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.. In 2017 that changed. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. 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. Learn more. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. But, theres a still 17-mile 4,000-foot descent on dirt roads and singletrack trails between you and the end of the Kokopelli Trail. With more than 10,000 feet of total climbing, the highest point on the trail tops out at over 8,000 ft above sea level. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small percentage of any purchase you make at no additional cost to you. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . 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 We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. The next closest would be Grand Junction or Salt Lake City (SLC). Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. 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. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . 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. More. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. Passing the torch: A Kokopelli Trail do-over - Rodeo Adventure Labs, LLC 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. 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. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. 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). With that said, you can find food at either end. Thanks, me too!! Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. 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 following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . This is certainly not a trip for. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. There are a ton of options out there. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. We test. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! 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 Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. At times the Kokopelli Trail can serve up demanding single track and steep climbs, makingit a trail not to be underestimated. A mix of dirt roads, desert Jeep tracks, and singletrack trails, Good fitness levels and intermediate mountain biking technical abilities required, The route is almost entirely on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land with lots of great camping on public land, Caching water is almost a requirement to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail self-supported, The Kokopelli trail connects singletrack, Jeep roads, and dirt roads following the Colorado River. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. Kaitlyns finish time was 13 hours and 7 minutes, the new womens FKT. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. Directions Advertisement. 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. 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. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. 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. 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. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. 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. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. Bikepacking Packrafts | Inflatable Packrafts - KOKOPELLI Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! Kokopelli's Trail - Wikipedia Youll need to cache water on the Kokopelli. It is a pullover but has a zip on the side and at the front which makes it very easy to pull on and off keeping hats or helmets in place during the transition. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. } Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. 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. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. Gear lists from the AZT, TD and CTR; Pros & Cons; Things Id do different; and Tips. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. 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. 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. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Mile 10.6 Salt Creek NOT suitable for drinking, Mile 48 Westwater Ranger Station Water has been reported to have been shut off (get water from Colorado River), Mile 59.9 Colorado River (strain and filter), Mile 73.6 Colorado River (stain and filter). Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. , 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. Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. } The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. 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. Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. Use the Brave browser for an entirely ad free web experience. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. One should consider caching water along the route. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. Guided Mountain Biking on Kokopelli Trail | 57hours Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. 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. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail Photos and words by Joel Caldwell The Kokopelli Trail is a beautiful route winding from Fruita, Colorado to Moab, Utah. There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. Its June. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail - Joel Caldwell The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. 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. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. 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. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Top Rated Routes. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. Full Circle on the Grand Loop: Part II - The First Modern Bikepacking The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. Kokopelli's Trail | Bureau of Land Management Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. Happy planning! From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. 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. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. width:100%; Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. 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. Best Trails & Maps near Romulus | TrailLink 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. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. After the first 20 miles of singletrack, youll ride about 30 miles of dirt roads through Rabbit Valley, Castle Rocks, and Coal Draw. Press J to jump to the feed. rocky sections making it particularly challenging. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. 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! BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. KOKOPELLI TRAIL GUIDE - BIKEPACKING - One of Seven Project There is great camping in this area, too. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. 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. Claim this business (734) 326-9801. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. 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. 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? Moab Bikepacking 101 - Rim Tours Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. Website. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. Its best to ride the Kokopelli Trail in the Spring and Fall. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. } I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. 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. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita.

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