Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from, Although this trail has been completed in less than 11 hours and 14 minutes by pro cyclist. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. 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. In 2017 that changed. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. Bikepacking The Kokopelli Trail Treeline Review Top 10 Bikepacking Routes in the US - Mountain bike trails & Mountain Lack of clean water will be one of your biggest hurdles. 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. Fingerless bike gloves. Discover Kokopelli's Trail, which pioneered 'bikepacking' - Magazine The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. width:100%; With that said, you can find food at either end. Passing the torch: A Kokopelli Trail do-over - Rodeo Adventure Labs, LLC Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacking Alliance KOKOPELLI TRAIL GUIDE - BIKEPACKING - One of Seven Project After the first 20 miles of singletrack, youll ride about 30 miles of dirt roads through Rabbit Valley, Castle Rocks, and Coal Draw. 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. 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. The Kokopelli Trail spreads from Loma, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, over 142 exciting miles! r/bikepacking - Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail Photos and words by Joel Caldwell The Kokopelli Trail is a beautiful route winding from Fruita, Colorado to Moab, Utah. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. 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. width:100%; Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. You decide. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. The trail is posted with the flat brown flexible fiberglass posts and marked with blue and white Kokopelli stickers. The Xlite is our overall winner in our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads guide, Our loaded bikepacking bike on the Kokopelli Trail, Surly Ogre with 27.5 x 3 tires and wheelset. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. After a climb to the infamous Castle Valley Road to the summit, youll be graced with an amazing descent with stunning views of Castle Valley as you make your way into Moab. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. Guided Mountain Biking on Kokopelli Trail | 57hours I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) There is some water along the route, but not enough to forego caching water unless you can carry enough water for 2 days. 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. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. There is great camping in this area, too. After crossing Salt Creek the trail passes through Rabbit Valley, then grinds through the Yellow Jacket area, tackles Rose Garden Hill, circle around Fisher Valley, and eventually making its way to the La Sal Mountains and Moab. 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. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. } By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. 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. The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The lack of suspension limited my speed on rough downhill, meant a good deal of discomfort on washboard and rocky sections, and my gravel bikes drop bars just weren't very forgiving on my shoulders as it was a bit of an aggressive riding position. Where do you start? We didnt cache any water, either. It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. Press J to jump to the feed. 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 for 2-6 days depending on how many miles you want to cover each day. } } Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. 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. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. More. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. } 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.. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. 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. 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! I feel comfortable riding easier "blues" on my gravel bike and try to incorporate singletrack into my rides - but I'm just not sure how technical the riding gets on the trail. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. } The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. Best Trails & Maps near Romulus | TrailLink Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. It is a pullover but has a zip on the side and at the front which makes it very easy to pull on and off keeping hats or helmets in place during the transition. Indian Trails. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. NO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT ARE ALLOWED IN CROSSWINDS MARSH. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. . Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Youll need to cache water on the Kokopelli. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. No suspension, just a set of 50c tires squeezed on there, and man it was awesome but truth be told I think it would have been even more enjoyable on a hardtail with a front shock at the very least. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. 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. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail - Joel Caldwell 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. width:300px; It's our goal to supply the best resources, guides, gear lists, data sheets, town lists, and more to help others realize and follow their passion. The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. To learn more Click Here. 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. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! seeing another biker's footprint along the route where I had to hike-a-bike, going solo this felt like a small bit of camaraderie on the trail and always made me smile! Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. 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! I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. Crosswinds Marsh | Public Services - Wayne County, Michigan The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. 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. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. 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). Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. Help could behours or days away! Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. Looking Back: The Kokopelli Trail - Cycling West - Cycling Utah 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 } The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. Read more on the About Me page. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. Happy planning! The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. Auto Repair. 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { The full list of serves includes: SLC is an international airport so there are a few options. 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 2021 (Documentary) | Our First Time Bikepacking - YouTube #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { width:100%; There are a few bailout options along the way. width:100%; We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. 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 dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. 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. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. With hubs at the airport, United and Southwest will have the most flight options. Once you arrive in Moab, there are countless mountain bike trails to explore. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. 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. You need to be logged in to use these features. 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. 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 first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. Bikepacking - One of Seven Project The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. The experience was humbling and quite challenging. Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Mile 10.6 Salt Creek NOT suitable for drinking, Mile 48 Westwater Ranger Station Water has been reported to have been shut off (get water from Colorado River), Mile 59.9 Colorado River (strain and filter), Mile 73.6 Colorado River (stain and filter). This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. 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. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. 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. Website Take me there. 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. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. What puffy jacket do you use? We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. Do you have a zipper or pull over? We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { 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. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. You can access the Colorado River from here, though. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. 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. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me.
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