Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. } Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? How to Take Care of Your Feet on a backpacking trip, How to take care of your backpacking tent, Backpacking Little lakes Valley to Gem Lakes, Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals for 2023, Top 10 Things to Do in Redwood National & State Parks, Climbing Mt Whitney in A Day (Or Two): Hiking the Mt Whitney Trail, Californias Rae Lakes Loop: The Complete Backpacking Guide, How to Make the Most of One Day in Death Valley: A Quick Itinerary, 10 Creative Things to Do in Crescent City, CA. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Indian Trails. Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. The Jeep trail and dirt roads can sometimes be very sandy, challenging, and slow-going. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. 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. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. You need to be logged in to use these features. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. 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 first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. 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. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. 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. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. I have bikepacked the Kokopelli on a fat bike with 5-inch tires and a plus bike with 3-inch tires. 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. 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. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. 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. Lack of clean water will be one of your biggest hurdles. What puffy jacket do you use? 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. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. 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.. } This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. 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. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { The lack of suspension limited my speed on rough downhill, meant a good deal of discomfort on washboard and rocky sections, and my gravel bikes drop bars just weren't very forgiving on my shoulders as it was a bit of an aggressive riding position. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. We test. Auto Repair. 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). The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. Thanks for your support! The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. width:100%; Top Rated Routes. That first ride took him 23 hours, and soon after, he rode the trail in the opposite direction in just 17 hours. The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. Website Take me there. Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. 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. Kokopelli Trail Planning Aids Tour Divide Planning Aids Bikepacking Survey Results Data Collages Hiking Hiking Guides Pemi Loop Guide Hiking Gear My Proven Triple Crown Hiking Gear List If I Hiked Again Gear Review - If I Hiked The Appalachian Trail Again Gear Review - If I Hiked The Long Trail Again If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. 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. Highlights Marys Loop Trail System, Rabbit Valley, Yellow Jacket area (Dome Plateau) Roberts Bottom and Rose Garden Hill in Cottonwood Canyon, Blue Chief Mesa, views of the Fisher and Castle Valleys, and Manti-La Sal NF. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report & packing list in comments) 1 / 3 73 11 comments Add a Comment halfearup 2 yr. ago Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. 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. No stove helped with space and water. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. width:100%; Lastly, you could use two cars but this option means a lot of driving and extra time. } . You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . sounds like a great trip! It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. What about wind breaker? The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. There is great camping in this area, too. 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. (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? The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. The riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. 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. 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. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. } One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. 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. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. Our inflatable packrafts are lightweight, durable, and very easy to transport. Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. Looking to start bikepacking? } Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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