Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. 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. Kokopelli's Trail - Wikipedia The true scale of this landscape is only appreciated after much concentrated, technical riding on so called dirt roads, long descents and climbs out of the smallest of canyons, and by peering off the edge of the rim into an endless void of night. Skyler Des Roches (OffRoute.ca). Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. Cheers! Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. This is certainly not a trip for. 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. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. You can also get your bike repaired at Over The Edge in Fruita. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. We didnt cache any water, either. No suspension, just a set of 50c tires squeezed on there, and man it was awesome but truth be told I think it would have been even more enjoyable on a hardtail with a front shock at the very least. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. , 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. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. } 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. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Colorado River is too silty to filter, and some of the only other water sources along the route arent safe to drink due to the waters arsenic levels. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Shopping with our affiliates helps fund the development of content like this. 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. 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. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. 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. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. Kokopelli's Trail | Bureau of Land Management 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;} 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. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. Website. Kaitlyns finish time was 13 hours and 7 minutes, the new womens FKT. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Order Online. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. and filtered from there before the big climbs. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go.Salt Creek OverlookCastle RockCold SpringPorcupine RimKnowles CanyonBitter CreekMesa CreekCowskin Campground near Cotton CanyonHideout CanyonRock CastleBull DrawNorth Beaver Mesa CampgroundDewey BridgeRabbit Valley. New Kokopelli Trail FKT - BIKEPACKING.com You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { } Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. After riding through the Kokopelli Loops trail network, youll get a taste of your first hike-a-bike down to Salt Creek (which isnt safe to drink). Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? There are no resupply options along the route. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! width:100%; The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. 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. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. 142 Miles From Monday - Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail 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. I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. width:100%; The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. If you're interested in a dedicated sleeping bag instead of a quilt, see our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide. r/bikepacking - Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report 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. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. The desert environment can be unforgiving. . I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. In 2017 that changed. Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacking Alliance The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacker 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 As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. If you were to start in Moab and ride north, you would begin with a nearly 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. 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. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. Youll need to cache water on the Kokopelli. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. 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. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. Do you have a zipper or pull over? The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Directions Advertisement. For other backpacking tents we recommend, see our Best Backpacking Tents guide. Lastly, you could use two cars but this option means a lot of driving and extra time. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. More here. More here. During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. 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.