But, theres a still 17-mile 4,000-foot descent on dirt roads and singletrack trails between you and the end of the Kokopelli Trail. More. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. As you get near the top of the final climb, the number of tourists youll see will make you feel like youre already in Moab. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. 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. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. #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_name_field_wrapper { Moraine Full Meal Deal 12.5 mi 20.1 km . Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. 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. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. Help could behours or days away! Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial Trail. (254 KM) Days 3-5 % Unpaved 85% % Singletrack 25% % Rideable (time) 99% Total Ascent 15,189' (4,630 M) High Point 8,580' (2,615 M) Difficulty (1-10) 6.5? Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. After a hot, exposed climb to Top of the World road, youll descend Rose Garden Hill and wonder how anyone could drive a Jeep over that. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. Passing the torch: A Kokopelli Trail do-over - Rodeo Adventure Labs, LLC The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. Read more on the About Me page. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. Website. 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. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. } 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.. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Although the route can be ridden in either direction, but most prefer a southwest flow from Fruita to Moab which enables a legendary finale down Porcupine Rim. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. and filtered from there before the big climbs. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. Fingerless bike gloves. In 2017 that changed. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. 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). Kokopelli 100 MTB Individual Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. 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. 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:100%; 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). After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. We then met in Moab, loaded into one vehicle, and drove back to the Loma Trailhead. For Issue 08, we invited several contributors to return and pick up where earlier trips and ideas left off and also feature a handful of first-timers whose perspectives weve long been eager to share Issue 07 Issue seven is a celebration of courage and discovery of what were capable of when we dont let others expectations define us Issue 06 examined a diverse range of topics, including embracing aloneness, rekindling a sense of adventure, grappling with failure, and many more Kaitlyn Boyle and Kurt Refsnider both set new FKTs (fastest known times) on the 140-mile Kokopelli Trail over the weekend. 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. 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. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. 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 full list of serves includes: SLC is an international airport so there are a few options. The Jeep trail and dirt roads can sometimes be very sandy, challenging, and slow-going. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. The Kokopelli Trail spreads from Loma, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, over 142 exciting miles! 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. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. A section of the trail, the Kokopelli Singletrack, begins just outside the . Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. 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 Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. But maybe you can be the fool who rides it and has a great time despite what other people say? Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. You can find the Kokopelli Trail on Ride With GPS. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. There are no resupply options along the route. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. 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. 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. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. Transportation Services. Bikepacking - One of Seven Project Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. All rights reserved. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. } Thanks, me too!! The experience was humbling and quite challenging. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. Looking Back: The Kokopelli Trail - Cycling West - Cycling Utah Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. 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 used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. The . Indian Trails. 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 summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. That first ride took him 23 hours, and soon after, he rode the trail in the opposite direction in just 17 hours. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. How to Get Lost in the Utah Desert? Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. } Thanks for your support! We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. sounds like a great trip! width:100%; The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . 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. width:100%; The trail is posted with the flat brown flexible fiberglass posts and marked with blue and white Kokopelli stickers. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Gloves guide. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { 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. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. I did it last fall on a rigid MTB with 29x2.3 tires. MTB Project | Mountain Bike Trail Maps The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. You need to be logged in to use these features. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Its June. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. , 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. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Thank you for supporting us! We test. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. 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 next closest would be Grand Junction or Salt Lake City (SLC). 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. Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. 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. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. 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. Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { 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. Best Trails & Maps near Romulus | TrailLink Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. We didnt cache any water, either. I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. Crosswinds Marsh | Public Services - Wayne County, Michigan For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. 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. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. From there, youll be closer to the start of the Kokopelli Trail. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. 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. . Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. Where do you start? 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. Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. 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. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. 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. I have bikepacked the Kokopelli on a fat bike with 5-inch tires and a plus bike with 3-inch tires. width:300px; 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. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. 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 . Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication.
