns along with views of the Black Ridge Canyons. You could plan to finish on a day a friend was driving back from Moab. There are plenty of primitive and a few developed options for camping or one can usually sleep along the trail side but please use LNT practices when doing so. Bikepacking Alliance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Are you looking for a reliable and efficient fat bike to conquer muddy and snowy terrain? Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. I'm not a road rider, never will be, thumbed it at every truck that passed but no one picked me up, probably looked too dirty and smelly by this point! The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. Lael Wilcox, Kaitlyn Boyle, and Kurt Refsnider set off together early Friday morning on the Kokopelli Trail for a self-supported time trial between Loma, Colorado and Moab, Utah. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. I think with as much sand and slickrock that I encountered my answer to you in short would be, yes, foolish to try this on a gravel bike, coming from a mountainbiker who has no idea what a gravel bike is capable of. The true scale of this landscape is only appreciated after much concentrated, technical riding on so called dirt roads, long descents and climbs out of the smallest of canyons, and by peering off the edge of the rim into an endless void of night. Skyler Des Roches (OffRoute.ca). Racing the sunset into Moab on the Porcupine Rim Trail and I didn't see a single person on the descent (probably because I started around 6pm on a Tuesday). width:100%; I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. The Kokopelli Trail is a vintage route ridden and raced long before doing stuff like this was popular. I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. See a problem? This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. One consideration is to bring a, If you want to execute a successful trip, it will certainly behoove you to do some checking and planning during the weeks leading up to your trip. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. If you finished on a weekend you could try and hitch but finding a ride with an open rack and empty seat could prove difficult. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. No stove helped with space and water. Looking to start bikepacking? Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. Claim this business (734) 326-9801. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. Bikepacking - One of Seven Project The Kokopelli Trail is a special route, and whether youre looking to tackle it in a single day or spread it out over a long weekend, its definitely one worth adding to the bucket list. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. If you enter this way, and depending on the time of day you may have to pay a $2 entrance fee, or 5$ vehicle fee. From the parking lot for the Marys Loop trail system the Kokopelli winds its way southwest over improved roads, four-wheel-drive roads, pavement, and single-track. I rode the latter half on a Monday and Tuesday and I think this really helped with traffic, not sure what this would have looked like on a weekend but I think it's worth it if you can go during the week! This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. It really is ATV road the entire way between fruita and moab, some sections were very desolate with no trees where I would not have wanted to camp but found great spots both nights that were off the road a bit and felt remote enough for a nice backcountry site. The Kokopelli's Trail (also known as the Kokopelli Trail) is a 142-mile (229 km) multi-use trail (but primarily used by mountain bikes) in Grand County, Utah and Mesa County, Colorado in the western United States. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. Kokopelli's Trail | Bureau of Land Management The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . In Moab, a great place to drop a vehicle is the Information Center; make sure to leave your name and contact info at the desk. Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. Possibly one of the most well-known bikepacking routes in the USA (if not North America), the Kokopelli Trail is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful Colorado and Utah desert on your own two Looking to start bikepacking? This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. If you are thinking about bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail this guide will give you the information and insight you need for a successful trip to one of the most spectacular bike trails out there. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. You can also get your bike repaired at Over The Edge in Fruita. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go.Salt Creek OverlookCastle RockCold SpringPorcupine RimKnowles CanyonBitter CreekMesa CreekCowskin Campground near Cotton CanyonHideout CanyonRock CastleBull DrawNorth Beaver Mesa CampgroundDewey BridgeRabbit Valley. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. All rights reserved. South L, CA. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Knowing what to expect as far as water sources, weather forecast, trail condition, and detours, are going to be key to having the best possible outcome. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. Top Rated Routes. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). Be sure to stop at, Powered by red Starbursts and Fat Tire Amber Ale, 6 Bikepacking Routes in Southern California | Year-round Fun, 11 of the Most Popular Bikepacking Trails in the US, Colorado Bikepacking Trails A Bikepackers Dreamland, How to Prepare For the C&O Canal and GAP Trail. } Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. For Issue 08, we invited several contributors to return and pick up where earlier trips and ideas left off and also feature a handful of first-timers whose perspectives weve long been eager to share Issue 07 Issue seven is a celebration of courage and discovery of what were capable of when we dont let others expectations define us Issue 06 examined a diverse range of topics, including embracing aloneness, rekindling a sense of adventure, grappling with failure, and many more Kaitlyn Boyle and Kurt Refsnider both set new FKTs (fastest known times) on the 140-mile Kokopelli Trail over the weekend. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. Bikepacking Packrafts | Inflatable Packrafts - KOKOPELLI Specialized Tactic bike helmet.