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Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails

The Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, is a federal government agency specializing in the administration of public outdoor areas. The agency protects and maintains more than 247 million acres of land, which is divided among more than 800 separate sites. Many of these sites are popular destinations for camping, sightseeing, and a diverse variety of outdoor recreational activities. There may even be some of these BLM-administered places in your area. Simply check the BLM website or search for "BLM camping near me" to discover which sites are within a reasonable distance.

One such BLM site is the Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trail System, which is located in western Colorado, only a short distance from the Utah border. The site is primarily known as an excellent mountain biking destination. The area features a number of single-track trails, varying greatly in difficulty and required skill level. The trails are also located only an hour or two from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where visitors can partake in activities like hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Rustler's Loop

Rustler's Loop is a mountain biking trail found within the Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails. The moderately busy trail is perfect for newer riders. Not only is the loop easy to navigate, but it also features signs along the way that provide tips and advice. If you prefer, you can use the trail for hiking or running as well.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Horsethief Bench Trail

The Horsethief Bench Trail is also found at the Mack Ridge - Kokopelli BLM site. The mountain biking loop trail is not overly challenging nor ideal for beginners. You'll be riding through a mostly open area with plenty of pretty wildflowers and scenic views for miles.

Length: 7.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Mica Mines Trail

Located near Grand Junction, CO, the Mica Mines Trail is a busy out-and-back trail that's perfect for hikers of all skill levels. Along the trail, you'll find sparse vegetation, wildflowers, and many unique rock formations. You can bring your dogs on the trail with you, but they must be leashed.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Boating

The Colorado River flows only a short distance from the Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails, and visitors can utilize its waters for both fishing and boating. The river is primarily known for its trout-fishing opportunities; when you cast your line, you'll have a shot to catch brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. The Upper Colorado River is also a wonderful destination for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting.

Climbing

The western section of Colorado features numerous canyons and stretches of mountainous terrain, so climbing enthusiasts will have plenty of chances for adventure. The McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area, found just south of the BLM site, features several challenging climbing routes. Alternatively, if you're willing to travel a couple of hours southeast, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers numerous cliffs, rock formations, and canyons, many of which are very inviting for bold climbers.

Wildlife Viewing

Although the wildlife tends to stay away from the actual mountain biking trails, the general area around Mack Ridge - Kokopelli is home to a variety of species. If you stray away from the trail system, some of the creatures you could spot include pronghorn antelope, coyotes, prairie dogs, mountain lions, black bears, kit foxes, and river otters. You may also catch sight of a bald eagle or peregrine falcon soaring majestically overhead.

Picnicking

The Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails BLM area contains several small camping areas, and some of those little campgrounds do feature picnic tables. Alternatively, with plenty of open space in the surrounding area, you'll pretty much be able to choose any spot you like to set up your own picnic.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You'll have opportunities for RV camping near the Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails BLM site, but the actual Bureau of Land Management campgrounds don't feature any hookups or services. If you prefer a campsite that's more accommodating to large vehicles and contains hookups, you'll have many nearby RV campgrounds to choose from. One quality option is the Monument RV Resort, located near Fruita, CO. There, you'll have access to full-hookup sites able to accommodate RVs up to 95 feet in length.

Free Camping

Options for Bureau of Land Management free camping are abundant around the Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trail System. You can stay at one of the eight small primitive campsites found near the trails, or you can go with the nearby Rabbit Valley BLM Campground. Alternatively, the Jouflas Campground is also free and only a short distance away. The majority of these BLM RV camping sites offer basic amenities such as picnic tables and vault toilets, but few of them, if any, provide potable water.

RV Rentals Near Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails BLM trip

The main thing you should prepare for when heading to the Mack Ridge - Kokopelli Trails BLM site is the lack of services and amenities. You'll need to provide for yourself, and you'll most likely need to be okay with a relatively primitive form of camping. Once you're at the site, be sure to watch where you're walking along trails or nearby wilderness. Rattlesnakes and a variety of small lizards have been regularly spotted in the area. It would also be wise to bring along some bear spray and keep all of your food tightly sealed and packed; you never know when a black bear may be roaming close by. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

While you're visiting the BLM site, please do not leave any food, waste, or trash lying around when you leave. If you find anything interesting around the natural land, please refrain from disturbing it or removing it from the area. Additionally, please avoid approaching any wildlife you encounter. You're a visitor in their home, so please maintain a safe distance and leave them be. If you stake out your own campsite, only do so on durable sections of land, and keep any campfires as small and contained as possible. Finally, treat all fellow visitors with the same respect and privacy that you'd like to receive.