Kokopelli's Trail | Utah

Kokopelli Trail is a long‑distance, multi‑use route that crosses the canyon country of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Riders experience wide‑open desert, rugged mesas, and remote backcountry landscapes. The trail is named for Kokopelli, the hunchbacked flute player known in many Indigenous cultures across the Colorado Plateau as a symbol of music, fertility, and storytelling. There is no fee to ride the trail, although some campgrounds along the route charge fees.

Route

Kokopelli Trail travels approximately 140–142 miles between Loma, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Elevations range from about 4,400 ft in the Colorado River corridor up to about 8,400 feet in the La Sal foothills. A through‑ride typically requires multiple days and careful planning, especially for water and vehicle support.

Terrain includes improved and unimproved dirt roads, four‑wheel‑drive roads, paved sections, and short stretches of singletrack. Many of the road sections allow motorized travel, but access can be technical and rocky, so vehicle type should be considered carefully.

The through-ride season is typically restricted to June through September due to snowpack in the La Sals. 

Endpoints

• Loma, Colorado (Eastern Terminus): For detailed access, maps, and parking descriptions, see Kokopelli Loop Trails Mountain Bike Area.
• Moab, Utah (Western Terminus): The trail descends into Moab, Utah, via Sand Flats Road, although some riders elect to finish via the Porcupine Rim Trail.

Camping

There are eight small camping areas along the Utah portion of the trail. Each includes 2–3 primitive campsites, and all contain a toilet; some also include picnic tables. None have drinking water available and most do not provide shade. Some campgrounds along the Colorado River corridor - such as Dewey Bridge and Rock Castle - charge fees.

Safety, Respect, and Protect

Be Safe and Prepared for this difficult multi-day adventure. Kokopelli Trail passes through remote country where water availability is a serious concern.

Stay on designated routes to protect fragile desert soils, and leave cultural sites, artifacts, and natural features undisturbed. Practicing responsible outdoor ethics ensures the trail remains open, healthy, and enjoyable for future visitors.