One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. Transportation Services. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. Looking up from Fischer Valley to the top of the climb next to the la sals, giving myself a goal of making it there in 5 hours, and getting up in 5 hours to look back down at the valley. Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. 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. Looking to start bikepacking? The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. and filtered from there before the big climbs. After the first 20 miles of singletrack, youll ride about 30 miles of dirt roads through Rabbit Valley, Castle Rocks, and Coal Draw. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking 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. width:100%; We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. width:100%; Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. There is some water along the route, but not enough to forego caching water unless you can carry enough water for 2 days. width:100%; In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. } Thanks for your support! You will be looking for East Mill Creek Drive which turns into Sand Flats Rd The Trail: The Kokopelli Trail is part of the Grand loop, a bikepacking route that combines the Kokopelli Trail, Paradox Trail and Tabegauche Trail. Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. 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. 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. Kokopelli 100 MTB Individual Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { The Ogre is one of our favorite bikepacking bikes in our Best Bikepacking Bikes guide, MYOG clone of the Swift Industries Zeitgeist, Our tent set up for bike camping on the Kokopelli Trail, MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove, which is the overall winner in our Best Backpacking Stoves guide, Toaks 750 mL pot, which is the overall winner in our Best Backpacking Cookpot guide. A section of the trail, the Kokopelli Singletrack, begins just outside the . Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. The desert environment can be unforgiving. 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. We didnt cache any water, either. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. } 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. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. rocky sections making it particularly challenging. There are no resupply options along 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. At times the Kokopelli Trail can serve up demanding single track and steep climbs, makingit a trail not to be underestimated. Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. You can access the Colorado River from here, though. Ive always dropped my bikepacking bags and ridden this section unloaded since its a quick ride along highway 128 to get to either end of the section. Indian Trails. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. Top Rated Routes. } If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. 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. Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. After a hot, exposed climb to Top of the World road, youll descend Rose Garden Hill and wonder how anyone could drive a Jeep over that. There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. What works for me is my Outdoor Research ultralight hoody (don't think they make it anymore, it's half-zip pullover), and a patagonia houdini windbreaker with full zip. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. } This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Website. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. 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. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! The . The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Where do you start? Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. 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. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! 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. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. I went out to Fruita a few weeks ago with my mtb and car camped in Rabbit Valley and was really wishing i had brought my gravel bike to cruise around there (other than the deep sand pockets lol). (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? You might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. Use the Brave browser for an entirely ad free web experience. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small percentage of any purchase you make at no additional cost to you. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. There are a few bailout options along the way. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. Thank you for supporting us! Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. Press J to jump to the feed. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West. Help could behours or days away! Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. Lack of clean water will be one of your biggest hurdles. 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. Our inflatable packrafts are lightweight, durable, and very easy to transport. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. 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). From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. width:100%; Its best to ride the Kokopelli Trail in the Spring and Fall. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. With our tough and long-lasting Kokopelli bikepacking packrafts, you can explore gravel roads and winding rivers on your next bikepacking expedition in the wilderness. This is certainly not a trip for bringing your dog or someone just starting out with biking. } Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. There are a ton of options out there. This Site and our mobile application contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. 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! No stove helped with space and water. If you want to execute a successful trip, it would certainly behoove you to do some checking and planning during the weeks leading up to your trip. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. That first ride took him 23 hours, and soon after, he rode the trail in the opposite direction in just 17 hours. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Cheers! Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . 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 Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. Starting in the east, the route becomes richer and the landscapes more Mars-like with each mile you travel towards the canyon lands of the high Utah desert. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Happy planning! There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. 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're interested in a dedicated sleeping bag instead of a quilt, see our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. 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. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual), https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/rsz_ce61a8f9-0b12-4e41-b403-e902df8f4593.jpg, http://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/1of7-logo-lockup-grey-1132x212-300x56.png, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rsz_untitled_design_87.jpg, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/AXOK3707.jpg, Gear Review - If I Rode the Kokopelli Trail Again, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rsz_untitled_design_81.jpg, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Untitled-design-19.jpg, Gear Review - If I Rode the Arizona Trail Race Again, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Untitled-design-9.jpg, Gear Review - If I Rode The Tour Divide Again. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. But maybe you can be the fool who rides it and has a great time despite what other people say? The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. I was thinking about this quite a bit while riding as I saw this question posed a few times elsewhere - I am not a gravel rider so my opinion on whether you can or cannot do it may not be the most educated, but there were long stretches of sand and slickrock and chunky jeep roads that I don't think would be too much fun on a gravel bike. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. 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. This only adds about 4 miles extra overall to your trip, but youll ride slick rock along the edge of a canyon rim overlooking the Colorado River instead of the less scenic route not along a cliff. Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected! Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. Kokepellis Trail is part of the Grand Loop, a much larger bikepacking routethat utilizes Kokopellis Trail system, The Paradox Trail, and Tabegauche Trail. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. 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 crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. You need to be logged in to use these features. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. 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. Image via Bureau of Land Management 1.Kokopelli Trail Trail Length: About 150 miles one-way Days to complete: 3-5 Riding : Mostly doubletrack and singletrack The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. Bikepacking is one of The Project's main focuses. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. More here. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. As the leading creator and publisher of bikepacking routes, BIKEPACKING.com endeavors to maintain, improve, and advocate for our growing network of bikepacking routes all over the world. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. 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.
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