kokopelli trail bikepacking

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The trail ends in the Sand Flats section which takes you from Porcupine Rim to Slickrock. Celebrate your thru-hiking class with the Class of ___ T-shirt! The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. The Kokopelli Trail ends in the Slickrock area on the east end of Moab, UT. The riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. See our gear review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for other recommendations. 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). 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. Also, the Hot Tomato in Fruita has some of the best pizza Ive ever eaten, and they have great beers on tap. CNY is closest airport but also the most expensive and with the most limited options. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? 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. 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. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Camping along the Kokopelli is easy to find. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial Trail. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. There is some water along the route, but not enough to forego caching water unless you can carry enough water for 2 days. I'm going to be riding into Moab towards the end of June or early July. Over 143 miles, you climb about 14,000 feet/4,144 meters and descend about the same. } It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. 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. There is amazing camping here, awesome slick rock riding, and stunning Colorado Plateau rock formations. 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. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile desert bikepacking route linking the mountain biking epicenters of Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University/Parks Trail and Clinton River Park Trail. Mile 10.6 Salt Creek NOT suitable for drinking, Mile 48 Westwater Ranger Station Water has been reported to have been shut off (get water from Colorado River), Mile 59.9 Colorado River (strain and filter), Mile 73.6 Colorado River (stain and filter). This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. 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. But theyre even farther than you think. The Kokopelli Trail is an 136.4 milemulti use recreational trail that goes from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. Aid stations rough every 8 miles. Ive done this using collapsible water jugs, but it takes time and extra equipment. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? , 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 technical singletrack sections are on the descent into Moab and scattered throughout the route. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. 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. What puffy jacket do you use? Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. The closes airports to fly into would beMoab (CNY) itself, but the cost would be extremely high. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. Website Take me there. I found a trickle of cool, clear water at hideout spring (find the cottonwoods!!) Bikepacking Alliance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Are you looking for a reliable and efficient fat bike to conquer muddy and snowy terrain? Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. For other backpacking tents we recommend, see our Best Backpacking Tents guide. The last time I was there, I was told that the pipes were contaminated with E. Coli. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. You need to be logged in to use these features. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. } It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. Thanks for your support! Happy planning! Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. 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. During my thru-bike I left my car at the Loma trailhead parking lot for Marys Loop Trails. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. There was some water new Onion Creek Hideout CG during my attempt the end of April 2016. Location: The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. width:100%; We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. The trail is signposted with blue and white logo stickers as well as brown arrow signs along the way. The Kokopelli Trail is divided into nine sections, each with its own unique terrain and scenery. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! Looking to start bikepacking? One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. The route is popular as a 2- to 3-night bikepacking trip, a 3- to 4-day vehicle-supported trip, and as a . The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. } Checkout the Colorado Trail Transportation Guide for train options if you want to fly into Denver and take the train to Grand Junction. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. I used a Cedar Ridge Outdoors Leconte 20* quilt. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. @media screen and ( max-width: 100% ) { The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. Find Related Places. You decide. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. There are a few bailout options along the way. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. The trail starts in Loma, CO within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, at the Marys Loop Trails. 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. 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. 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. Once youre in the La Sals, youll probably find a stream or two to collect water from. I would have gladly traded out for either of those bikes when it the trail started getting a little chunkier. Looking to start bikepacking? Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. Image via Bureau of Land Management 1.Kokopelli Trail Trail Length: About 150 miles one-way Days to complete: 3-5 Riding : Mostly doubletrack and singletrack The Rando is a favorite in our Touring Bike Gear List. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. width:100%; I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. Thanks, me too!! Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). Help could behours or days away! Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. 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. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. The Jeep trail and dirt roads can sometimes be very sandy, challenging, and slow-going. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. If you can ride intermediate-level mountain bike terrain, the Kokopelli Trail will be a rewarding experience. 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. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Our first time bikepacking the Kokopelli trail was a humbling failure, but also an appreciative win.This short bikepacking documentary shows the metaphorical. . and filtered from there before the big climbs. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! This works only if you dont have any issues and show up on time. Bikepacking has taken the mountain bike world by storm, with the upper echelon of bikepackers continuing to shatter time barriers and pioneer incredible . It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly.

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