The legend of Kokopelli begins near present-day Grand Junction, Colorado (195 miles west of Denver), at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. Known in Native American cultures as a trickster god and/or fertility deity, Kokopelli could shape-shift into numerous forms: most often a figure with a sloping back and a feathered head playing a flute.
Heading west on more than 142 miles of secluded trails and jeep roads, we follow Kokopelli’s walk, a supernatural quest to spread prosperity and fertility. If you’ve heard or read about the great mountain biking near Fruita, Colorado (12 miles northwest of Grand Junction), here’s your chance to live and breathe it. Home to the Utah tribe and the final resting place of “Doc” Holliday, amazing Fruita (population 12,000) is as famous for its rodeo as it is for its dinosaurs; not to mention a headless chicken named Mike who lived for 18 months. Nevertheless, Mike lives on, honored with an annual festival.
Near the Utah border, this region is known as the best in Western Colorado. The ride here reflects the dramatic merging of both states: the rocky desert of Utah, reminiscent of Mars, is greatly elevated by the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. After a stop on the banks of the Colorado River, we ascend into Utah’s canyon country. We look at the large iron and copper cliffs that tower overhead at the amazing Vineyard Creek attraction like a fast-paced exploration team. Pressing on, we ride from the desert floor at 5000 feet past large bands and sandstone reefs above to the snow-capped Manti La Sal Mountains. The payoff: hugging a fast, flowing ridge line at 8500 feet overhanging an endless undulating red desert. Our campsite is located on the picturesque summit of Porcupine Rim. Phenomenal.
On this classic bike route, you’ll experience 14,000 vertical feet of climbing. The culmination of our extraordinary journey is Moab, highlighted by 24 peaks in bold with a breathtaking descent down Sand Flats Road!
The Kokopelli route, combining moderate and a few longer climbs as well as two days of moderately challenging singletrack, is perfect for mountain bike riders who need a challenge!
Day 1-2: meeting in Grand Junction. Two days of singletrack and jeep riding along the Colorado River corridor.
Day 3-4: Drive under the Fisher Towers and up Vineyard Creek. Climb high into the La Sal Mountains to an alpine camp.
Day 5: Descend along Porcupine Rim back to Moab via Sand Flats Road. Return transfer to Grand Junction.
