The Kokopelli Trail is a vintage route ridden and raced long before doing stuff like this was popular. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. The desert environment can be unforgiving. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. 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). On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. Moab Motorsports does ask that you let them know youre leaving your car with them ahead of time. More here. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. 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. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. More. Youll need to cache water on the Kokopelli. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. 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. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. 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). You can camp almost everywhere along the route, too. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. Find Related Places. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. Kokepellis Trail is part of the Grand Loop, a much larger bikepacking routethat utilizes Kokopellis Trail system, The Paradox Trail, and Tabegauche Trail. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. 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. width:100%; Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. Water options while bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail: There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. There are a ton of options out there. Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. 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. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. You might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. 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). The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. 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. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. } The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. } Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. 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. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. 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 Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. The weather can be unpredictable, regularly swinging from blazingly hot to frost-and-ice-all-over-your-tent cold. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. 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. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. width:300px; This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. 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. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. 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. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. 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. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. A section of the trail, the Kokopelli Singletrack, begins just outside the . Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! Kaitlyns finish time was 13 hours and 7 minutes, the new womens FKT. } The Jeep trail and dirt roads can sometimes be very sandy, challenging, and slow-going. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. 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. Its best to ride the Kokopelli Trail in the Spring and Fall. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. After the first 20 miles of singletrack, youll ride about 30 miles of dirt roads through Rabbit Valley, Castle Rocks, and Coal Draw. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? Learn more. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. 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. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. 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 Moraine Full Meal Deal 12.5 mi 20.1 km . Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . What works for me is my Outdoor Research ultralight hoody (don't think they make it anymore, it's half-zip pullover), and a patagonia houdini windbreaker with full zip. 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. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. Our inflatable packrafts are lightweight, durable, and very easy to transport. 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. I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. , 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. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). 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. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. With hubs at the airport, United and Southwest will have the most flight options. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. Gear lists from the AZT, TD and CTR; Pros & Cons; Things Id do different; and Tips. The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. 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. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. The experience was humbling and quite challenging. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). 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. 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. 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. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Use the Brave browser for an entirely ad free web experience. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. The summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. 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. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. width:100%; Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. More here. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. 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. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. For other backpacking tents we recommend, see our Best Backpacking Tents guide. 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. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. 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? We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. 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. I used a Tarptent Aeon Li tent for the Kokopelli Trail. That first ride took him 23 hours, and soon after, he rode the trail in the opposite direction in just 17 hours. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. 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. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. 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. Cheers! 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. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. 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. 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. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { 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 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. 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. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. But theyre even farther than you think. and filtered from there before the big climbs. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. 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. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. 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. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. Hot on the heels of Lachlan Mortons record that was just set in May of this year, Kurt set a new mens fastest known time as well, knocking 19 minutes off of Lachlans already impressive ride.
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