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. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Fingerless bike gloves. There will be small sections of optional singletrack along the way, but the jeep roads youll be riding through here are loose and sandy enough that you probably wont want more of a challenge. Cheers! and filtered from there before the big climbs. Bikepacking - One of Seven Project The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). 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. From there, youll be closer to the start of the Kokopelli Trail. 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! We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. 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. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! The . The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. Kokopelli's Trail - Wikipedia 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 trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. 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. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita. At times the Kokopelli Trail can serve up demanding single track and steep climbs, makingit a trail not to be underestimated. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. width:100%; I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. 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. One should consider caching water along the route. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. The Kokopelli Trail A Bikepacking Adventure. - Get Terrestrial Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. 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. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. 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). All rights reserved. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. rocky sections making it particularly challenging. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli, Trip Ideas, Where to Go, Backpacking Trip Guide, Backpacking Trip Ideas, Backpacking Trips, backpacking, backpacking trips, oregon trips, oregon, oregon coast, corvallis to sea, c2c trail, c2c, Backpacking Trip Ideas, Backpacking Trip Guide, Trip Ideas, Where to Go, where to go, Backpacking Trips, backpacking, backpacking trips, colorado, colorado backpacking, brandon lampley, Bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail, Guide to Cycling the Great Allegheny Passage. r/bikepacking - Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report 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. } At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. 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. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. Looking Back: The Kokopelli Trail - Cycling West - Cycling Utah } This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. 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. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. 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. Moab Bikepacking 101 - Rim Tours This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). , 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. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. 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. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. The trail is posted with the flat brown flexible fiberglass posts and marked with blue and white Kokopelli stickers. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. Thanks, me too!! 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. Looking to start bikepacking? We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. 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.. Bikepacking is one of The Project's main focuses. I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. 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. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. Directions Advertisement. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { You need to be logged in to use these features. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. More here. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. Learn more. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. 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. Three mountain bik. With that said, you can find food at either end. Bikepacking Packrafts | Inflatable Packrafts - KOKOPELLI Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. 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. 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. 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. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. Press J to jump to the feed. Between the river and the top of ride at 8200ft I quickly realized there were not as many water sources as I had thought there would be, and this was the only time I got a little worried the morning of day 3 with 2000ft of climbing ahead of me and only 2L on me. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. The riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. Where do you start? Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. But theyre even farther than you think. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. Its June. Read more on the About Me page. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. Passing the torch: A Kokopelli Trail do-over - Rodeo Adventure Labs, LLC The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! 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. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Gear lists from the AZT, TD and CTR; Pros & Cons; Things Id do different; and Tips. Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. The Grand Loop - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. There is great camping in this area, too. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Possibly one of the most well-known bikepacking routes in the USA (if not North America), the Kokopelli Trail is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful Colorado and Utah desert on your own two 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. 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. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). 142 Miles From Monday - Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. You dont need any permits to bikepack 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. 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. 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 trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. 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). 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. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { South L, CA. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The experience was humbling and quite challenging. Kokepellis Trail is part of the Grand Loop, a much larger bikepacking routethat utilizes Kokopellis Trail system, The Paradox Trail, and Tabegauche Trail. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. Hi, Im Phil. 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 a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. New Kokopelli Trail FKT - BIKEPACKING.com 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. We test. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. Top 10 Bikepacking Routes in the US - Mountain bike trails & Mountain The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. 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. The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. width:100%; It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. 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. Kokopelli Trail Bikepacking Route - BIKEPACKING.com The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. 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. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. What puffy jacket do you use? Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. 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. width:100%; Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in 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. Kokopelli 100 MTB Individual Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. 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. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. } Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. More here. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction.