We didnt cache any water, either. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. 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. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. Youll need to cache water on the Kokopelli. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective, to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. A true western adventure with tough climbs and rewarding descents. The summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { What about wind breaker? 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. 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. 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. . Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! 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. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. 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. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. Kokopelli's Trail - Wikipedia The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. 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. No stove helped with space and water. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. 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! 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. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. I brought an Ultimate Direction Ultra Rain Jacket for this trip. } The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . Order Online. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. 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. 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. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. 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. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . You can find the Kokopelli Trail on Ride With GPS. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. The Kokopelli Trail begins with ~15 miles of singletrack above the Colorado River before a few dozen miles of 44 tracks, gravel roads, and two-tracks through badlands and over ledgey mesas before crossing the Colorado River at Dewey Bridge. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. This was Kaitlyns first ultra since a devastating car accident that had her questioning her ability to ride or walk again, but after a long and inspiring recovery, she managed to best Rebecca Ruschs 2013 record by 25 minutes. Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Unfortunately, there is no way around it and riders will need to exit out Castle Valley (mile 128) to get to Moab. 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). I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Thanks, me too!! *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. } 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. 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. Where do you start? This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. We completed the Kokopelli trail in three challenging, rewarding days of bike riding. MTB Project | Mountain Bike Trail Maps Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. 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 not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. Guided Mountain Biking on Kokopelli Trail | 57hours From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. 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. Website Take me there. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. KOKOPELLI TRAIL 2021 (Documentary) | Our First Time Bikepacking - YouTube The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. 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. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? } 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). Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. South L, CA. } 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. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. 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. 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. More here. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. The . Kokopelli Trail - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro Read these next or checkout the main resource page. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. This is certainly not a trip for bringing your dog or someone just starting out with biking. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? width:300px; 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. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. 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. Packing: I learned a lot from my first trip last year and made it work without a seat bag which was so nice to have full use of my dropper post on the descents. 150 miles. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. Kokopelli's Trail | Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. 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? I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. 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. As mentioned above it does allow one to sight see along the way. 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. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. 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. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. Website. 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 went out to Fruita a few weeks ago with my mtb and car camped in Rabbit Valley and was really wishing i had brought my gravel bike to cruise around there (other than the deep sand pockets lol). Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. 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. The experience was humbling and quite challenging. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. Find Related Places. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. I have bikepacked the Kokopelli on a fat bike with 5-inch tires and a plus bike with 3-inch tires. With 150 miles of gravel hike-and-bike trail, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) is one of the Easts best pathways, perfect for leisurely bike rides. 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. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. 142 Miles From Monday - Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. (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? By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. width:100%; Racing the sunset into Moab on the Porcupine Rim Trail and I didn't see a single person on the descent (probably because I started around 6pm on a Tuesday). You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. Moab Bikepacking 101 - Rim Tours Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. Hi, Im Phil. 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;} Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. The race includes the following categories: Kokopelli 100 Ultra Marathon Individual 104 miles with 11k of climbing, Kokopelli 100 Ultra Marathon Relay same course as the individual but with 2 to 4 people. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Gloves guide. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. The Grand Loop - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. 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 trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. 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. I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . 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. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Happy planning! Looking Back: The Kokopelli Trail - Cycling West - Cycling Utah This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. 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. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. 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. Discover Kokopelli's Trail, which pioneered 'bikepacking' - Magazine This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. Top 10 Bikepacking Routes in the US - Mountain bike trails & Mountain Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. But theyre even farther than you think. 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 is great camping in this area, too. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. See a problem? There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. width:100%; One consideration is to bring a, If you want to execute a successful trip, it will certainly behoove you to do some checking and planning during the weeks leading up to your trip.