Kokopelli and Westwater Loop

The Kokopelli and Westwater Loop is an exceptional 25-mile adventure for intermediate offroaders seeking a challenging taste of the desert backcountry along the Colorado-Utah border without committing to a multi-day trek. Starting and ending at the Rabbit Valley Recreation Area just off Interstate 70, this loop combines the rugged initial section of the legendary Kokopelli Trail with the return route along the Westwater Trail. Drivers will experience a variety of terrain including loose dirt, sand washes, and rocky shelves that demand a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, high-clearance SxSs, or capable dirt bikes. The loop is physically demanding, rated at a moderate technical difficulty of 5 out of 10, with several sections featuring short rocky ledges and steep, loose ascents that require careful wheel placement and steady throttle control. Riders will navigate elevations ranging from 4,364 feet to a peak of 5,039 feet, accumulating over 2,210 feet of cumulative elevation gain throughout the journey. Given the extremely remote and desolate nature of this desert landscape, visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying ample water, recovery gear, and a satellite communication device due to unreliable cellular coverage. Spring and fall are the prime seasons to tackle this route, as summer temperatures frequently soar to dangerous levels. Approximately halfway through the loop, a short spur trail provides a convenient bailout option leading back to an old highway and Interstate 70, though street-legal registration is required once exiting the dirt trail system.