I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. sounds like a great trip! In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. Moab Motorsports does ask that you let them know youre leaving your car with them ahead of time. Kaitlyns finish time was 13 hours and 7 minutes, the new womens FKT. 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. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking 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. You decide. width:100%; Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. There are no resupply options along the route. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. There is great camping in this area, too. It really is ATV road the entire way between fruita and moab, some sections were very desolate with no trees where I would not have wanted to camp but found great spots both nights that were off the road a bit and felt remote enough for a nice backcountry site. Find Related Places. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. 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. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. 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 Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. 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. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. What about wind breaker? This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. 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 following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. After a hot, exposed climb to Top of the World road, youll descend Rose Garden Hill and wonder how anyone could drive a Jeep over that. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) 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. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. 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. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. Hi, Im Phil. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. } You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. 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). RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. How to Take Care of Your Feet on a backpacking trip, How to take care of your backpacking tent, Backpacking Little lakes Valley to Gem Lakes, Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals for 2023, Top 10 Things to Do in Redwood National & State Parks, Climbing Mt Whitney in A Day (Or Two): Hiking the Mt Whitney Trail, Californias Rae Lakes Loop: The Complete Backpacking Guide, How to Make the Most of One Day in Death Valley: A Quick Itinerary, 10 Creative Things to Do in Crescent City, CA. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. 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. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. Kristina Ritchie (@get_terrestrial) Instagram photos and videos, .fca_eoi_form{ margin: auto; } .fca_eoi_form p { width: auto; } #fca_eoi_form_1856 input{ max-width: 9999px; }#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper {display: none !important;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper {display: none !important;}.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-borderless.tooltipster-optin-cat .tooltipster-box .tooltipster-content { color: #fff }.tooltipster-optin-cat.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-top .tooltipster-arrow-border { border-top-color: #d63031 !important }.tooltipster-optin-cat.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-bottom .tooltipster-arrow-border { border-bottom-color: #d63031 !important }.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-borderless.tooltipster-optin-cat .tooltipster-box { background-color: #d63031 !important }.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper { background-color: unset !important }#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element::-webkit-input-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element::-moz-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element:-ms-input-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element:-moz-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper:hover, #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input:hover {background-color:#b96701 !important;} 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. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. 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. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. Highlights Marys Loop Trail System, Rabbit Valley, Yellow Jacket area (Dome Plateau) Roberts Bottom and Rose Garden Hill in Cottonwood Canyon, Blue Chief Mesa, views of the Fisher and Castle Valleys, and Manti-La Sal NF. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { 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. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. } More. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. 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. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. All rights reserved. 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). The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial Trail. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. } Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. 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. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. Unfortunately, there is no way around it and riders will need to exit out Castle Valley (mile 128) to get to Moab. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { . The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. Auto Repair. 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. Thank you for supporting us! 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. 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. Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. South L, CA. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. More here. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. You can camp almost everywhere along the route, too. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. 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. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. 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. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. From the parking lot for the Marys Loop trail system the Kokopelli winds its way southwest over improved roads, four-wheel-drive roads, pavement, and single-track. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. 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. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. 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. width:100%; Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. 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. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. The riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. Bikepacking is one of The Project's main focuses. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. 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.. 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. Top Rated Routes. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. 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. Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. 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. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. The Kokopelli Trail is a 138-mile, multi-use trail that starts in Loma, CO (just a few miles northwest of Fruita) and ends on Sand Flats Road in Moab, UT, where it passes by Porcupine Rim . Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Happy planning! This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. Once you arrive in Moab, there are countless mountain bike trails to explore. There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. 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 trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. But theyre even farther than you think. 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. (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? Help could behours or days away! The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable.