Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. KOKOPELLI TRAIL 2021 (Documentary) | Our First Time Bikepacking - YouTube An epic view point along the Kokopelli Trail. width:100%; 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. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. 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. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! 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. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. 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. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. You decide. 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. Website Take me there. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. } The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. This is certainly not a trip for bringing your dog or someone just starting out with biking. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. 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! The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. 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. 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. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. More here. It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. 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. I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. We didnt cache any water, either. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. 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. Thanks for your support! From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. sounds like a great trip! The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. Looking Back: The Kokopelli Trail - Cycling West - Cycling Utah Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. 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. But theyre even farther than you think. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. 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. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! I was very happy to have my 27+ tires in the sand and front suspension on the big drops required on some sections of the ATV roads as well as the fast descents that necessitated careful line choices and were still quite rattling on my hardtail. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { More. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Kokopelli Trail - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. 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. 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! How to Get Lost in the Utah Desert? Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail Top 10 Bikepacking Routes in the US - Mountain bike trails & Mountain Transportation Services. } The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. 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. What puffy jacket do you use? 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 next closest would be Grand Junction or Salt Lake City (SLC). KOKOPELLI TRAIL GUIDE - BIKEPACKING - One of Seven Project Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). Moab Bikepacking 101 - Rim Tours } 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. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. 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 trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Ultimate Arizona Trail Bikepacking Planning Guide, Gear Review If I Rode the Arizona Trail Race Again, Gear Review If I Rode the Colorado Trail Race Again, Gear Review If I Rode the Kokopelli Trail Again, Gear Review If I Rode The Tour Divide Again, Gear Review If I Hiked The Appalachian Trail Again, Gear Review If I Hiked The Long Trail Again, Gear Review If I Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail Again, Gear Review If I hiked the Continental Divide Trail Again, Gear Review If I Hiked the Colorado Trail Again. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. 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. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. Learn more. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. To facilitate these efforts, we rely on our Bikepacking Collective and the greater bikepacking community to call attention to critical issues and opportunities that are discovered while riding these routes. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. width:100%; Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. } You could plan to finish on a day a friend was driving back from Moab. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. Water: I stashed in Rabbit Valley and filtered from the Colorado (tasted only sliiightly of mud) which really was fine and clear after wrapping a bandanna around the intake. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { Heres what several members of our four-top riding group had to say: The Kokopelli Trail is a beautiful route winding from Fruita to Moab that combines primitive roads of all varieties with surprisingly technical single track to keep you guessing about what lies around each bend. 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. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. width:100%; 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). The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. 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. Youll need to cache water on the Kokopelli. There are a few bailout options along the way. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. 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. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. 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. Unfortunately, there is no way around it and riders will need to exit out Castle Valley (mile 128) to get to Moab. 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. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. Thank you for supporting us! The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. No suspension, just a set of 50c tires squeezed on there, and man it was awesome but truth be told I think it would have been even more enjoyable on a hardtail with a front shock at the very least. Passing the torch: A Kokopelli Trail do-over - Rodeo Adventure Labs, LLC You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. 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. This Kokopelli Trail Guide was put together for people like you, in hopes it would make taking that first step of planning easier and get you on the trail faster. 150 miles. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. 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. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. 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. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. In Moab, a great place to drop a vehicle is the Information Center; make sure to leave your name and contact info at the desk. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. The experience was humbling and quite challenging. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. } The weather can be unpredictable, regularly swinging from blazingly hot to frost-and-ice-all-over-your-tent cold. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience.
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