After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. 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. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. 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. I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. 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. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. (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? The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. 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 Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. You need to be logged in to use these features. The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Gloves guide. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. 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. Top Rated Routes. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Thank you for supporting us! Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. 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. The riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). Looking to start bikepacking? It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. Happy planning! BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. Website. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. 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. 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. 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. 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.. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. } The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. 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. and filtered from there before the big climbs. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . There are a few bailout options along the way. Explore the best rated trails in Romulus, MI. Between the river and the top of ride at 8200ft I quickly realized there were not as many water sources as I had thought there would be, and this was the only time I got a little worried the morning of day 3 with 2000ft of climbing ahead of me and only 2L on me. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. Image via Bureau of Land Management 1.Kokopelli Trail Trail Length: About 150 miles one-way Days to complete: 3-5 Riding : Mostly doubletrack and singletrack 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. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. Read more on the About Me page. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. 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. You may try and see if one would drop you back off in Fruita. 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? } No stove helped with space and water. What puffy jacket do you use? The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. Do you have a zipper or pull over? } The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. Moab Motorsports does ask that you let them know youre leaving your car with them ahead of time. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. But theyre even farther than you think. 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. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. 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 . Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. Three mountain bik. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. You decide. We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. We test. Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. Youll need to cache water on the Kokopelli. 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. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Order Online. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West. To learn more Click Here. Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial Trail. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. 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. Find Related Places. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. Its best to ride the Kokopelli Trail in the Spring and Fall. With that said, you can find food at either end. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! 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. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. 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. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. But maybe you can be the fool who rides it and has a great time despite what other people say? Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! 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! Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. 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. South L, CA. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. Kaitlyns finish time was 13 hours and 7 minutes, the new womens FKT. 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. 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. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. 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. 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 create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. 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. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! 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. One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. } 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. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. width:100%; Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. 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. width:300px; The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Thanks for your support! The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land.