Last year, when I was visiting Sage and living out of Prott Prius for a month (or two), I headed over the Rocky Mountains to Fruita to dodge an impending storm on the front range. Back in 2009, I rode the Kokopelli Trail as part of my extended dirt road bike tour across the Americas, and I was excited to return and rekindle some memories. Amongst the many rides I enjoyed there in those cold days, I investigated various offshoots from the Kokopelli Trail, including a wonderful overnighter out to Knowle Overlook. It was short and sweet, complementing a morning of trail riding. I immediately thought of Sage and how he might like it too.
A couple of weeks ago, en route to joining Sage’s scouts campout in Utah for his spring break, we had the chance to ride this same route together, and to also hang out with Ryan and Jon in Fruita, two friends that I’d made last year. Wonderfully, Jon the Troubadour even turned up on his 1930s klunker to join us for a night’s camping, a miniature guitar in his backpack, and we got to hang out with Ryan’s lovely dog with him too. Sage and I rode a bunch of trails and soaked up the Fruita vibe, which I have to say, I kinda love. Sage actually borrowed Emma’s Japhy, and give or take a few months of growth, it basically fits! He did fantastically, sessioning all sorts of tricky stairwells and rocky chutes until he could clean them. I’m so proud of him!
His scouts trip was a real success too, and I was especially stoked that he wanted me to join him as one of the adults. He’s become such a confident camper and I really enjoyed seeing him in action amongst his peers. In fact, it’s suddenly feeling like all the years of trips when he was younger are really paying off. I love that he’s finding his own way now in how he connects with the great outdoors, and I’m thrilled our interests are intersecting in a way that’s new to us both. In fact, I reckon I’m learning as much as he is!
Field Notes
We bookended our time with the scouts in the San Rafael Swell with two weekends in Fruita.
Most of the time we camped out on BLM land below Fruita’s fabulous and flowy 18 Road trail network, as the North Fruita Campground there was chockablock booked, perhaps because it was Spring Break. Plus, our spot was free!
If you do want to be in the paid area, I’d pick an area right at the top of the camp ground, as it’s considerably more sheltered from the wind, and there are lots of great spots amongst the junipers. Lower down, it’s all open and gravel, and much less appealing for tent camping. Caveat: the free zone is also windy and dusty.
In fact, to avoid a particularly windy night, we also stayed in a motel in town. The Balanced Rock Inn was friendly, has bike cleaning, and it’s walking distance from the centre.
Best Slope Coffee is my fav place for caffeine and writing, and it’s almost opposite a park that’s a good spot for picnics.
The Hot Tomato is great for pizza! Speaking of which…
Jon makes wonderfully creative bags nearby in Grand Junction, under the name Pizza Box Bike Bags. Check him out!
The Route
We rode various trails in the 18 Road trail network in the morning, so this overnighter was mostly an excuse to get out together and ride to a beautiful camping spot. You could easily extend it by riding the Western Rim Trail, too, or even start from the Kokopelli Trailhead. Camping spots have to be booked in advance and cost $20, plus (somewhat annoyingly) a $8 booking fee. We picked number 10, as it has a lovely view, and it doesn’t see as much through traffic.
In terms of offshoots from the Kokopelli Trail, Rustler is a great beginner’s loop that has signage throughout, with useful tips on riding techniques. We also rode Horsethief, which is a notch harder, but super fun. Making a longer out of riding Rustler, Horsethief and Wrangler makes for a fun few hours riding, like this. There’s tonnes of other trails too.
Last year, I rode a number of them. Aside from the above, a few favourites: Saarlack (more of a remote vibe), PBJ, Joe’s Ridge, Zippety, Lions, and Hawkeye.
Sage’s Scout week took place on the edge of the San Rafael Swell. There’s actually an awesome bikepacking loop there, A Swell Night Out, created by my friend Geologist Seth, which I’d love to ride one day. I think it would be a perfect trip for Sage and I in the future. The Goblin State Park is nearby too, which is also super cool.
Most pics taken on the little Fuji x100v, with a few on the Sony A74 and 85mm 1.8 lens.
That’s it for now! Any questions, please drop them in the comments below!
