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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. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. 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. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. 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. 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. It would also add another 1000 jolts to your wrists and spine, as this trail is very bumpy. 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. As the leading creator and publisher of bikepacking routes, BIKEPACKING.com endeavors to maintain, improve, and advocate for our growing network of bikepacking routes all over the world. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. In terms of ride-a-bility the Kokopelli offers plenty of it and very little HAB. 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. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. But it also took some planning so it went off without a hitch. There are a few bailout options along the way. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. The Grand Loop - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. (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? There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. 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. 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. 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. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. 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. Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. width:100%; These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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. You could plan to finish on a day a friend was driving back from Moab. For other backpacking tents we recommend, see our Best Backpacking Tents guide. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. It follows the Colorado River, and youll regularly get views of the river as it winds through the landscape below. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. The first time I attempted the trail in a group, we werent fully prepared and bailed. There is great camping in this area, too. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. As soon as you hit the pavement in Moab, youll see Milts Stop N Eat, where you can get a milkshake, fries, and a burger. . There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. Top Rated Routes. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. The first 15 miles of the Kokopelli are technical singletrack. During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. This is certainly not a trip for bringing your dog or someone just starting out with biking. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. You can rent a full bikepacking setup from Bike Fiend in Moab. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. Hot on the heels of Lachlan Mortons record that was just set in May of this year, Kurt set a new mens fastest known time as well, knocking 19 minutes off of Lachlans already impressive ride. Cheers! 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 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. Guided Mountain Biking on Kokopelli Trail | 57hours Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. But theyre even farther than you think. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. Three mountain bik. 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. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. I personally cached water at Rabbit Valley, Colorado River/Dewey Bridge and at the bathrooms at the Fisher Valley Overlook. The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. 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. To learn more Click Here. NO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT ARE ALLOWED IN CROSSWINDS MARSH. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. 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. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Planned for 3 nights but the first half went quicker than I expected! BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. 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.. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. 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. Claim this business (734) 326-9801. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { Bikepackers camping along the Kokopelli trail, The singletrack section youll start on is some of the best mountain biking in the country, Descending out of the La Sal Mountain range into Moab is a particularly fun downhill, Many of the dirt roads are impassable after heavy rains. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { 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! The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. 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 and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. I did it last fall on a rigid MTB with 29x2.3 tires. Find our Kokopelli Trail route guide here. With more than 61 trails covering 486 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail Photos and words by Joel Caldwell The Kokopelli Trail is a beautiful route winding from Fruita, Colorado to Moab, Utah. 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 Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. No stove helped with space and water. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. } 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). MTB Project | Mountain Bike Trail Maps Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. Kokopelli Trail Bikepacking Route - BIKEPACKING.com There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. 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). #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . Revelate Saltyroll on Oveja Negra handlebar harness, food: tortillas, dried fruit, pb packets, tuna packets, summer sausage. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. 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. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. and filtered from there before the big climbs. 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. An epic view point along the Kokopelli Trail. Did you happen to see any of the folks attempting to set the FKT for it out there? 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. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. Thanks for your support! Find details on their records alongside a few photos taken by Rugile Kaladyte here, Photos by Rugile Kaladyte (@rugilekaladyte). The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles west of 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. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. Kokopelli's Trail | Bureau of Land Management We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Its best to ride the Kokopelli Trail in the Spring and Fall. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. } The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. } Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. With that said, you can find food at either end. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. 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. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. Indian Trails. You need to be logged in to use these features. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. 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. The Jeep trail and dirt roads can sometimes be very sandy, challenging, and slow-going. } Almost 20,000 feet of climbing. } It will take about half a day to cache water and drive back to either end of the Kokopelli. 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. The Kokopelli's Trail (also known as the Kokopelli Trail) is a 142-mile (229 km) multi-use trail (but primarily used by mountain bikes) in Grand County, Utah and Mesa County, Colorado in the western United States. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend.