I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. 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. 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. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. 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. Get your FREE backpacking checklist PDF here! You will be looking for East Mill Creek Drive which turns into Sand Flats Rd The Trail: The Kokopelli Trail is part of the Grand loop, a bikepacking route that combines the Kokopelli Trail, Paradox Trail and Tabegauche Trail. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. We didnt cache any water, either. You could plan to finish on a day a friend was driving back from Moab. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. There are no resupply options along the route. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. sounds like a great trip! Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. More here. 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. That first ride took him 23 hours, and soon after, he rode the trail in the opposite direction in just 17 hours. The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. } From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. I have bikepacked the Kokopelli on a fat bike with 5-inch tires and a plus bike with 3-inch tires. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. 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! The best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. and filtered from there before the big climbs. We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. No stove helped with space and water. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. 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. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs Slickrock area. One should consider caching water along the route. 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. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. In 2017 that changed. Once you arrive in Moab, there are countless mountain bike trails to explore. What puffy jacket do you use? 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. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. 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. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Like any adventure, the Kokopelli Trail is not a trail to trifle which. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. 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. (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? South L, CA. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? 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. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. The Kokopelli Trail is a vintage route ridden and raced long before doing stuff like this was popular. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. Youll cross highway 128 and then ride through Yellow Jacket Canyon, a highlight of the Kokopelli. 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. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. 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. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. width:100%; We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The legendary Kokopelli Trail, 140 miles of desert and mountain riding between Moab and Fruita. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. 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 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. You can find the Kokopelli Trail on Ride With GPS. Find Related Places. 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. 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. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. 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). The full list of serves includes: SLC is an international airport so there are a few options. Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The second time was so good that I bikepacked the Kokopelli again. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I have experienced extremely high winds and snowstorms in the high desert regions of Colorado and Utah, and this tent always holds up well. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. There is some water along the route, but not enough to forego caching water unless you can carry enough water for 2 days. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. But theyre even farther than you think. 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 Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. To learn more Click Here. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. Kaitlyns finish time was 13 hours and 7 minutes, the new womens FKT. Cant say much for Kokopelli but I just did the White Rim trail (which is quite close by) on my gravel bike. If you want to execute a successful trip, it would certainly behoove you to do some checking and planning during the weeks leading up to your trip. What about wind breaker? Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. width:100%; 150 miles. The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. Indian Trails. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. Claim this business (734) 326-9801. 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. 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. Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. } As you get near the top of the final climb, the number of tourists youll see will make you feel like youre already in Moab. } 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. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. } 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). When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. Lastly, you could use two cars but this option means a lot of driving and extra time. I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. 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. 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). Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend 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. More. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. 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 access the Colorado River from here, though. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. 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. 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. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. Fingerless bike gloves. 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. The experience was humbling and quite challenging.
