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. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. Read more on the About Me page. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. 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. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. You need to be logged in to use these features. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. 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 experience was humbling and quite challenging. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. If youre not from the area and want to see the Rocky Mountains you can fly into Denver International Airport (DIA), and rent a car. 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. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. } I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. You can camp almost everywhere along the route, too. I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. To learn more Click Here. 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). Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. } Thanks for your support! 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. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. Use the Brave browser for an entirely ad free web experience. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. Kokopelli 100 MTB Individual Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. 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. 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 following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. Its June. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. 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. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. 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. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. You can access the Colorado River from here, though. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. Lastly, you could use two cars but this option means a lot of driving and extra time. Bikepacking - One of Seven Project Where do you start? Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . KOKOPELLI TRAIL 2021 (Documentary) | Our First Time Bikepacking - YouTube That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. 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 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. Happy planning! But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. 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. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. The . This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. 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. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. South L, CA. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. width:100%; 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. Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail - Joel Caldwell A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. 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 first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. 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. See a problem? I have bikepacked the Kokopelli on a fat bike with 5-inch tires and a plus bike with 3-inch tires. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. 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. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. I did it last fall on a rigid MTB with 29x2.3 tires. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. What about wind breaker? One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. 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. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. } } Kokopelli Trail - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. 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. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. . 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. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. } The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. You can also get your bike repaired at Over The Edge in Fruita. If you have a vital issue or opportunity regarding this route that pertains to one of the subjects below, please let us know: **Advocacy opportunities may include bringing awareness to a new trail project, conservation initiative, access potential, or local effort that we might help with or bring awareness to via our broad-reaching platform. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. } The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. Packing: I learned a lot from my first trip last year and made it work without a seat bag which was so nice to have full use of my dropper post on the descents. The Kokopelli Trail is a vintage route ridden and raced long before doing stuff like this was popular. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected! 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 Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. Kaitlyns finish time was 13 hours and 7 minutes, the new womens FKT. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. 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. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. For other backpacking tents we recommend, see our Best Backpacking Tents guide. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. Lael Wilcox, Kaitlyn Boyle, and Kurt Refsnider set off together early Friday morning on the Kokopelli Trail for a self-supported time trial between Loma, Colorado and Moab, Utah. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. The Grand Loop - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro 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. 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. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. 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 a good first test. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. 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. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. rocky sections making it particularly challenging. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. This is certainly not a trip for. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. width:100%; There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. If you are thinking about bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail this guide 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?

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