Kokopelli Trail
The Kokopelli Trail is a 142m multi-use trail, usually mountain bike riders and seldom a hiker, from Moab, UT to Loma, CO. The trail winds its way over the Colorado River Plateau over slickrock, mesas and river bottoms while skirting the La Sal Mountains. Pinyons, juniper, sage and cottonwoods dot the landscape among the pink, purple and red hues of plateau. Water is scarce and the sun rays plentiful. I suggest this hike during the Fall months where the temperatures are cool and the foliage is changing color. The most appealing aspect of a Fall hike is the desolation and loneliness one may feel in such a remote and gigantic landscape. Latitude 40 maps provide the best navigational tool and the trail itself is marked with carsonite posts occasionally. Re-supply options consist of the termini only. This a great beginner trail to test your waterless carries, to harden your feet, and to practice navigating. The Kokopelli Trail is also a route to stargaze, for the black skies are seldom polluted by lights of any city. Below are pics from my Fall 2013 hike of the trail.
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Like it as a fall push to practice specifically what you said and contemplate the skies and a spring /summer of hiking. There are options to either drop off a cache or break up the resupply by having someone drop off resupply near the 1/2 way pt but hey practice the entire carry as you said. MBer compatible but I'd still consider off peak MBer usage timeframes for more on the move solitude .
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. Thanks for the comment Dogwood.
DeleteHey Dirtmonger, thanks fr the trip report! Where can I find a water report for the kokopelli?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael
I don't know of a water report. I think I would try some mtn bike websites for some info which may get be you good water cache locations. I found water out there although Salt Creek and the Colorado River under Dewey Bridge were pretty gross.
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