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. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Fisher Creek was flowing at mile 107.4 as well. In 2017 that changed. Top Rated Routes. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. 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. I think the Gaia GPS app is the most useful for backcountry navigation. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Over the next 50 miles, youll do a lot of climbing, but the next ten miles will be the steepest. Directions Advertisement. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. 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. This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. 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. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) With hubs at the airport, United and Southwest will have the most flight options. Bike Inn; Needles 2 Moab Canyonlands; Bears Ears Mnt. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. The experience was humbling and quite challenging. 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. Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Thank you for supporting us! It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. If you enter this way, and depending on the time of day you may have to pay a $2 entrance fee, or 5$ vehicle fee. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Enlightened Equipment Torrid puffy jacket. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { 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. We didnt cache any water, either. Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. 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. 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. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. An epic view point along the Kokopelli Trail. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. 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. 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. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). } #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { The Kokopelli Trail is a 138-mile, multi-use trail that starts in Loma, CO (just a few miles northwest of Fruita) and ends on Sand Flats Road in Moab, UT, where it passes by Porcupine Rim . Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. 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. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. 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. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! A section of the trail, the Kokopelli Singletrack, begins just outside the . (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? The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. 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. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. There is great camping in this area, too. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. Find a detailed guide on the route below including parking, resupply and how to plan the perfect trip. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. 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. You can access the Colorado River from here, though. Thanks, me too!! South L, CA. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. 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. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. width:100%; Kurts finish time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. } 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. The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. Checkout all our available products in our store,and thanks for the support! The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. 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. Do you have a zipper or pull over? Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. There is some water along the route, but not enough to forego caching water unless you can carry enough water for 2 days. I recommend riding the Western Rim Trail, a 6-mile trail parallel to the official Kokopelli route near Fruita. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. 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. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. 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. Auto Repair. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. The legendary Kokopelli Trail, 140 miles of desert and mountain riding between Moab and Fruita. 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. 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. 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. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. 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. The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. This is certainly not a trip for bringing your dog or someone just starting out with biking. From the Loma exit (exit 15) off of I70 you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. 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 . I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. Continuing on 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. Toward the end of the day I would start feeling like my bones were being rattled, but it was definitely doable. Find an extra-long weekend and do this ride. Joe Cruz (Pedaling in Place), Kokopelli taught me the length of a desert mile. Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. This is certainly not a trip for. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. } rocky sections making it particularly challenging. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. You need to be logged in to use these features. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. Transportation Services. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. 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.