Kokopelli Trail

Kokopelli Trail

The Kokopelli Trail, Colorado and Utah

The 142-mile Kokopelli Trail blasts out of the gates on the Mary’s Loop system near Fruita, Colorado, with cliff-top trails perched above the Colorado River. Then it follows desert singletrack and jeep roads, passing under the fortresslike Fisher Towers–a backdrop for many Westerns–and on to Moab.

Crossing into Utah, the Kokopelli twice crests 8,500 feet. The last apex, high in the La Sal Mountains, marks the trail’s descent into Moab–a rollicking drop of nearly 7,000 vertical feet over 32 miles.

While several outfitters lead trips on the Kokopelli, Hermosa Tours offers a unique self-guided option. Riders shop for themselves beforehand, and Hermosa staff deliver the provisions to designated campsites each day. Customers simply roll in, light a fire, and begin cooking. They have to be able to navigate the trail on their own, but for many self-sufficient riders that’s the trip’s ultimate appeal. Plus, there’s always GPS.

Sign Up: Hermosa Tours, hermosatours.net
Length of Trip: 4 days
Cost: $395 per person
Best Time to Go: May, September and October