This is a difficult, expert level ride with rewarding views of the Kokopelli Loops, Colorado River and McGinnis Canyons. Accept that hiking your bike is a foregone conclusion. Have a good attitude and be prepared for a challenge!
From the main Kokopelli trailhead drive west along
Hawkeye Road 2 1/2 miles and climb the road to the south to a saddle. Alternatively, exit Mack and drive east 1 mile to the same road.
Moore Fun begins on the eastern end of the saddle. Ride east through a gate and begin up
Moore Fun, (placed at the beginning of the loop to prevent your friends from bagging out). The trail climbs for 1 1/4 miles to a high point. The climb is steep and punctuated by numerous technical steps, squeezes and switchbacks which usually must be walked. From the top of the climb, the trail descends briefly then climbs to a second promontory. After this high point, begin the 2 1/2 mile, technical descent featuring challenge upon challenge. This is the most difficult leg of the loop.
At the bottom, coast down to
Kokopelli Trail road, just over the ridge from the main Kokpelli trailhead at Loma. Turn right and descend a parallel singletrack to
Mary's Loop. Climb
Mary's Loop passing
Wrangler Loop (three times) and
Horsethief Bench Loop. At the western end
Mary's Loop becomes a dirt road at the first
Steve's Loop intersection. Go right along the dirt road passing a second intersection with
Steve's Loop to
Lion's Loop; which begins on the left side of the trail at a steep, loose climb.
The initial climb up
Lion's Loop is loose and steep, eventually giving way to a contouring trail (for a bit).
Lion's Loop then traverses a technical passage requiring a lot of concentration, technical expertise, and a high fitness level to clear. Most riders have to push a few of the more technical aspects within this short, technical pass.
The western end of
Lion's Loop is altogether a different trail; essentially following a doubletrack road up and over
Mack Ridge to
Hawkeye Road. The road is an anaerobic effort. Fortunately, the intersection with
Mack Ridge to the east and
Troy Built to the west is only 0.4 miles up the road.
Turn right onto a newly cut singletrack connection to
Mack Ridge. This is another very challenging trail segment. There are ample opportunities to test one's technical prowess. And a few more opportunities to push one's bike. After passing through a particularly tight squeeze point the singletrack becomes much more climbable; wrapping around to the southern side of the rim and offering up stunning views of the Colorado River.
The total climb from
Lion's Loop is just under 1 1/4 miles, topping out at another doubletrack road: the original
Mack Ridge trail. To the left is the doubletrack
Mack Ridge Connector leading west to
Lion's Loop doubletrack in a saddle, which in turn descends north to
Hawkeye Road. To the right is
Mack Ridge.
Go right along the doubletrack which gives way to a short singletrack descent through a wash after 1,000 feet. The trail climbs back to, and traverses a big ring flyer along
Mack Ridge for 3/4 mile before several switchbacks to a steep hike a bike pass. Descend through the pass then enjoy 1 1/4 descent to the parking area. The descent is technical in nature, but not nearly on par with
Moore Fun and all rideable.
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