Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! No stove helped with space and water. 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. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. This is certainly not a trip for. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. The riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. I was very happy to have my 27+ tires in the sand and front suspension on the big drops required on some sections of the ATV roads as well as the fast descents that necessitated careful line choices and were still quite rattling on my hardtail. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? Every time I reach this point of the trail, I wonder if Ive taken a wrong turn, but then I check a map, realize Im on the route and laugh at myself for choosing to do this. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. The Kokopelli Trail spreads from Loma, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, over 142 exciting miles! So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. Kokopelli's Trail Phone: (435) 259-2100 Email: utmbmail@blm.gov Address: Moab Field Office 82 Dogwood Ave. Moab, UT 84532 Latitude/Longitude: 39.177737, -108.827444 Directions: From Grand Junction, travel west on Interstate 70 about 15 miles. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. But theyre even farther than you think. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. You can access the Colorado River from here, though. 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. Unfortunately, there is no way around it and riders will need to exit out Castle Valley (mile 128) to get to Moab. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. 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. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. 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. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. Thanks for your support! The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. This was Kaitlyns first ultra since a devastating car accident that had her questioning her ability to ride or walk again, but after a long and inspiring recovery, she managed to best Rebecca Ruschs 2013 record by 25 minutes. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. We didnt cache any water, either. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. As soon as you hit the pavement in Moab, youll see Milts Stop N Eat, where you can get a milkshake, fries, and a burger. 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. 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 Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! 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 Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. The weather can be unpredictable, regularly swinging from blazingly hot to frost-and-ice-all-over-your-tent cold. 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. 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. Transportation Services. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. We test. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. Website. Read more on the About Me page. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. 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 I was being silly: the Kokopelli is a tremendously satisfying and fun bikepack, from the mildly technical and impossibly beautiful singletrack out of Fruita, to soaring grinding climbs, red desert canyons, rugged sandstone ridges, to the must-not-skip roaring bucking descent on Porcupine Rim down to Moab. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. } With that said, you can find food at either end. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. The Kokopelli Trail is a 138-mile, multi-use trail that starts in Loma, CO (just a few miles northwest of Fruita) and ends on Sand Flats Road in Moab, UT, where it passes by Porcupine Rim . Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. 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 might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational. 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). It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. You need to be logged in to use these features. 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. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. The desert environment can be unforgiving. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. 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. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected! The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. 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. 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. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. The Kokopelli Trail is a vintage route ridden and raced long before doing stuff like this was popular. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. width:100%; More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. You can also get your bike repaired at Over The Edge in Fruita. Continuing through the Marys Loop area, youll leave the river and parallel Mack Ridge before the river returns along with views of the Black Ridge Canyons. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. Hi, Im Phil. Looking to start bikepacking? 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). Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. 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. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. 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. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. 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. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. Thank you for supporting us! The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. 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. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. If you have a vital issue or opportunity regarding this route that pertains to one of the subjects below, please let us know: **Advocacy opportunities may include bringing awareness to a new trail project, conservation initiative, access potential, or local effort that we might help with or bring awareness to via our broad-reaching platform. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. Help could behours or days away! This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { The next closest would be Grand Junction or Salt Lake City (SLC). YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. Fingerless bike gloves. More. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . See a problem? Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. An epic view point along the Kokopelli Trail. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. Ultimate Arizona Trail Bikepacking Planning Guide, Gear Review If I Rode the Arizona Trail Race Again, Gear Review If I Rode the Colorado Trail Race Again, Gear Review If I Rode the Kokopelli Trail Again, Gear Review If I Rode The Tour Divide Again, Gear Review If I Hiked The Appalachian Trail Again, Gear Review If I Hiked The Long Trail Again, Gear Review If I Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail Again, Gear Review If I hiked the Continental Divide Trail Again, Gear Review If I Hiked the Colorado Trail Again. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. 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. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! If you enter this way, and depending on the time of day you may have to pay a $2 entrance fee, or 5$ vehicle fee. Its June. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. 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. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. 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. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. What puffy jacket do you use? sounds like a great trip! We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. You decide. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { There are a ton of options out there. Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Press J to jump to the feed. Indian Trails. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. I'm on a small bike so not a ton of space in the frame, and I will die before I bike in a backpack, so I was able to put all my water on the frame, clothes and sleep setup on the handlebar, and food in the hip pack.
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