We then met in Moab, loaded into one vehicle, and drove back to the Loma Trailhead. From there, youll be closer to the start of the Kokopelli Trail. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. 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! Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? There are no resupply options along the route. Order Online. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. What puffy jacket do you use? 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. and filtered from there before the big climbs. The Kokopelli Trail (AKA Kokopelli's Trail) is a classic bikepacking route connecting the two mountain biking nerve centers of Fruita and Moab (1/3 of the total Grand Loop). The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. 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. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. rocky sections making it particularly challenging. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. 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. One should consider caching water along the route. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. Claim this business (734) 326-9801. 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! There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Auto Repair. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { Although the route can be ridden in either direction, but most prefer a southwest flow from Fruita to Moab which enables a legendary finale down Porcupine Rim. Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. Directions Advertisement. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. NO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT ARE ALLOWED IN CROSSWINDS MARSH. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. Colorado River is too silty to filter, and some of the only other water sources along the route arent safe to drink due to the waters arsenic levels. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. Kokepellis Trail is part of the Grand Loop, a much larger bikepacking routethat utilizes Kokopellis Trail system, The Paradox Trail, and Tabegauche Trail. The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. A mix of dirt roads, desert Jeep tracks, and singletrack trails, Good fitness levels and intermediate mountain biking technical abilities required, The route is almost entirely on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land with lots of great camping on public land, Caching water is almost a requirement to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail self-supported, The Kokopelli trail connects singletrack, Jeep roads, and dirt roads following the Colorado River. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. } During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. } Moraine Full Meal Deal 12.5 mi 20.1 km . You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. } 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. Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected! This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. To facilitate these efforts, we rely on our Bikepacking Collective and the greater bikepacking community to call attention to critical issues and opportunities that are discovered while riding these routes. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! 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 More here. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. 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. Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. 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. After at least 6 failed attempts in the mid-1990s, Gary became the first to ride the 140-mile-long Kokopelli Trail self-supported in one day. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. Its a good idea to do some research (I read current trip reports) or make a few calls to check the flow of streams and rivers to be sure you know how much water to carry at each point you fill up. 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. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. This Kokopelli Trail Guide was put together for people like you, in hopes it would make taking that first step of planning easier and get you on the trail faster. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective, to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. This is certainly not a trip for. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. width:300px; The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. 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. The weather can be unpredictable, regularly swinging from blazingly hot to frost-and-ice-all-over-your-tent cold. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. If you're interested in a dedicated sleeping bag instead of a quilt, see our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). But maybe you can be the fool who rides it and has a great time despite what other people say? The OR jacket I purchased because it was a screaming deal mostly and comparable for size/weight of other ultra-light ultra-packable down jackets I saw. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. Transportation Services. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. Three mountain bik. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. sounds like a great trip! There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. As an affiliate partner, One of Seven Project earns a commission for purchases made through any product, brand logo links, or banner ads on this page. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. With hubs at the airport, United and Southwest will have the most flight options. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. To learn more Click Here. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { Website. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Gloves guide. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. width:100%; Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. } We test. Its June. width:100%; 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. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Bikepackers camping along the Kokopelli trail, The singletrack section youll start on is some of the best mountain biking in the country, Descending out of the La Sal Mountain range into Moab is a particularly fun downhill, Many of the dirt roads are impassable after heavy rains. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. 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