Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. 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. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. 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). The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. Looking to start bikepacking? The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. 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. 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { Top Rated Routes. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) You might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. Happy planning! These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. 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. 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. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. Order Online. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. Cheers! At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . Thank you for supporting us! Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. You need to be logged in to use these features. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. 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. 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 first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. 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 Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Full Circle on the Grand Loop: Part II - The First Modern Bikepacking If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { 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. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. What puffy jacket do you use? Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. 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. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacking Alliance Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! I did it last fall on a rigid MTB with 29x2.3 tires. The riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. Do you have a zipper or pull over? But theyre even farther than you think. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. 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. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. You decide. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. 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. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. The Kokopelli Trail spreads from Loma, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, over 142 exciting miles! } 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. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. 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. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. 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. Lack of clean water will be one of your biggest hurdles. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. r/bikepacking - Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. 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). By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. } 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. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. 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). We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. 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. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. 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. Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. 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. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. width:100%; One should consider caching water along the route. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. No stove helped with space and water. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. } This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. 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 . Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM 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. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. 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). Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. 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. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. There are a few bailout options along the way. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. NO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT ARE ALLOWED IN CROSSWINDS MARSH. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. With that said, you can find food at either end. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. Guided Mountain Biking on Kokopelli Trail | 57hours Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. 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. Looking Back: The Kokopelli Trail - Cycling West - Cycling Utah Crosswinds Marsh | Public Services - Wayne County, Michigan The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. Use the Brave browser for an entirely ad free web experience. 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 Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected!