Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. This was Kaitlyns first ultra since a devastating car accident that had her questioning her ability to ride or walk again, but after a long and inspiring recovery, she managed to best Rebecca Ruschs 2013 record by 25 minutes. Help could behours or days away! 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. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. 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. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. I feel comfortable riding easier "blues" on my gravel bike and try to incorporate singletrack into my rides - but I'm just not sure how technical the riding gets on the trail. 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. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. width:100%; 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. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. 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. 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. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. 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. Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. 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. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. 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. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado 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. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. width:100%; 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. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. More here. 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. Do you have a zipper or pull over? You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? All rights reserved. The houdini is a tiny little windbreaker with DWR that I felt would be enough for the small chance of rain in my forecast and chillier mornings riding. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. 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 But theyre even farther than you think. width:100%; There is great camping in this area, too. I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. 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. . Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. 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. 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. 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 Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. 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. 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. You can access the Colorado River from here, though. You need to be logged in to use these features. } 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 for 2-6 days depending on how many miles you want to cover each day. The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. Three mountain bik. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. 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. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { 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. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. 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. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. 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. Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. We then met in Moab, loaded into one vehicle, and drove back to the Loma Trailhead. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. 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). Looking to start bikepacking? The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. In 2017 that changed. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. No stove helped with space and water. You could plan to finish on a day a friend was driving back from Moab. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? 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. } 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. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. 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. 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. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. I was being silly: the Kokopelli is a tremendously satisfying and fun bikepack, from the mildly technical and impossibly beautiful singletrack out of Fruita, to soaring grinding climbs, red desert canyons, rugged sandstone ridges, to the must-not-skip roaring bucking descent on Porcupine Rim down to Moab. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. You might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational. 150 miles. Indian Trails. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. 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. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. (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? As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. 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. Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. 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. The trail is posted with the flat brown flexible fiberglass posts and marked with blue and white Kokopelli stickers. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. Press J to jump to the feed. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. 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. We didnt cache any water, either. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! 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. That first ride took him 23 hours, and soon after, he rode the trail in the opposite direction in just 17 hours. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. Kaitlyns finish time was 13 hours and 7 minutes, the new womens FKT. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. 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. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. 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. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. After the first 20 miles of singletrack, youll ride about 30 miles of dirt roads through Rabbit Valley, Castle Rocks, and Coal Draw. You need to be logged in to use these features. 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). The summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. More. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. 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. You decide. 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. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. 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. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. The desert environment can be unforgiving. 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. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . 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 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. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. Website. 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. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. Fingerless bike gloves. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. Hi, Im Phil. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the 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! Order Online. An epic view point along the Kokopelli Trail. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. 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. Moab Motorsports does ask that you let them know youre leaving your car with them ahead of time. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. } Claim this business (734) 326-9801. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { 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.. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. Top Rated Routes. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. Transportation Services. Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. More here. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. 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. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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.
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