Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. 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. Looking up from Fischer Valley to the top of the climb next to the la sals, giving myself a goal of making it there in 5 hours, and getting up in 5 hours to look back down at the valley. 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. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. No stove helped with space and water. 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. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. With more than 10,000 feet of total climbing, the highest point on the trail tops out at over 8,000 ft above sea level. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. I was thinking about this quite a bit while riding as I saw this question posed a few times elsewhere - I am not a gravel rider so my opinion on whether you can or cannot do it may not be the most educated, but there were long stretches of sand and slickrock and chunky jeep roads that I don't think would be too much fun on a gravel bike. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. 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. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! As such, our editorial team, route creators, and Route Stewards serve as mediators for route improvements and opportunities for connectivity, conservation, and community growth around these routes. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. For other backpacking tents we recommend, see our Best Backpacking Tents guide. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. 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. The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. 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. } The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. Order Online. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. A section of the trail, the Kokopelli Singletrack, begins just outside the . Claim this business (734) 326-9801. 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). You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . There are a ton of options out there. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. 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. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. 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. 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. } The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Hi, Im Phil. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. Gear lists from the AZT, TD and CTR; Pros & Cons; Things Id do different; and Tips. 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. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. 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. See a problem? } BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Fingerless bike gloves. Thanks, me too!! The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. 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). I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. Looking to start bikepacking? Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. Continuing on 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. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial Trail. The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. 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. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. } to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. 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. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Website Take me there. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. There is some water along the route, but not enough to forego caching water unless you can carry enough water for 2 days. 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. 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. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. Where do you start? The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. As the leading creator and publisher of bikepacking routes, BIKEPACKING.com endeavors to maintain, improve, and advocate for our growing network of bikepacking routes all over the world. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. 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! Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. Read more on the About Me page. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. If it werent for that snowstorm after the first day, we would have found ourselves far out there, fruitlessly attempting to filter water from the silty Colorado River, slowed down immensely by the gravel bike that wasnt enough bike for the terrain. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. 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). It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. 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! We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. Top Rated Routes. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. You could plan to finish on a day a friend was driving back from Moab. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. 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. 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. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. Happy planning! You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. Its June. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. Kokopelli's Trail Phone: (435) 259-2100 Email: [email protected] 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. You need to be logged in to use these features. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. South L, CA. Bikepacking is one of The Project's main focuses. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. 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. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. 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. In 2017 that changed. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. I used a Tarptent Aeon Li tent for the Kokopelli Trail. The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. sounds like a great trip! Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. 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. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. } 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. 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. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. 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. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. 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. 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. Three mountain bik. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { 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! Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. 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 More here. Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. 150 miles. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. } Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Find Related Places. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. The Xlite is our overall winner in our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads guide, Our loaded bikepacking bike on the Kokopelli Trail, Surly Ogre with 27.5 x 3 tires and wheelset. } The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. This is certainly not a trip for. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. width:100%; 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 From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. You can also get your bike repaired at Over The Edge in Fruita. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. You decide. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. 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. There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. We then met in Moab, loaded into one vehicle, and drove back to the Loma Trailhead. Thanks for your support! We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). The . The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. There are no resupply options along the route. 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. The experience was humbling and quite challenging.

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