Level: Intermediate
Length: 40 mi (64.4 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +1,772/1 ft
Total: 305 riders
Mountain Biking Kokopelli Area Trails
#12 of 1,345 mountain bike trails in Colorado
#65 in the world
The Kokopelli's Area Trail network could possibly be the best collection of trails in Colorado and maybe the entire southwest. Miles of super fine singletrack with amazing views makes Kokopelli's a World Class trails mecca. Most trails can be ridden in either direction EXCEPT Horsethief Bench and Rustlers. Trails ranging from easy to ultra-technical with some exposure in some sections. All around fun anyway you ride.
First added by david_darling on May 28, 2011. Last updated May 8, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
From Fruita, drive west on I-70 and take exit 15. South over the road and a right then quick left to TH parking area. There are signs to guide you there. The Lions TH parking area is approx. 3.5 miles west on the frontage road passing the MAIN TH parking area and restrooms. This TH parking lies atop a saddle between Moore Fun and Mack Ridge trails.
System trails (9)
- Hawkeye Trail
- Lions Loop
- Mack Ridge
- Mary's Loop / Horsethief Bench
- Moore Fun
- Rustlers Loop
- Steve's Loop / Handcuffs
- Troy Built Trail
- Wrangler
One of my top three favourite rides in the world. The Horsethief Bench drop in is bananas, but don't let this stop you from riding this trail. Lots of
| ThankSuper flowy Singletrack peppered with short technical sections. Unbelievable views of the Colorado river abound. Ride Mary's loop to Horsethief Bench, ack to Mary's to Steve's Connector, Steve's Loop, Moore Fun for an epic 30 Km ride. Moore's Fun is advanced. Skip it if you don't like walking.
I try to save my 5-stars, but this is one of them because it fits my preferences: mostly flow with some intermediate tech, a full loop (rather than out-and-back), great scenery, and a local community that "gets" mountain biking. Some climbing, but not too crazy. If there is a small downside, not much for facilities on site.
| ThankDid the Wrangler's cutoff from Mary's Loop. Some nice downhill near the end.
| ThankPretty nice area, pretty open though, very scenic.
| ThankKiller new singletrack. A great way to tie in to Mack Ridge and Troy Built Trails.
| ThankThese two trails make up a really good combined loop. They are both nicely technical, make for a great workout and have fine views. They do have trouble deciding what grade they are with some easy sections and some short unrideable sections.
| ThankMoore Fun has a lot of bits that can't be ridden. It's steep - and gives you little reward for the effort you make. It's technically inept - just lots of rock piles and some rough, rocky dirt. Don't take any notice of the high ratings - mountain bikers just tend to be masochists.
| ThankI do love high desert riding, so I am bias. 5 stars on beauty and 5 stars on trail. Definitely in the argument for favorite trail. Monarch Crest beautiful and a better trail- don't hate me! Solid intermediate trail with a few hard spots. The initial "drop in" is scary as sh.., but fun, think I was still shaking ten minutes into the ride.
| ThankGreat trail System.
| ThankHorsethief is a blast but the photos and videos of the drop down from Mary's do not do it justice. It is much gnarlier than I was expecting and extremely humbling after trying and failing to clean the entire section. The rest of the trail is a great mix of flow with technical sections mixed in and some great views of the Colorado River.
| ThankGreat trail to get a flatlander riding Kokapelli Trails. Great trail for a beginner but the views you get of The Colorado River make it worthwhile for everyone. Good warm up before going on to the other trails.
| ThankI've ridden the Kokopelli Area trails many times and loved it every time. Beautiful scenery and the trails themselves are some of the best there are. Horsetheif Bench is great, but Moore Fun is my favorite.
| ThankIf you like technical trails, really technical trails, this is one for you! If you just want fun swooping downhill stuff, well you probably want to avoid this.
Moore Fun is probably one of the more technical trails I've been on. Lots of technical up and down, and switchbacks, and narrow sections, drops off ledges, and some sections where you think "you've got to be kidding!" Mr. Moore had a wicked sense of humor! It challenged my skills and kicked my ass at times, but I was grinning ear to ear when I got back to my truck. And a burger and a couple beers never tasted so good after riding!
| ThankThe views are spectacular but ...... Read my full review and see my video at
| Thankhttp://getsomeadventures.com/can-you-ride-the-kokopelli-trails-in-colorado/
Here's my full review of both Mary's Loop and Horsethief.
| Thankhttp://getsomeadventures.com/can-you-ride-the-kokopelli-trails-in-colorado/
Awesome trail system. Well marked and spectacular scenery of the Colorado river canyon. Go as hard as you want, or as easy as you want. Love that crawl up (and down) on Horsethief.
| ThankI just completed a Florida to Oregon road trip with rides in every state along the way and this place stands out. Several loops for all skill levels that can be tied together to ensure a great trip for everyone. Rustler's Loop is a great introduction to the area and has cool signage to help raw beginners learn tricks along the way. Mary's Loop has great scenery of the Colorado River. Horsethief Bench is often ridden in combo with Mary's has a definite hike-a-bike area for all except the elite immortals, but should not be avoided due to that short walk. Steve's Loop is fun and for tough trails you can continue onto Lion's Loop, Troy Built Loop, Mack's Ridge and return near the TH on Moore Fun. Bring plenty of water & snacks as you can easlily spend 4 hours if you desire.
| ThankOne of the finest beginner loops! 3.5 miles of skill building trail. Fun for experienced riders too. Perfect way to start your ride before hitting the other loops in the area. Enough ledges and rocks to challenge you before a swooping final roll back to the TH.
| ThankSuper fun, challenging at times trail overlooking the Colorado river
| ThankTHis is a classic ride for me. Can't wait to get back.
| Thank