Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. Its June. } Thank you for supporting us! You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. 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. 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.
Best Trails & Maps near Romulus | TrailLink Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. 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. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. width:100%; The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. Auto Repair. 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. 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. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. Claim this business (734) 326-9801. Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail is a vintage route ridden and raced long before doing stuff like this was popular. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find.
Full Circle on the Grand Loop: Part II - The First Modern Bikepacking Learn more. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. 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). Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. 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. The summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. 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. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! rocky sections making it particularly challenging. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. Kokepellis Trail is part of the Grand Loop, a much larger bikepacking routethat utilizes Kokopellis Trail system, The Paradox Trail, and Tabegauche Trail. I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. In 2017 that changed. Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. What puffy jacket do you use? Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. Where do you start? It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected! #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. Gear lists from the AZT, TD and CTR; Pros & Cons; Things Id do different; and Tips. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. 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. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) 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 is certainly not a trip for. 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 The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Bikepackers camping along the Kokopelli trail, The singletrack section youll start on is some of the best mountain biking in the country, Descending out of the La Sal Mountain range into Moab is a particularly fun downhill, Many of the dirt roads are impassable after heavy rains. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. 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.
How to Get Lost in the Utah Desert? Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail 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. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Click here for more info. With that said, you can find food at either end. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. One should consider caching water along the route.
Crosswinds Marsh | Public Services - Wayne County, Michigan We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. 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. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend.
Kokopelli Trail - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. After the first 20 miles of singletrack, youll ride about 30 miles of dirt roads through Rabbit Valley, Castle Rocks, and Coal Draw.
New Kokopelli Trail FKT - BIKEPACKING.com New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. I'm on a small bike so not a ton of space in the frame, and I will die before I bike in a backpack, so I was able to put all my water on the frame, clothes and sleep setup on the handlebar, and food in the hip pack. To learn more Click Here. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. 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. Cheers! 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. } I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Lack of clean water will be one of your biggest hurdles. You might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational.
Bikepacking Packrafts | Inflatable Packrafts - KOKOPELLI The next closest would be Grand Junction or Salt Lake City (SLC). RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. Hi, Im Phil. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. 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 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 Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication.
Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River.
Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail - Joel Caldwell This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. 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. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Gloves guide. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections.
KOKOPELLI TRAIL 2021 (Documentary) | Our First Time Bikepacking - YouTube Website Take me there. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. Bikepacking Alliance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Are you looking for a reliable and efficient fat bike to conquer muddy and snowy terrain? #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab.
The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. sounds like a great trip! Website. 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. Transportation Services. width:100%; 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. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. } Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. } Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. The Kokopelli Trail is a special route, and whether youre looking to tackle it in a single day or spread it out over a long weekend, its definitely one worth adding to the bucket list. More. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. There are no resupply options along the route. It's our goal to supply the best resources, guides, gear lists, data sheets, town lists, and more to help others realize and follow their passion. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. We test. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. 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. 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. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high.
r/bikepacking - Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . } During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here.
The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock.
From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest.
142 Miles From Monday - Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail } Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. More here. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. 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). #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. To facilitate these efforts, we rely on our Bikepacking Collective and the greater bikepacking community to call attention to critical issues and opportunities that are discovered while riding these routes. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! 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! The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. 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. 150 miles. I have bikepacked the Kokopelli on a fat bike with 5-inch tires and a plus bike with 3-inch tires. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. 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.
Guided Mountain Biking on Kokopelli Trail | 57hours Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly.
Passing the torch: A Kokopelli Trail do-over - Rodeo Adventure Labs, LLC The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. width:100%; 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. 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. You need to be logged in to use these features. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. The Kokopelli Trail spreads from Loma, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, over 142 exciting miles! The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West.
7 Incredible Bikepacking Trips in the US to Have on Your Radar I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. 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. 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. Do you have a zipper or pull over? NO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT ARE ALLOWED IN CROSSWINDS MARSH. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? 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. But theyre even farther than you think. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management.
Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacking Alliance The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. We didnt cache any water, either. Kokopelli's Trail Phone: (435) 259-2100 Email: utmbmail@blm.gov Address: Moab Field Office 82 Dogwood Ave. Moab, UT 84532 Latitude/Longitude: 39.177737, -108.827444 Directions: From Grand Junction, travel west on Interstate 70 about 15 miles. Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. Use the Brave browser for an entirely ad free web experience. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. Lastly, you could use two cars but this option means a lot of driving and extra time. But maybe you can be the fool who rides it and has a great time despite what other people say?