From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. This is certainly not a trip for bringing your dog or someone just starting out with biking. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. If it werent for that snowstorm after the first day, we would have found ourselves far out there, fruitlessly attempting to filter water from the silty Colorado River, slowed down immensely by the gravel bike that wasnt enough bike for the terrain. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. width:100%; If youre flying from out of town, I recommend you rent a car and spend a day caching water (or pay a guiding company to cache water for you, though I dont know of any that specifically offer that service). The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. To learn more Click Here. } 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. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. The houdini is a tiny little windbreaker with DWR that I felt would be enough for the small chance of rain in my forecast and chillier mornings riding. Fingerless bike gloves. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. As you get near the top of the final climb, the number of tourists youll see will make you feel like youre already in Moab. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! 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. Cheers! Happy planning! There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. Moab Motorsports does ask that you let them know youre leaving your car with them ahead of time. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. The desert environment can be unforgiving. width:100%; 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. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. (254 KM) Days 3-5 % Unpaved 85% % Singletrack 25% % Rideable (time) 99% Total Ascent 15,189' (4,630 M) High Point 8,580' (2,615 M) Difficulty (1-10) 6.5? Use the Brave browser for an entirely ad free web experience. 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. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. With 150 miles of gravel hike-and-bike trail, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) is one of the Easts best pathways, perfect for leisurely bike rides. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. Although they all had different intentions for their rides, both Kaitlyn and Kurt rode hard and fast to set two new fastest known times on the route. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. Transportation Services. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Claim this business (734) 326-9801. 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). At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. width:100%; This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. } In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. 150 miles. Packing: I learned a lot from my first trip last year and made it work without a seat bag which was so nice to have full use of my dropper post on the descents. 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. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. There are a few bailout options along the way. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. If youre not from the area and want to see the Rocky Mountains you can fly into Denver International Airport (DIA), and rent a car. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. 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. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. There is great camping in this area, too. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. 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. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. Click here for more info. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. 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. Kokopelli Trail Planning Aids Tour Divide Planning Aids Bikepacking Survey Results Data Collages Hiking Hiking Guides Pemi Loop Guide Hiking Gear My Proven Triple Crown Hiking Gear List If I Hiked Again Gear Review - If I Hiked The Appalachian Trail Again Gear Review - If I Hiked The Long Trail Again This quick guide to bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail will give you the information and insight you need for a successful trip to one of the most spectacular bike trails out there. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. Once you arrive in Moab, there are countless mountain bike trails to explore. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. 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. You might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational. Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. After riding through the Kokopelli Loops trail network, youll get a taste of your first hike-a-bike down to Salt Creek (which isnt safe to drink). Kristina Ritchie (@get_terrestrial) Instagram photos and videos, .fca_eoi_form{ margin: auto; } .fca_eoi_form p { width: auto; } #fca_eoi_form_1856 input{ max-width: 9999px; }#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper {display: none !important;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper {display: none !important;}.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-borderless.tooltipster-optin-cat .tooltipster-box .tooltipster-content { color: #fff }.tooltipster-optin-cat.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-top .tooltipster-arrow-border { border-top-color: #d63031 !important }.tooltipster-optin-cat.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-bottom .tooltipster-arrow-border { border-bottom-color: #d63031 !important }.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-borderless.tooltipster-optin-cat .tooltipster-box { background-color: #d63031 !important }.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper { background-color: unset !important }#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element::-webkit-input-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element::-moz-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element:-ms-input-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element:-moz-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper:hover, #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input:hover {background-color:#b96701 !important;} Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. Learn more. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. 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. I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The Kokopelli Trail is a vintage route ridden and raced long before doing stuff like this was popular. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. Its June. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. You can camp almost everywhere along the route, too. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. After the first 20 miles of singletrack, youll ride about 30 miles of dirt roads through Rabbit Valley, Castle Rocks, and Coal Draw. This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. One group dropped water at Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge, the other group drove the dirt road in an SUV to Fisher Valley and left a cache there. 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. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { 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. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. With that said, you can find food at either end. Although this trail has been completed in less than 11 hours and 14 minutes by pro cyclist Lachlan Morton, for the rest of us, we can expect to be out from 2-6 days depending on how many miles you want to cover each day. There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. Lack of clean water will be one of your biggest hurdles. Heres what several members of our four-top riding group had to say: The Kokopelli Trail is a beautiful route winding from Fruita to Moab that combines primitive roads of all varieties with surprisingly technical single track to keep you guessing about what lies around each bend. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report & packing list in comments) 1 / 3 73 11 comments Add a Comment halfearup 2 yr. ago Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. } IMPORTANT NOTICE: The La Sal Loop Road is currently undergoing construction this spring/summer/fall, 2017 and portions of it is closed, including a section of it that is used by the Kokopelli Trail. But, theres a still 17-mile 4,000-foot descent on dirt roads and singletrack trails between you and the end of the Kokopelli Trail. From there, youll be closer to the start of the Kokopelli Trail. There will be small sections of optional singletrack along the way, but the jeep roads youll be riding through here are loose and sandy enough that you probably wont want more of a challenge. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. As such, our editorial team, route creators, and Route Stewards serve as mediators for route improvements and opportunities for connectivity, conservation, and community growth around these routes. 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 route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the World), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. At times the Kokopelli Trail can serve up demanding single track and steep climbs, makingit a trail not to be underestimated. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? Our inflatable packrafts are lightweight, durable, and very easy to transport. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. 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 road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. 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. 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. There are a ton of options out there. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. 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 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Website. 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 race includes the following categories: Kokopelli 100 Ultra Marathon Individual 104 miles with 11k of climbing, Kokopelli 100 Ultra Marathon Relay same course as the individual but with 2 to 4 people. Looking to start bikepacking? *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. 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. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Hi, Im Phil. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. 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. 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. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. But maybe you can be the fool who rides it and has a great time despite what other people say? But theyre even farther than you think. Three mountain bik. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. You can also get your bike repaired at Over The Edge in Fruita. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. 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. The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. } Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country.