How many miles of sand are on the Kokopelli Trail

[farmerdd]

Hello,

I would like to ride the Kokopelli Trail sometime. I was wondering, if all the sand to ride was all in one straight shot, how long would that be?

I am trying to figure out the percentage of sand relative to the total length of the ride.

Thanks in advance.

[tetontodd]

I rode the kokopelli last year at the end of April and the trail was in great condition. The kokopelli is like 144 miles and from what I remember there was only one zone where it was sandy and slow going and hot! (that section was right before dewey bridge coming from fruita going towards moab). I would say there is minimal sand to worry about, I think this route is a great early season training block and a great gear shakedown for any future bikepacking races/events. Have fun! I hope that answers your question.

[GrizzlyAdam]

Yellowjacket, the area described above, is traditionally the most sandy section on the route. It can be bypassed via Highway 191. Both times I have ridden through YJ, however, the sand was not too bad.

The Entrada Bluffs section can get pretty shandy (Mike C's word), that is, a power-sucking combo of sand, shale, and loose dirt churned up from moto traffic. It's not a big deal if you are riding eastbound (from Moab), as this segment is mostly downhill. But climbing it (even during good conditions) is a challenge.

There is always potential for sand in Rabbit Valley (usually deep sand in short segments here, anyway), Fisher Valley, North Beaver Mesa, and all points in between, but traditionally the route is pretty solid. It's a beautiful ride - even the Cisco plains.

[GrizzlyAdam]

Check that... YJ can be bypassed via Highway 128, not 191

[Done]

The first time I rode Kokopelli's, there was almost no sand anywhere. There had been a very wet storm a couple of days before, which hardened up everything very well. In fact, I actually had to watch out for some mud!

But the second time I rode it, there was a fair bit of sand. Maybe ten total miles. Some was unrideable, and some was rideable with care.

Late May both times.

[Marshal]

Yellowjacket, the area described above, is traditionally the most sandy section on the route. It can be bypassed via Highway 191. Both times I have ridden through YJ, however, the sand was not too bad.

The Entrada Bluffs section can get pretty shandy (Mike C's word), that is, a power-sucking combo of sand, shale, and loose dirt churned up from moto traffic. It's not a big deal if you are riding eastbound (from Moab), as this segment is mostly downhill. But climbing it (even during good conditions) is a challenge.

There is always potential for sand in Rabbit Valley (usually deep sand in short segments here, anyway), Fisher Valley, North Beaver Mesa, and all points in between, but traditionally the route is pretty solid. It's a beautiful ride - even the Cisco plains.

ditto--this sums it up quite nicely!

Curious if you are asking for a tire choice (if so-the answer is--due to the varying conditions all tire choices for the KT are a compromise)