I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. 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 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. The allure of the bigger Grand Loop caught Dye's intrigue. A mix of dirt roads, desert Jeep tracks, and singletrack trails, Good fitness levels and intermediate mountain biking technical abilities required, The route is almost entirely on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land with lots of great camping on public land, Caching water is almost a requirement to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail self-supported, The Kokopelli trail connects singletrack, Jeep roads, and dirt roads following the Colorado River. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. The trail is posted with the flat brown flexible fiberglass posts and marked with blue and white Kokopelli stickers. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. I rode the latter half on a Monday and Tuesday and I think this really helped with traffic, not sure what this would have looked like on a weekend but I think it's worth it if you can go during the week! Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. } 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. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. rocky sections making it particularly challenging. 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. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. } I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. 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. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. 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. All rights reserved. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. If you're interested in a dedicated sleeping bag instead of a quilt, see our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Transportation Services. width:100%; Looking to start bikepacking? Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. 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). Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. width:100%; 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. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? 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. 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. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. width:100%; 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. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. 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. 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. But theyre even farther than you think. . I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. We didnt cache any water, either. I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. 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. There is great camping in this area, too. 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 trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. 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. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. South L, CA. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. There are no resupply options along the route. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Gloves guide. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. The Jeep trail and dirt roads can sometimes be very sandy, challenging, and slow-going. You decide. 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. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. More technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. 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. Starting in the east, the route becomes richer and the landscapes more Mars-like with each mile you travel towards the canyon lands of the high Utah desert. It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. Where do you start? 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. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. } @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { With hubs at the airport, United and Southwest will have the most flight options. Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. Happy planning! @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { 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). Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. But maybe you can be the fool who rides it and has a great time despite what other people say? With that said, you can find food at either end. Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. The weather can be unpredictable, regularly swinging from blazingly hot to frost-and-ice-all-over-your-tent cold. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. We cover other lighting options in our Best Headlamps guide. It really is ATV road the entire way between fruita and moab, some sections were very desolate with no trees where I would not have wanted to camp but found great spots both nights that were off the road a bit and felt remote enough for a nice backcountry site. sounds like a great trip! Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. 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. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. There are a few bailout options along the way. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. 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. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Cheers! Indian Trails. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { 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. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. You need to be logged in to use these features. 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. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial 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. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. Gear lists from the AZT, TD and CTR; Pros & Cons; Things Id do different; and Tips. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. 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. Its best to ride the Kokopelli Trail in the Spring and Fall. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. 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. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. 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. 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. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. } I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. Thank you for supporting us! This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. 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. 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 following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. We test. To learn more Click Here. Its June. The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. 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. Three mountain bik. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. 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. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). Although the route can be ridden in either direction, but most prefer a southwest flow from Fruita to Moab which enables a legendary finale down Porcupine Rim. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. 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. The full list of serves includes: SLC is an international airport so there are a few options. 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.
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