Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. 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). Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. More here. width:100%; From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. If you're interested in a dedicated sleeping bag instead of a quilt, see our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide. Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. You can access the Colorado River from here, though. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. 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. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. width:100%; From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. 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. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. 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. We didnt cache any water, either. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. 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. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. 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. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. Passing the torch: A Kokopelli Trail do-over - Rodeo Adventure Labs, LLC The lack of suspension limited my speed on rough downhill, meant a good deal of discomfort on washboard and rocky sections, and my gravel bikes drop bars just weren't very forgiving on my shoulders as it was a bit of an aggressive riding position. 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 I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The La Sal Loop Road is currently undergoing construction this spring/summer/fall, 2017 and portions of it is closed, including a section of it that is used by the Kokopelli Trail. Looking Back: The Kokopelli Trail - Cycling West - Cycling Utah 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). 7 Incredible Bikepacking Trips in the US to Have on Your Radar I used a Tarptent Aeon Li tent for the Kokopelli Trail. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. Do you have a zipper or pull over? Gear lists from the AZT, TD and CTR; Pros & Cons; Things Id do different; and Tips. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. From there, youll be closer to the start of the Kokopelli Trail. sounds like a great trip! We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. 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. 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.. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. 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. Thanks for your support! A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. 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_email_field_wrapper { width:100%; BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! The . Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. Website. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. With that said, you can find food at either end. I'm on a small bike so not a ton of space in the frame, and I will die before I bike in a backpack, so I was able to put all my water on the frame, clothes and sleep setup on the handlebar, and food in the hip pack. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. If you are thinking about bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail this guide will give you the information and insight you need for a successful trip to one of the most spectacular bike trails out there. } The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. Press J to jump to the feed. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. The Kokopelli Trail is a special route, and whether youre looking to tackle it in a single day or spread it out over a long weekend, its definitely one worth adding to the bucket list. and filtered from there before the big climbs. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. The legendary Kokopelli Trail, 140 miles of desert and mountain riding between Moab and Fruita. Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. 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. 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. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. 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. Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacker 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. 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 . It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. Thanks, me too!! The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. Auto Repair. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. 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. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. All rights reserved. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { You need to be logged in to use these features. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. More here. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. You can camp almost everywhere along the route, too. width:100%; 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. } width:100%; 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. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { 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. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail - Joel Caldwell 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. Its June. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. 150 miles. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. 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. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Help could behours or days away! 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. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. The Kokopelli Trail spreads from Loma, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, over 142 exciting miles! Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. Discover Kokopelli's Trail, which pioneered 'bikepacking' - Magazine It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. 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. Every time I reach this point of the trail, I wonder if Ive taken a wrong turn, but then I check a map, realize Im on the route and laugh at myself for choosing to do this. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. 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. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. KOKOPELLI TRAIL 2021 (Documentary) | Our First Time Bikepacking - YouTube #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. 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. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. Kokopelli Trail Bikepacking Route - BIKEPACKING.com The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys.
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