In 2017 that changed. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. 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. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. 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 It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. Three mountain bik. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. 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. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. 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. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. 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. Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . width:300px; Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. All rights reserved. The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. 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. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. If you have a vital issue or opportunity regarding this route that pertains to one of the subjects below, please let us know: **Advocacy opportunities may include bringing awareness to a new trail project, conservation initiative, access potential, or local effort that we might help with or bring awareness to via our broad-reaching platform. Order Online. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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. and filtered from there before the big climbs. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. 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 soon as you hit the pavement in Moab, youll see Milts Stop N Eat, where you can get a milkshake, fries, and a burger. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. 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. 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. After at least 6 failed attempts in the mid-1990s, Gary became the first to ride the 140-mile-long Kokopelli Trail self-supported in one day. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. What puffy jacket do you use? There is great camping in this area, too. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. width:100%; Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. 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. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. } Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. Kokopelli's Trail Phone: (435) 259-2100 Email: utmbmail@blm.gov 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. You can also get your bike repaired at Over The Edge in Fruita. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. 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. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. Kokepellis Trail is part of the Grand Loop, a much larger bikepacking routethat utilizes Kokopellis Trail system, The Paradox Trail, and Tabegauche Trail. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. 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. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Kokopelli 100 MTB Individual Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. 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. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. 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. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. 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. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. I dont recommend riding Porcupine Rim without a full-suspension bike. No stove helped with space and water. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. 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. 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 Bikepacking is one of The Project's main focuses. There will be small sections of optional singletrack along the way, but the jeep roads youll be riding through here are loose and sandy enough that you probably wont want more of a challenge. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. 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. See a problem? Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. 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. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. You can camp almost everywhere along the route, too. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. To learn more Click Here. 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 it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. 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). sounds like a great trip! Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the World), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. 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. There are a few bailout options along the way. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. We didnt cache any water, either. 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. 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. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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. I did it last fall on a rigid MTB with 29x2.3 tires. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial Trail. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. Website. 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. 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. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. Kristina Ritchie (@get_terrestrial) Instagram photos and videos, .fca_eoi_form{ margin: auto; } .fca_eoi_form p { width: auto; } #fca_eoi_form_1856 input{ max-width: 9999px; }#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper {display: none !important;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_description_copy_wrapper {display: none !important;}.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-borderless.tooltipster-optin-cat .tooltipster-box .tooltipster-content { color: #fff }.tooltipster-optin-cat.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-top .tooltipster-arrow-border { border-top-color: #d63031 !important }.tooltipster-optin-cat.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-bottom .tooltipster-arrow-border { border-bottom-color: #d63031 !important }.tooltipster-sidetip.tooltipster-borderless.tooltipster-optin-cat .tooltipster-box { background-color: #d63031 !important }.fca_eoi_layout_inputs_wrapper { background-color: unset !important }#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element::-webkit-input-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element::-moz-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element:-ms-input-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_form_input_element:-moz-placeholder {opacity:0.6;color:#595252;}#fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper:hover, #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper input:hover {background-color:#b96701 !important;} The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! Fully packed bikepacking set up for the Kokopelli Trail. During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. The next closest would be Grand Junction or Salt Lake City (SLC). Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. There are a ton of options out there. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. width:100%; The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. Its reliable, keeps me warm, and Thermarests lifetime warranty is no joke. You decide. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. 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.. Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected! On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. Website Take me there. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. The trail is posted with the flat brown flexible fiberglass posts and marked with blue and white Kokopelli stickers. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. } The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. Read more on the About Me page. 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. 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. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). 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. 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. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs.