It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. 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. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. 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. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! 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. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . Claim this business (734) 326-9801. width:100%; Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. To learn more Click Here. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. 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. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Looking to start bikepacking? Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { } Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. 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 relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? 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. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. 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. One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. 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 dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. 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 incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Auto Repair. 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 I'm not a road rider, never will be, thumbed it at every truck that passed but no one picked me up, probably looked too dirty and smelly by this point! Starting in the east, the route becomes richer and the landscapes more Mars-like with each mile you travel towards the canyon lands of the high Utah desert. Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. 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. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. Three mountain bik. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. There is great camping in this area, too. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. I rode the latter half on a Monday and Tuesday and I think this really helped with traffic, not sure what this would have looked like on a weekend but I think it's worth it if you can go during the week! We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. You need to be logged in to use these features. Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli, Trip Ideas, Where to Go, Backpacking Trip Guide, Backpacking Trip Ideas, Backpacking Trips, backpacking, backpacking trips, oregon trips, oregon, oregon coast, corvallis to sea, c2c trail, c2c, Backpacking Trip Ideas, Backpacking Trip Guide, Trip Ideas, Where to Go, where to go, Backpacking Trips, backpacking, backpacking trips, colorado, colorado backpacking, brandon lampley, Bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail, Guide to Cycling the Great Allegheny Passage. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. This Site and our mobile application contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. 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. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from, Although this trail has been completed in less than 11 hours and 14 minutes by pro cyclist. The Kokopelli Trail spreads from Loma, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, over 142 exciting miles! As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. You will be looking for East Mill Creek Drive which turns into Sand Flats Rd The Trail: The Kokopelli Trail is part of the Grand loop, a bikepacking route that combines the Kokopelli Trail, Paradox Trail and Tabegauche Trail. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. 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. One should consider caching water along the route. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. sounds like a great trip! Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. Kokopelli 100 MTB Individual Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. } There are a few bailout options along the way. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. 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. 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 Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. 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. 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). 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. 150 miles. } Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. width:100%; 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 route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! Website Take me there. Learn more. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { rocky sections making it particularly challenging. I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now.