Kokopelli April 2015 conditions

[kullaberg]

Rode it solo Loma > Moab over 2 days, unsupported with a Krampus/Knards. Not too windy, perfect temps.

While no rain has fallen in over 3 weeks, the sand is not too bad. Worst are the Cisco miles right after Westwater, and off course the descent down to Dewey. Overall dryness pared with a high volume of motorized use has created an ever-present moondust covering making slickrock climbs harder to stick.

All the usual watering holes are good to go. First up is the Westwater spigot at the ranger station, at ca mile 40. After Dewey there's a little trickle in Waring Canyon where it crosses the road. Cottonwood creek at the HAB mid-ways up the Entrada Bluffs road climb is flowing. The other Cottonwood creek at Hide Out Camp is running strong and the irrigation ditch before Fisher Mesa is full. So are the creeks on the paved descent off Fisher.

Dry roads throughout. Even in the La Sals, where the snow is receeding fast.

Judging from tire tracks in the remote areas, mine was maybe the second complete run of the spring season. Typically the mountains should still be impassable, or at least difficult, due to snow.

[Mick80234]

I am planning on riding there, starting some time tomorrow afternoon. Looks like there might be rain this weekend. From what I remember, from riding it as few years ago, mud should not be a problem, but was wondering if anyone else had a better idea. I would love to be able to do the entire trail, but I am having a hard time finding a way from Fruita to Moab or from Moab to Fruita. There are shuttle services, but they are $175, which is fine as group rate, but not for one person. I most likely will end up riding out one way and then turning around and riding back.

[rick miller]

I wouldn't underestimate the effects of mud if I were you, no first hand experience but there is a lot of clay north of Dewey bridge.
Another alternative to a shuttle or out and back, is a loop, if you don't mind a bit of gravel and pavement.  For example https://connect.garmin.com/activity/388294037.  An advantage to this route was caching my gear at Bitter Creek (camp 1) and riding everything north of there with a light bike.

[Mick80234]

Thanks for the info. That is a nice big ride you did. I was thinking of possibly doing a loop or an out and back from Fruita instead of spending time in the car. I plan on taking all my bikepacking gear for testing.

[Yagi]

Anybody have an update on the Kokopelli Trail conditions as of late?  A buddy and I are planning to ride it over Memorial day weekend, and I'd appreciate any information out there, conditions-wise.

Thanks,
Steve

[kullaberg]

Can't see why it shouldn't be pretty decent. Lots of rain lately to firm up the sand, but not deluges of the kind that would make the clay portions pure gumbo.

[Yagi]

Rad.  Thanks, kullaberg.  Much appreciated.