The experience was humbling and quite challenging. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but a mountain biker still needs strong navigation abilities. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Bike 3-Day; Bears Ears Backcntry 4-Day; Grand Staircase-Escalante; Moab Bikepacking 101; Vehicle Support Services; . } UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. 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. That first ride took him 23 hours, and soon after, he rode the trail in the opposite direction in just 17 hours. Most of your riding will be on dirt and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. 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. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_submit_button_wrapper { Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. Website. rocky sections making it particularly challenging. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. We look forward to sharing the natural splendor of Crosswinds through our interpretive programming, activities and future exhibits. 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. Sawyer Squeeze, which is the overall winner in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide. 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. After a day of waiting for the roads to dry, we bailed to the interstate, which was luckily still nearby. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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. This variation would add approximately 14 miles to your trip. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. Most rideable parts require at most intermediate-level mountain biking abilities. Continuing 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 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. Where do you start? The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. For some time now the Kokopelli was without an official race on the calendar. The Koko box is checked and we've got our sights on searching for what is next. } Website Take me there. 150 miles. 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. 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. What about wind breaker? From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. Repair Shops & Related Services NEC. The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. 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 just curious what the best is for bikepacking. There are plenty of camping options along the way including the BLM campgrounds listed below; some may require a small fee. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? Moab Brewery is the only brewery in the town of Moab. 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. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route. There are a ton of options out there. width:100%; This quick guide to bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail will give you the information and insight you need for a successful trip to one of the most spectacular bike trails out there. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. } Would it be foolish to try to ride the Kokopelli Trail on a gravel bike? There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. I think 3 riders have done it under 10.5 hours in the past few weeks. KOKOPELLI TRAIL GUIDE - BIKEPACKING - One of Seven Project Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? Kokopelli 140 MTB Two-day Stage Event (Individual) The 144 miles spilt into two days of racing, instead of one. The final climb will be on a paved road, but by this point, youll probably be ready for easier riding. The Kokopelli Trail is a good first test. This Kokopelli Trail Guidebook from Bikerpelli is also helpful for planning your trip. 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. Water is a big challenge on the Kokopelli Trail. After the first 20 miles of singletrack, youll ride about 30 miles of dirt roads through Rabbit Valley, Castle Rocks, and Coal Draw. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. 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 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. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. Learn more. The Grand Loop - Backcountry MTB // Industry Nine - Pivot Pro Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective, to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. A section of the trail, the Kokopelli Singletrack, begins just outside the . Transportation Services. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. Kokopelli Trail - Bikepacker Stretching along public lands, Kokopelli's Trail is an epic journey on the Colorado Plateau. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. Kokopelli Trail (Bikepacking Route + Porcupine Rim) location Utah, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. There is some concern with possible theft but it worked out fine for me. You might be able to get water from a spigot here, but dont count on it. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. Bikepacking - One of Seven Project We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. NO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT ARE ALLOWED IN CROSSWINDS MARSH. Experience a multitude of terrains and landscapes on a trail that links two of the most coveted mountain biking areas in the country. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Gloves guide. Fruita and Moab are full-service towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. Water at BLM ranger station at mile 48 is not fit to drink, filter from river. 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. 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). Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Bikepacking on the Kokopelli Trail - Joel Caldwell Ive used this inflatable pad for several years now. Looking to start bikepacking? I used a Tarptent Aeon Li tent for the Kokopelli Trail. 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 Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. It connects some of the best singletrack around in Fruita and Moab with 100 miles of ATV roads. } Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. } Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. There are long stretches of challenging desert riding, and those new to the sport will find it very challenging. Do you have a zipper or pull over? The . For more recommendations of puffy jackets, see our Best Down Jackets or Best Synthetic Jacket guides. With 150 miles of gravel hike-and-bike trail, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) is one of the Easts best pathways, perfect for leisurely bike rides. Patagonia Womens Nylon Capri Pants cut into shorts (discontinued). The Bike Fiend or Chili Pepper Bike Shop are options for getting your bike repaired in Moab. Another option is to check Craigslists ride share page for various cities where you think someone might be travel to or from Moab. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. It's my one and only and it's so fun everywhere I take it. Non-stop vistas of far away mountains and canyons might lure one into a sort of topographic pomposity. 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. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. In 2017 that changed. 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. New for 2023 Cleaned up the sheets and adjusted the colors for better viewing. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. width:100%; As an affiliate partner, One of Seven Project earns a commission for purchases made through any product, brand logo links, or banner ads on this page. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. 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. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. Directions Advertisement. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. 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. You need to be logged in to use these features. 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. Many of the BLM campgrounds lining the trail do not have water, or if they do its not potable. (mens and womens & nobo and sobo available). The lack of suspension limited my speed on rough downhill, meant a good deal of discomfort on washboard and rocky sections, and my gravel bikes drop bars just weren't very forgiving on my shoulders as it was a bit of an aggressive riding position. Click here for more info. 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. 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. Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Dont drink from Salt Creek or Onion Creek for this reason. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! 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 old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills. There are no resupply options along the route. width:300px; Moab Bikepacking 101 - Rim Tours 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. } I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. A few miles after Rabbit Valley it is highly recommended to take the scenic off-route detour on the Western Rim trail. Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project One section requires a rider to lift your bike over car-sized boulders. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. The dancing flautist image is now common throughout the southwest, generally embodying carefree and joyous adventure. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. r/bikepacking - Kokopelli Trail, the long way into Moab (trip report I love having a one-bike-fits-all quiver. Ive even seen some water flowing in the fall around here. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. 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. Bedrock Cairns, which is the overall winner in our Best Hiking Sandals gear review. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. The other person in our group did not bring a storm-worthy shelter. Petzl Bindi, which is a favorite of other Treeline Review writers and featured in our Backpacking Guide to the South Dakota Centennial Trail. As the snow melted, those clay-heavy dirt roads became unrideable. Discover Kokopelli's Trail, which pioneered 'bikepacking' - Magazine There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. When coming into Moab, you can opt to ride the Porcupine Rim Trail to add a fun but technical singletrack descent into town. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. I was very happy to have my 27+ tires in the sand and front suspension on the big drops required on some sections of the ATV roads as well as the fast descents that necessitated careful line choices and were still quite rattling on my hardtail. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli. The race includes the following categories: Kokopelli 100 Ultra Marathon Individual 104 miles with 11k of climbing, Kokopelli 100 Ultra Marathon Relay same course as the individual but with 2 to 4 people. 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. 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. 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 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. Its June. There is great camping in this area, too. 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. At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. 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 total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. 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. Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. Xmas Valley Epic 17.5 mi 28.2 km 2,685' Up 818.24 m Up 2,704' Down 824.08 m Down. For more recommendations, see our Best Mountain Bike Helmet guide. From there, the trail traverses through the Cottonwood Canyon, Beaver Mesa, and all La Sal Loop sections leading up to your final stretch. Moab has a small regional airport you can fly to from either Salt Lake City or Denver. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Moraine Full Meal Deal 12.5 mi 20.1 km . The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. The Kokopelli has very few water sources along the route. Bikers most commonly ride the Kokopelli Trail southbound, starting at the Loma Trailhead and finishing in Moab. 28685 Smith Rd Romulus MI 48174 (734) 326-9801. 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. Rock formations including arches and windows are a highlight of bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail. More. See a problem? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures.
Henry Fischel Family Tree, Stephanie Birkitt Letters, Sanford Ecnl Showcase 2022, Why Did Annie Call Kenny Papa, Melbourne Museum Opening Hours, Articles K