kokopelli trail bikepacking

There are several hike-a-bike sections of this trail. They did say you can leave your car at Moab Motorsports located at25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. All rights reserved. More flag On Ute Land Distance 158 Mi. Follow Leave No Trace Ethics, including camping and pooping far from water. I would probably avoid doing it on anything skinnier than 2" tires, But some of you gravel grinders are pretty hard core so IDK. But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. 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 riding is primarily non-technical dirt roads and Jeep double track, but it is about 15% singletrack. Group size must be limited to 12 people or less. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. The Kokopelli is world-class bikepacking. The Jeep trail and dirt roads can sometimes be very sandy, challenging, and slow-going. You decide. The Kokopelli Trail starts out on some single track affording beautiful views of the Colorado River. 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. Possibly one of the most well-known bikepacking routes in the USA (if not North America), the Kokopelli Trail is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful Colorado and Utah desert on your own two Parts of the trail are used by jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. 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 not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. 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. Looking up from Fischer Valley to the top of the climb next to the la sals, giving myself a goal of making it there in 5 hours, and getting up in 5 hours to look back down at the valley. Take the Loma exit (exit 15), then travel west on gravel frontage road south of the interstate. Over the Edge bike shop suggests people park behind Suds Brothers Brewery at 127 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. I hope you have fun out there in a few weeks! } The Kokopelli Trail ends in Moabs Slickrock. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. The southern end of Yellow Jacket Canyon crosses Highway 128 and passes Dewey Bridge before the most substantial climbing of the Kokopelli starts. Do you have a zipper or pull over? Order Online. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. The road is scheduled to open on weekends after May 27th. 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_name_field_wrapper { 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). You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. 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. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . We cached water at a few road crossings, brought bikes with high-volume tires, and generally respected the challenges of the trail more. 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. I recommend using an Ursack as well, just in case. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. 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'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. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. Go out with a spirit of excitement and return with a sense of accomplishment. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. There are unmarked turns, and its not always easy to see the brown carsonite trail markers at junctions. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . 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. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. UPDATE (November, 2017): Apparently work is still going on and way behind as of 11/18/2017. These are primitive campsites so dont expect much as far as amenities go. But theyre even farther than you think. Doesnt this sound like a better way to end a trip as a descent? The other two in the party were on a hardtail and a rigid fatbike. The Kokopelli Trail is relatively well marked, but you still need strong navigation abilities. What puffy jacket do you use? Thanks, me too!! There are some pretty steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. From the trailhead at Loma, after a quick gravel traverse, the route starts with 10+ miles of mesa singletrack overlooking the Colorado River. Website Take me there. Fingerless bike gloves. } *This video is for the AZTR but the information is universal. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! There are not too many reliable water sources on this trail so its important to plan accordingly. I used a Thermarest Neoair Xlite for this trail. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. So, long story short yes I bet you could absolutely do it, but no I probably wouldn't recommend it. Ive made it on the dirt road to Fisher Valley in a Subaru, but a sedan wouldn't make it there. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. Finished this classic route in 3 full days, 2 nights out on the trail, 10-12 hours riding per day. Returning on 3-inch tires, I had a much more difficult time on those sandy sections. That was my fools attitude in spite of pedaling and adventuring in that corner of Utah for decades. 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. On the 142-mile Kokopelli's Trail, a group of bikepackers race against dusk on Porcupine Rim, a. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah. The trail was created by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) in cooperation with the Bureau of . We were granted access by the weather up and over the La Sals unlike our previous attempt. Then youll be in Fisher Valley, where Ive always cached water by the road. Do your own research, know the route, options, and use proper judgement when out there. A big storm can leave you stranded on unrideable dirt roads of sticky, peanut butter mud that will stop your wheels from turning. On the DiscoverMoab.com website there is a list of companies offering shuttle service to Grand Junction. We used collapsible water jugs like these so we can strap them to our bikes and easily carry them out, too. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. There is a reliable stream in Castle Valley, just before the road climbs into the La Sals. You can find the Kokopelli Trail on Ride With GPS. This bucket-list bikepacking trip is an adventure of the soul and a test of your commitment. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. ONE SHOULD ASSUME ALL WATER SOURCES TO BE DRY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. This requires a 9 mile pavement ride to the Kokepellis Trailhead, but offers a safe parking solution. The Kokopelli Trail is a popular ride between the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab in Utah. We met at the Loma Trailhead and split the caching duties between cars. 7 Things to Do in Californias Alabama Hills: Movie Road, Hiking, Stargazing & More! This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. Moab Motorsports does ask that you let them know youre leaving your car with them ahead of time. There are plenty of primitive and a few developed options for camping or one can usually sleep along the trail side but please use LNT practices when doing so. The Kokopelli Trail is one of the most coveted bikepacking routes out there, and for good reason. The trail runs through Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County in Utah. The desert views youll experience along the route are to notch. Classics have a way of seeming passalmost a clichand you might therefore be tempted to skip it. 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. The Kokopelli Trail starts outside Fruita, Colorado, on some of the best singletrack in the Mountain West. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. It is possible to leave a vehicle at the Loma trailhead, but may be a little more risky. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. Looking to start bikepacking? Stepping away from the 9-5 lifestyle, discover the benefits of scaring yourself, and connect with nature to find meaning in everyday life. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. A huge to congrats to Lael, Kaitlyn, and Kurt for getting out there and making it happen. 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. You should be in excellent physical shape and have previous bikepacking experience to attempt a self-supported bikepacking trip on this route. Expect the route to take the average person 3-5 days, with many strenuous sections. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. 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. Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. } Most bikers ride the Kokopelli Trail soutbound. To learn more Click Here. The Kokopelli symbol guides travelers along a trail of ~ 140 miles between Fruita (Loma actually) and Moab. It combines a variety of primitive roads with surprisingly technical single track that kept us guessing around each bend. Youll have to carry everything you need for the entirety of the trail. 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. At times the Kokopelli Trail can serve up demanding single track and steep climbs, makingit a trail not to be underestimated. To schedule an appointment for your school or for more information, please call Crosswinds Marsh at: (734) 654-1220. Starts at the Westwater Airstrip. I create technical resources, reviews, inspirational videos, how-to guides and more. rocky sections making it particularly challenging. With our tough and long-lasting Kokopelli bikepacking packrafts, you can explore gravel roads and winding rivers on your next bikepacking expedition in the wilderness. The Loma Trailhead is west of Fruita, Colorado, along Interstate I-70. Look no further than the new 2023 Trek Farley 5, a sure-footed bike designed with strength and comfort in. Kokopelli Racing LLC put on a mountain bike and running ultra marathon race on the classic Kokopelli Trail. 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. The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. 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. Its a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. Food resupply on the Kokopelli doesnt exist. With that said, you can find food at either end. Specialized Tactic bike helmet. We were caught in a late March snowstorm and spent the day in a cave, watching the snow pile up. width:100%; Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography.

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