kokopelli trail bikepacking

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. 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. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Bikepacking is exciting and rewarding form of off-pavement, adventure bike touring. You need to be logged in to use these features. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. 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. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . Where do you start? Kokopelli's Trail Phone: (435) 259-2100 Email: utmbmail@blm.gov Address: Moab Field Office 82 Dogwood Ave. Moab, UT 84532 Latitude/Longitude: 39.177737, -108.827444 Directions: From Grand Junction, travel west on Interstate 70 about 15 miles. Also only split up in 2-4 segments. This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. See a problem? This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . 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. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! } We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. 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. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. Transportation Services. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. 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. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacking Alliance } This is certainly not a trip for. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? This page is divide up in simple sections to give you information in easily digestible bites. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. 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. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. 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. From here, the climb into the La Sal Mountains starts in earnest. More here. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. 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 trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. Lastly, you could use two cars but this option means a lot of driving and extra time. 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. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Unfortunately, there is no way around it and riders will need to exit out Castle Valley (mile 128) to get to Moab. In 2017 that changed. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. You need to be logged in to use these features. Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Technical sections will challenge your mountain biking skills. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The full list of serves includes: SLC is an international airport so there are a few options. I did it last fall on a rigid MTB with 29x2.3 tires. All rights reserved. . There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. I'm just curious what the best is for bikepacking. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. 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. 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. Water can be found at miles 48, 70, 83, and 126. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. 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. Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. Press J to jump to the feed. 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 . 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. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. 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. Unless youre camping in the La Sals, you likely wont encounter bears on the Kokopelli Trail. 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. In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, and AZTR again. 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. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. I recommend caching water at Rabbit Valley trailhead, near Dewey Bridge by the road along Highway 128, and Fisher Valley. Website. You carry all your gear on the bike, from food/water . The next closest would be Grand Junction or Salt Lake City (SLC). There will be small sections of optional singletrack along the way, but the jeep roads youll be riding through here are loose and sandy enough that you probably wont want more of a challenge. South L, CA. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. The summer months can be extremely hot so plan to tackle it during the shoulder months for a more enjoyable trip. 7 Incredible Bikepacking Trips in the US to Have on Your Radar 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. 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. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. 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. Bikepacking The Kokopelli Trail Treeline Review The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Indian Trails. Help could behours or days away! 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. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Thanks for your support! We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. Find Related Places. Be sure to stop at, Powered by red Starbursts and Fat Tire Amber Ale, 6 Bikepacking Routes in Southern California | Year-round Fun, 11 of the Most Popular Bikepacking Trails in the US, Colorado Bikepacking Trails A Bikepackers Dreamland, How to Prepare For the C&O Canal and GAP Trail. Kokopelli's Trail - Wikipedia You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. 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). They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. 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). Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. For other backpacking tents we recommend, see our Best Backpacking Tents guide. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is even marked on these maps. 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. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. I have attempted the Kokpelli 3 times and completed it twice. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. 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. 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. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. 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. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. 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. KOKOPELLI TRAIL GUIDE - BIKEPACKING - One of Seven Project Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. Fingerless bike gloves. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. Gear lists from the AZT, TD and CTR; Pros & Cons; Things Id do different; and Tips. 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. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. 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Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { Click here for more info. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. That first ride took him 23 hours, and soon after, he rode the trail in the opposite direction in just 17 hours. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. 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. 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. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. One should consider caching water along the route. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. The experience was humbling and quite challenging. No stove helped with space and water. Kokepellis Trail is part of the Grand Loop, a much larger bikepacking routethat utilizes Kokopellis Trail system, The Paradox Trail, and Tabegauche Trail. An epic view point along the Kokopelli Trail. 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! 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. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. r/bikepacking - Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. sounds like a great trip! @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project. 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. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. What about wind breaker? } } 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. 142 Miles From Monday - Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail 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. 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! It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. Hi, Im Phil. You can camp almost everywhere along the route, too. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. width:100%; Looking to start bikepacking? Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. 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. } But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. One group member attempted to ride the trail on a drop bar gravel bike with 2-inch tires. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. Stretches can be particularly sandy, but never for too long at a time (and there's no need for a fat bike). The following year I returned to the Kokopelli Trail more prepared. 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.

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