Colorado River is too silty to filter, and some of the only other water sources along the route arent safe to drink due to the waters arsenic levels. Moab Motorsports does ask that you let them know youre leaving your car with them ahead of time. You can find the Kokopelli Trail on Ride With GPS. Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail - Joel Caldwell 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. Guided Mountain Biking on Kokopelli Trail | 57hours 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. 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). This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. 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. This is certainly not a trip for bringing your dog or someone just starting out with biking. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. In 2017 that changed. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! I used a Tarptent Aeon Li tent for the Kokopelli Trail. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Bikepacking The Kokopelli Trail Treeline Review The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . 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? I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. More. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. Its June. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. , 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. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. Find Related Places. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. You can access the Colorado River from here, though. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) . rocky sections making it particularly challenging. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. How to Get Lost in the Utah Desert? Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. You need to be logged in to use these features. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. 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. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. More here. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. The experience was humbling and quite challenging. 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. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Looking to start bikepacking? Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. 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 legendary Kokopelli Trail, 140 miles of desert and mountain riding between Moab and Fruita. I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. 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. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). Kokopelli Trail - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. 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Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. 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. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. Happy planning! In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Click here for more info. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? New Kokopelli Trail FKT - BIKEPACKING.com We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. 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). The desert environment can be unforgiving. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. There are a few bailout options along the way. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. You can camp almost everywhere along the route, too. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. I think with as much sand and slickrock that I encountered my answer to you in short would be, yes, foolish to try this on a gravel bike, coming from a mountainbiker who has no idea what a gravel bike is capable of. 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. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. 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. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. Lastly, you could use two cars but this option means a lot of driving and extra time. There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . 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. We test. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. 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. The race includes the following categories: Kokopelli 100 Ultra Marathon Individual 104 miles with 11k of climbing, Kokopelli 100 Ultra Marathon Relay same course as the individual but with 2 to 4 people. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! 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.. 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. Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacking Alliance } Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. The . 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. 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. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. } 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. From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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). *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. But maybe you can be the fool who rides it and has a great time despite what other people say? Also only split up in 2-4 segments. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. Moraine Full Meal Deal 12.5 mi 20.1 km . Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. There are a ton of options out there. As soon as you hit the pavement in Moab, youll see Milts Stop N Eat, where you can get a milkshake, fries, and a burger. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Racing the sunset into Moab on the Porcupine Rim Trail and I didn't see a single person on the descent (probably because I started around 6pm on a Tuesday). 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. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. width:300px; Kokopelli's Trail - Wikipedia To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. 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 Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. 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. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { sounds like a great trip! No stove helped with space and water. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. The next closest would be Grand Junction or Salt Lake City (SLC). Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. 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. 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). It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? Website. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. If you're interested in a dedicated sleeping bag instead of a quilt, see our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide. I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita. 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. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. Read more on the About Me page. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { Help could behours or days away! #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { 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. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. Top 10 Bikepacking Routes in the US - Mountain bike trails & Mountain