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This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. 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. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. Read more on the About Me page. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. 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. The summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. What puffy jacket do you use? Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. 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). Auto Repair. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. 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. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. Moab Motorsports does ask that you let them know youre leaving your car with them ahead of time. This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? 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. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. I think with as much sand and slickrock that I encountered my answer to you in short would be, yes, foolish to try this on a gravel bike, coming from a mountainbiker who has no idea what a gravel bike is capable of. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. Looking to start bikepacking? } BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. There are a couple of options for staging and parking; as advised by folks at Over The Edge bike shop, we chose to leave a vehicle in the parking lot behind Suds Brothers Brewery in downtown Fruita. So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. South L, CA. width:100%; This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. 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. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. 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. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. 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. 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). The true scale of this landscape is only appreciated after much concentrated, technical riding on so called dirt roads, long descents and climbs out of the smallest of canyons, and by peering off the edge of the rim into an endless void of night. Skyler Des Roches (OffRoute.ca). With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. 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 recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. 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. We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. 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 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. Transportation Services. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. 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. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the 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! I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. This is certainly not a trip for. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. 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. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. 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. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! width:100%; There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. Find Related Places. The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) 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. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! 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. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. All rights reserved. 150 miles. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. I used a Tarptent Aeon Li tent for the Kokopelli Trail. 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. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. We test. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Moraine Full Meal Deal 12.5 mi 20.1 km . 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. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. , 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. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . I have bikepacked the Kokopelli on a fat bike with 5-inch tires and a plus bike with 3-inch tires. 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 Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { Top Rated Routes. We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. 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. and filtered from there before the big climbs. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. We didnt cache any water, either. 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. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. Happy planning! Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. Click here for more info. width:100%; 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 ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. 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. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. 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). Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. There are no resupply options along the route. } After at least 6 failed attempts in the mid-1990s, Gary became the first to ride the 140-mile-long Kokopelli Trail self-supported in one day. 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. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. 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. 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. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Knowing what to expect as far as water sources, weather forecast, trail condition, and detours, are going to be key to having the best possible outcome. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. Indian Trails. } 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. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. 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. Water: I stashed in Rabbit Valley and filtered from the Colorado (tasted only sliiightly of mud) which really was fine and clear after wrapping a bandanna around the intake. 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. Thanks, me too!! The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. What about wind breaker? A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. 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. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. width:100%; Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. 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. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. There is some water along the route, but not enough to forego caching water unless you can carry enough water for 2 days. } The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. 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.. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. 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. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. An epic view point along the Kokopelli 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. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. 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 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. Press J to jump to the feed. Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. 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. Order Online. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. Claim this business (734) 326-9801. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. A section of the trail, the Kokopelli Singletrack, begins just outside the . 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. The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . Once you arrive in Moab, there are countless mountain bike trails to explore. width:100%; 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. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. 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. 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. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. Fingerless bike gloves. 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 weather can be unpredictable, regularly swinging from blazingly hot to frost-and-ice-all-over-your-tent cold. 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. Thank you for supporting us! 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.
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