Kokopelli’s Trail
142-mile cross-state technical punishment route
This beast was designed by mountain bikers but adopted by 4-wheelers who wanted multi-day punishment across two states. Starting from Sand Flats Road near Moab, you’ll climb through the La Sal Mountains on forest service roads before dropping into Ruby Canyon’s remote wasteland along the Colorado River. The route crosses into Colorado at Rabbit Valley, where dinosaur fossils litter the ground like discarded candy wrappers, then climbs relentlessly through Rabbit Ears Pass before the final descent to Fruita.
Expert-level difficulty demands lockers, armor, and serious recovery gear—this isn’t a weekend warrior trail. The Colorado Plateau section serves up technical ledges, loose shale climbs, and exposure that’ll pucker your seat cushions. Late spring through early fall offers the best weather window, but pack everything including the kitchen sink because resupply is 142 miles away. You’ll cross two states, three ecosystems, and gain genuine bragging rights among the hardcore 4×4 community.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 142 mi / 228.5 km |
| Duration | 4-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8400 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock Jeep Wrangler handle Kokopelli's Trail?
No. This trail requires a modified 4WD with lockers minimum - stock vehicles will get destroyed on the technical rock sections.
Is Kokopelli's Trail open in winter?
No, it's only passable May through September due to high elevation snow and extreme weather conditions at 8400+ feet.
Do I need permits to run Kokopelli's Trail?
No permits required since it's managed by BLM, but you're responsible for following Leave No Trace principles on this remote route.
What's the hardest section I should expect?
The Colorado side has the most brutal technical rock crawling - expect multiple winch points and potential vehicle damage even with proper equipment.
How much fuel range do I need for the 142-mile route?
Plan for 200+ mile fuel range minimum since there are no services between Moab and Fruita, and the technical terrain kills fuel economy.