kokopelli trail bikepacking

I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. 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. 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! Dirt roads, paved roads, and singletrack with some technical areas. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! 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. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. 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). We didnt cache any water, either. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. 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. Fingerless bike gloves. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. Route notes: the giant tarmac descent from fischer overlook and giant tarmac climb up to the porcupine rim trail suuuucked. 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. Lael Wilcox, Kaitlyn Boyle, and Kurt Refsnider set off together early Friday morning on the Kokopelli Trail for a self-supported time trial between Loma, Colorado and Moab, Utah. In 2017 that changed. This trailhead is where the Kokopelli Trail starts and is even a location on Google maps now. Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? Get on the trail with detailed maps shared by riders like you. Water options while bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail: There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. I have bikepacked the Kokopelli on a fat bike with 5-inch tires and a plus bike with 3-inch tires. sounds like a great trip! Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. width:100%; This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. width:100%; Lack of clean water will be one of your biggest hurdles. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. The closest large airport to the Kokopelli Trail is the Salt Lake City International Airport. Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. If you finished on a weekend you could try and hitch but finding a ride with an open rack and empty seat could prove difficult. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { The trail is posted with the flat brown flexible fiberglass posts and marked with blue and white Kokopelli stickers. Read these next or checkout the main resource page. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. This Site and our mobile application contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). 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. Thank you for supporting us! Find Related Places. 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). This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. 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. All rights reserved. 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. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) 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. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Kokopelli Trail Planning Aids Tour Divide Planning Aids Bikepacking Survey Results Data Collages Hiking Hiking Guides Pemi Loop Guide Hiking Gear My Proven Triple Crown Hiking Gear List If I Hiked Again Gear Review - If I Hiked The Appalachian Trail Again Gear Review - If I Hiked The Long Trail Again 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. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. 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. 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. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual), https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/rsz_ce61a8f9-0b12-4e41-b403-e902df8f4593.jpg, http://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/1of7-logo-lockup-grey-1132x212-300x56.png, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rsz_untitled_design_87.jpg, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/AXOK3707.jpg, Gear Review - If I Rode the Kokopelli Trail Again, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rsz_untitled_design_81.jpg, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Untitled-design-19.jpg, Gear Review - If I Rode the Arizona Trail Race Again, https://oneofsevenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Untitled-design-9.jpg, Gear Review - If I Rode The Tour Divide Again. Kokopelli 100 MTB Individual Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Help could behours or days away! To learn more Click Here. 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. 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. 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. 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. Do you have a zipper or pull over? The Kokopelli Trail is a difficult bikepacking trail. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. I think with as much sand and slickrock that I encountered my answer to you in short would be, yes, foolish to try this on a gravel bike, coming from a mountainbiker who has no idea what a gravel bike is capable of. You might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational. The legendary Kokopelli Trail, 140 miles of desert and mountain riding between Moab and Fruita. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. Its June. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. 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). The BLMs webpage for the Westwater Station says explicitly, do not depend upon this water source for your trip's water needs as the system is not always operational.. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. 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. 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. If youre like me and have a passion for riding your bike, then read on. You dont need any permits to bikepack the Kokopelli Trail. Kokopelli Trail; Best of Moab Mnt. 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. You need to be logged in to use these features. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { There is great camping in this area, too. 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. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. No stove helped with space and water. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. Happy planning! You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 mile multi use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. One group dropped water at Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge, the other group drove the dirt road in an SUV to Fisher Valley and left a cache there. Website Take me there. 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. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. 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). Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. Every time I reach this point of the trail, I wonder if Ive taken a wrong turn, but then I check a map, realize Im on the route and laugh at myself for choosing to do this. The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? This Kokopelli Trail Guide will give you everything you need to know. 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. 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? 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. Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. 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). Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. 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. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. 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. You decide. width:100%; 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. 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. With hubs at the airport, United and Southwest will have the most flight options. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. 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. Learn more. Some of the singletrack is unrideable, too. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. 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. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { Website. 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 best time to thru-bike the trail is from March/April to the end of October.

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