Paradox and Tabeguache Loop

[prezgonis]

Howdy All!

I was wondering if I could get some feedback from the collective here on a route that I have been considering for awhile now.  I've been calling it the "Grand Loop Lite", but those who have completed the actual Grand Loop of the Kokopelli, Paradox, and Tabeguache Trails may take issue with that (please bear with me).  The route under consideration doesn't actually approach the Kokopelli, but encompasses the majority of both the Paradox and Tabeguache Trails.  The reason for not trying to tackle the entire GL is due to inexperience with bikepacking and a limited amount of time to complete the tour.

The route: starting near Whitewater, actually at Cactus Park, ride west on Hwy 141 to Gateway, up John Brown Canyon to Taylor Flats, then jump on the Paradox Trail.  Follow the newly rerouted Paradox across Carpenter Ridge, over Koski Traverse, down to Nucla for resupply, up to Pinto Mesa, and then to the Tabeguache.  If the singletrack is snow free, follow the Tab for the entire length back down to the starting point near Cactus Park.  If the singletrack is not rideable, bail out to Divide Road.  A total of ~250 miles and somewhere in the region of 18 - 20k feet of climbing I believe.  We’re estimating 3-4 nights on trail.

The timing of this tour is May 3 - 7 of this year.  We are planning an extra day on the 8th for the unexpected mechanical, trail conditions, or health related issues that may come up.  Best case, the extra day is used for relaxing, or unloaded singletrack riding near Grand Junction if some miracle occurs and we have energy remaining.  

The two of us making the journey have one bikepacking trip under our belts (Crested Butte to Aspen over Pearl Pass, with hiking Castle and Conundrum Peaks in the middle, back to CB over Taylor and Star Passes), which was in our comfort range at that time.  Now we are a bit more physically capable, and have improved packing gear as well, so we’re thinking bigger.

Is 60 – 70 miles per day a reasonable estimate for the intended route?
A resupply in Nucla early on Day 3 seems perfect.  Any recommendations on where to go in Nucla for food (both trail food and sit down meal)?
Any suggestions on a route improvement for scenery or a better track at that time of year?
Will a water filter and some iodine tabs be sufficient to keep us supplied?
Is Highway 141 from Whitewater to Gateway an ok road to ride a bike, early morning on a Thursday in May?
The Columbine Pass Snotel indicates zero inches of snowpack right now.  Is it safe to assume that the snow up there will be minimal in 3 weeks (barring a big snow dump between now and then)?
Any recommended sites to set up camp for the full moon that weekend?

Thanks in advance for any advice.  I’m so excited to get out on the trail…

[prkoski]

Hi Mike,
Your plan sounds very "do-able" except for the Hwy 141 ride to Gateway on mtn bikes will feel like quite a slog on pavement. The scenery is superb and you'll make good time. John Brown is quite a grind up but once you make it to the top, all is good. Nucla has only one market and one restaurant (and a beer store) so you will be most welcome when you hit town.  If you have time stop by my shop downtown and say "hi". Would love to hear about your exploits.
P. Koski
pdkoski@gmail.com

[prezgonis]

Hi Paul,

Thank you for the response and thoughts on the route - much appreciated.  We're planning on being in Nucla on the morning of Saturday 5/5, so perhaps we will meet you then!

[krefs]

Is 60 – 70 miles per day a reasonable estimate for the intended route?

It's tough to say for others, but some sections of the Paradox trail are quite slow, and the section of the Tab that goes in and out of countless drainages toward the eastern end has a LOT of hike-a-bike. I'd say plan on your daily mileage being a bit lower than what you might expect for mostly rideable routes.

A resupply in Nucla early on Day 3 seems perfect.  Any recommendations on where to go in Nucla for food (both trail food and sit down meal)?
Any suggestions on a route improvement for scenery or a better track at that time of year?

Should be fine with the exception of some possible snow up in the Columbine Pass area. You will probably be able to avoid most of that by staying on the Divide Road for a bit instead of taking the Pool Creek singletrack

Will a water filter and some iodine tabs be sufficient to keep us supplied?

Yup, no problem there.

Is Highway 141 from Whitewater to Gateway an ok road to ride a bike, early morning on a Thursday in May?

I rode this in late November after an aborted Fruita-Moab-sans-Kokopelli bikepacking trip a couple years ago (too much snow in the La Sals), and we loved it. It's spectacular and rather quiet.

The Columbine Pass Snotel indicates zero inches of snowpack right now.  Is it safe to assume that the snow up there will be minimal in 3 weeks (barring a big snow dump between now and then)?

They just got some snow today! But in normal years, the route is pretty much rideable 2 weeks after the SNOTEL hits bottom.

Have fun out there...let us know how it goes! The Grand Loop is a wonderful route even if it hardly has any singletrack. I'd love to get back on it before too long, but I don't think it'll happen for me this spring.

- kurt

[frejwilk]

Since you're using a modified Grand Loop, there is a good option to avoid hwy 141 riding. You would avoid descending Dominguez creek and follow the San Juan Huts Telluride to Moab route from that intersection toward Gateway. There is also a good singletrack option this way.

Falcon Guides publishes a guidebook for the Telluride to Moab route and you can find details there. I can't find my guidebook. And my memory isn't good enough to give turn by turn directions. The general idea is to stay on the Divide rd to the campground (Divide Forks?). Then descend westward from there. The singletrack option is the Ute Creek trail. It's a nice alternative and puts you onto hwy 141 almost at Gateway.

Have fun with the trip,

FW

[krefs]

Good suggestion, Fred! I'll have to stash that one away for myself!

[prezgonis]

Thanks for all the pointers!  We are indeed going to reroute away from the pavement of Hwy 141, and instead start the loop near the Dominguez Campground.  Start out going west towards the Ute Creek Trail to get to 141 and Gateway.  We lose some of the Tabeguache Trail this way, but I think it improves our chances of success on the route (and dirt roads and singletrack are certainly preferred over the highway).

I'll try to get a trip report together soon after our return.  Thanks again!