Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. There are a few bailout options along the way. 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. 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. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. Use the Brave browser for an entirely ad free web experience. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. 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. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. 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). This only adds about 4 miles extra overall to your trip, but youll ride slick rock along the edge of a canyon rim overlooking the Colorado River instead of the less scenic route not along a cliff. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. The Jeep trail and dirt roads can sometimes be very sandy, challenging, and slow-going. Moraine Full Meal Deal 12.5 mi 20.1 km . Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. 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. Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. 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. 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. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. For other backpacking tents we recommend, see our Best Backpacking Tents guide. All rights reserved. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. } Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. 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. 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. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. 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. The weather can be unpredictable, regularly swinging from blazingly hot to frost-and-ice-all-over-your-tent cold. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. The true scale of this landscape is only appreciated after much concentrated, technical riding on so called dirt roads, long descents and climbs out of the smallest of canyons, and by peering off the edge of the rim into an endless void of night. Skyler Des Roches (OffRoute.ca). More here. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. With that said, you can find food at either end. 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. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. 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. 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { There are plenty of primitive and a few developed options for camping or one can usually sleep along the trail side but please use LNT practices when doing so. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. 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. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. 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. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. 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. 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. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. 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. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. 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. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. Directions Advertisement. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. The desert environment can be unforgiving. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. 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). We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . 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. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. 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. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. 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 Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. (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? Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. 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. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. We didnt cache any water, either. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Cheers! @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. 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. Website. 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! @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { 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. We test. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. 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). One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. 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. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go.Salt Creek OverlookCastle RockCold SpringPorcupine RimKnowles CanyonBitter CreekMesa CreekCowskin Campground near Cotton CanyonHideout CanyonRock CastleBull DrawNorth Beaver Mesa CampgroundDewey BridgeRabbit Valley. 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. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) 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. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. If youre not from the area and want to see the Rocky Mountains you can fly into Denver International Airport (DIA), and rent a car. } Read more on the About Me page. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. Lael Wilcox, Kaitlyn Boyle, and Kurt Refsnider set off together early Friday morning on the Kokopelli Trail for a self-supported time trial between Loma, Colorado and Moab, Utah. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. 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