kokopelli trail bikepacking

The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moab's Slickrock area. Bikepacking Packrafts | Inflatable Packrafts - KOKOPELLI At the top, youll get great views of Moab and the surrounding landscape. 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. Be sure to stop at Milts as you enter town for a milkshake. Two long climbs topping out at 8400 will test your fitness and the final descent along Porcupine Rim will blow your mind. Timing bikepacking the Kokopelli trail with the weather can be a challenge. I rode the Kokopelli Trail as my first multi-day bikepacking trip. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_email_field_wrapper { This route follows singletrack trails, Jeep roads, and dirt roads, mainly on BLM land. The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. On my most recent Kokopelli bikepacking trip, my group drove from Denver in two vehicles. This incredibly scenic trail takes you along the Colorado Plateau and through colorful stretches of Utah as well as in and out of valleys. 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. There are very few reliable water options available along the Kokopelli Trail. This is certainly not a trip for. YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE KOKOPELLI. 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. 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. Its a high-quality down quilt that has reliably kept me warm for 1000s of trail miles. Ive used the National Geographic Maps Moab North and Colorado National Monument for paper maps. You can find the Kokopelli Trail on Ride With GPS. The ride is not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with a bit more experience. 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. Another option is to have friends deliver water to you along the route or stash some yourself beforehand wherever possible. Grand Junction also has a regional airport and car rental options for caching water. 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. If you're interested in a dedicated sleeping bag instead of a quilt, see our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide. Thanks for your support! Heres a link to the Kokopelli Trail GPX track Ive used every time. Its so good youll want to do it again once youve done it. Once you arrive in Moab, there are countless mountain bike trails to explore. 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. You could plan to finish on a day a friend was driving back from Moab. Starting with the Ruby Canyon Section, youll continue on through Rabbit Valley, Westwater, Fish Ford, and Yellow Jacket Canyon sections. #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget { You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. Ive always dropped my bikepacking bags and ridden this section unloaded since its a quick ride along highway 128 to get to either end of the section. I love the Bar M Trails just outside town for their flowy singletrack trail goodness. Coconino 250 Guide - Bikepacking - One of Seven Project The 142-mile multi-use trail stretches from Loma, Colorado all the way to Moab, UT. 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. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. 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. 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'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! This ride is definitely not for the novice rider, the climbs and technical sections alone make it more for those with experience. Kokopelli 140 MTB Relay A choice your own adventure. Riding the trail on a fat bike, I hardly noticed the extensive sections of sandy desert Jeep roads. The full list includes: DIA is the largest of the options but is also the furthest away. There is one option for airlines and two car rental: GJT is the closest airport that has a reasonable cost and minimal logistics . Part of the magnificent 142-mile Kokopelli Trail. You and your friends, split the course into 2 to 6 segments. Youll know youve completed the Kokopelli Trail when you hit the pavement; then, its time to celebrate. We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. These bikepacking routes in and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. However, Kokopelli's Native American origin has other meanings such as a fertility deity, and among Hopi, a humped-up . Westwater Ranger Station is a short detour away at the T-junction after the short pavement section through Coal Draw. Kokopelli 140 MTB Individual 144 miles, full course, alone! Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique and why its Oregons best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip. } Since it was first designed the Porcupine Rim Trail has been built which means you have the option of making it 150+ miles. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat Arizona Trail Race. You risk getting caught in a winter storm if you go early in spring or late in fall. There are many steep, exposed climbs throughout the route. Topeak multitool with tubeless repair kit, Kokopelli Trail info from the Bureau of Land Management. width:100%; The Kokopelli Trail crosses the Colorado River and ends at Moabs world famous Slickrock area. Tired of seeing ads on every web page you visit? rocky sections making it particularly challenging. From the Loma exit (exit 15) you travel west on the gravel road to the trailhead on the left. 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). We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. The Kokopelli Trail is part of the larger Grand Loop. There are some steep climbs on this trail with the payoff being some exhilarating descents. See REIs Food Storage story or REIs Bear Canister story for more information on Bears and food storage. Nowhere else can you find scenery quite like this! The route is an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac technical climbs, rugged descents, and graded terrain. There are also ways to filter silty water using alum. From Westwater, youll ride more desert Jeep roads through a vast desert expanse with red rock formations in the distance. Three mountain bik. You can get to Rabbit Valley and Dewey Bridge with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. The Kokopelli Trail is not for beginner cyclists. Our Best Mountain Bike Lights guide also covers other mountain bike-specific lights. This epic bikepacking adventure promises an incredible final descent as you wearily make your way into Moab. Bikepack it, chase the FKT, ride it with vehicle support - experience it however you like. In total you will ride for 142 miles and there are a few bailout options along the way should you need to. Its best to ride the Kokopelli Trail in the Spring and Fall. Bikepacking with dogsIs this a good idea? But, store your food off the ground to prevent rodents from getting into it. (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? 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. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. At times the Kokopelli Trail can serve up demanding single track and steep climbs, makingit a trail not to be underestimated. } Sand, dirt, gravel, slick rock, creek crossings, you name it. Despite reports you can leave a car at the Moab Information Center, you CAN NOT. 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. One consideration is to bring a portable water filter and tank up from the Colorado River whenever possible. This is the way to enter Moab! Joel Caldwell (joelcaldwell.com) The Kokopelli Trail starts near Loma, Colorado which is about 15 miles from Grand Junction. You might also be able to get water from a spigot at Westwater Ranger Station, but this source is not always operational. The trail presses on through Fish Ford and the ride becomes more arduous as you climb away from the Colorado River. It's a marin pine mountain 2 but I don't think they make the purple anymore sadly. @media screen and ( max-width: 300px ) { 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. Website Take me there. 142 Miles From Monday - Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail Happy planning! #fca_eoi_form_1856 .fca_eoi_layout_15.fca_eoi_layout_widget div.fca_eoi_layout_name_field_wrapper { No suspension, just a set of 50c tires squeezed on there, and man it was awesome but truth be told I think it would have been even more enjoyable on a hardtail with a front shock at the very least. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. The following page is broken down into sections highlighting The Project's main categories. Elevation gain: 13,595 feet/ 4,144 meters, Elevation loss: 14,058 feet/ 4,285 meters. 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. With hubs at the airport, United and Southwest will have the most flight options. 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. Know your body and how much water you require and plan carefully. Kokopelli 100 MTB Relay Same as the 140 but doesnt include the first 40 miles. MTB Project | Mountain Bike Trail Maps Moab Express provides shuttle service from Moab to the start of the Kokopelli Trail at Loma Trailhead. 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. 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. This section is beautiful though; theres nothing like moving in and out of desert and mountain terrain and skirting along the Estrada Bluffs. 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.