COCONINO 250 GUIDE - BIKEPACKING
YOUR ULTIMATE BIKEPACKING GUIDE TO THE COCONINO 250.

The Coconino 250 is a unique bikepacking stage race.
I rode the Coconino 250 as a shake down ride for the Tour Divide. It was only my second multi-day bikepacking trip, the first being the Kokopelli Trail. I learned a lot during my tour of the Coconino. The planning and research I did before hand went a long way in ensuring I had a fun and a successful trip.

This Coconino 250 Guide was put together for bikepackers looking to experience this amazingly diverse loop. My hope is this Coconino 250 guide will remove most of the barriers found when planning for such a trip. But also get you from the couch to the trailhead faster. As a result, this Coconino 250 Guide is divide up in simple sections to supply you with the needed information in easily digestible bites.

Where do you start? This Coconino 250 Guide will give you all the tools you need to plan your own adventure on the Coconino 250 Loop. It’s a condensed version of my bigger bikepacking guides, which include the Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail. Happy planning!

Popular Resources:

Bikepacking Resources

Planning Aids

Bikepacking Gear

Rider Survey's

Stats

DISTANCE

240 Miles (386km)

DIFFICULTY (1-10)

7-8

Elevation Gain

28,000 Feet (8534m)

HIGHEST POINT

8898 Feet (2412m)

TIME REQUIRED

2—5 Days

% SINGLETRACK

44%

% UNPAVED

90%

Time of Year

Spring or Fall

Race Date

See Race Website

Closest Towns to Start/Finish

Flagstaff, AZ

Race Records

Kurt Refsnider (2013) 1:06:52

Kaitlyn Boyle (2017) 1:07:22

Overview

The Coconino 250 is a loop created by combining some of Northern Arizona’s best trails. The loop is actually closer to 240 miles and it consists of portions of Passages 29, 30, 31, 33, and 34 of the Arizona Trail, the red rocks of Sedona, an insanely hard HAB (Hike-a-bike) up Mignus Mountain, the arid desert landscape of the Verde River Valley, Walnut Canyon, Mt, Humphrey, and amazing riding through ponderosa forests around Flagstaff.

The Coconino Loop was designed by Scott Morris and Chad Brown. They created a wonderful loop with varying landscapes and challenges, highlighting some of Northern Arizonas best single track, jeep track and dirt roads. You get to enjoy a route that is almost 50% single track, and also produces a whooping 28K of climbing.

If the idea of Mignus Mountain HAB is not your idea of fun there is a Coco Lite, which utilizes what’s call the Mignus Bypass. Using forest services roads the Bypass skips Mignus and saves you the HAB. See the Resources section below for info on a GPX track.

The best time to ride the Coconino Loop is in the Spring or Fall, due to extremely hot weather during the summer months. Resupply is pretty straight forward and water is only an issue in a few areas.

Kokopelli Trail Bikepacking - kokopelli trail guide bikepacking

Route

PLANNING / RESUPPLY

Checkout our Google Docs for the Coconino 250 Loop. You’ll find Water Charts and Resupply Lists with mileage, Mileage charts for both clockwise and counter clockwise travel, Gear Lists, Planning Checklist, and an Itinerary Planner.

To use sheets, please follow these directions.

Use tabs on bottom to find the correct tab.
Go to “File” in the drop down menu, and select “Make a Copy” and save it.
Then make all the changes you want to your personal spreadsheet.
Have fun planning your adventure and happy trails!

*This will ensure the next person after you sees the master version and not the changes you have made, if I were to open sharing to the document.

Also checkout my update version of the Cue Sheet.

WATER

Water is not a big issue on the Coconino 250 loop. With that said not every source is high quality or reliable year round. Be safe and bring a filter or some sort of purification with you. Water is listed on my Cue Sheet in BLUE to make it easy to find when scanning ahead.

Sources

Mile 0 – FLAGSTAFF

Mile 32.1 – Mormon Lake – *off route 2.5 miles downhill

Mile 32.1 – Knights of Columbus Camp – possible water

Mile 45.6 – Spigot – *off route .25 miles

Mile 58.7 – SEDONA – *off route +/- 2 miles (Circle K .4 south)

Mile 68.9 – Oak Creek

Mile 72.2 – Red Rock State Park Visitor Center

Mile 87.6 – Dead Horse State Park

Mile 89.9 – COTTONWOOD, AZ (gas station on left)

Mile – 112.8 – Coyote Spring

Mile – 132.9 Verde River

Mile 173.7 – WILLIAMS, AZ

Mile 187.6 – Sycamore Falls (possible water in creek)

Mile 202.7 – PARKS Feed and Mercantile (Texaco)

518 North Parks Road, Parks, AZ 86018

Mile 209.9 – Pilot Travel Center – *off route .8 miles

Mile 216.9 – East Wing Tank

Mile 224.7 – Alfa Fia Tank – *200 yds west of trail

Mile 240 – FLAGSTAFF

BIKE SHOPS

FLAGSTAFF

Flagstaff Bike Revolution

SEDONA

VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK*

Absolute Bikes

Bike & Bean

COTTONWOOD

Verde Valley Bicycle Co.

WILLIAMS

True Value (has tubes)

*Off route

FOOD

As you can see below, there are many options for food along the Coconino 250 loop. Be sure to check hours of operation before leaving for your trip as they can change from time to time. Food stops are listed in PINK on my Cue Sheet to make them easier to find when scanning ahead.

Mile 0 & 240 FLAGSTAFF – Full Resupply

Mile 32.1 – Mormon Lake – *off route 2.5 miles downhill

Mile 58.7 – SEDONA* – Full Resupply – * off route +/- 2 miles (Circle K .4 south)

Mile 72.2 – Red Rock State Park Visitor Center

Mile 89.9 – COTTONWOOD, AZ – Full Resupply

Mile 173.7 – WILLIAMS, AZ – Full Resupply

Mile 202.7 – PARKS Feed and Mercantile (Texaco)

518 North Parks Road, Parks, AZ 86018

Mile 209.9 – Pilot Travel Center – *off route .8 miles

Transportation Services

Flagstaff is a city of about 72,000 people. As a result you have quite a few options when it comes to getting there. There is an airport, train station, and major bus lines. Below is a list of the services available.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport – Regional airport
American Airlines – Airline service
Amtrak – Passenger rail
Greyhound – Bus service
Arizona Shuttle – Inter-city shuttle service
Inspire Shuttle – Northern Arizona shuttle service
Navajo Transit System – Bus service to/from Navajo Nation

List of Car Rental Companies at airport.

Parking

FLAGSTAFF

Parking in Flagstaff is tough. All of down town is metered and space is a premium. After a long and in depth search the best advice for parking is to park in a residential neighborhood or you could try Walmart or Target.

SEDONA

Personally I parked in the Bashas grocery store in Sedona, which I was told by an employee was okay to do. My truck was there for four days without an issue.

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COCONINO 250 RACE

RACE

The Coconino 250 is actually a stage race. Consisting of 4 stages and 3 rest stops. The clock doesn’t run while racers are in a rest stop. In essence its 4 individual time trails (ITT) back to back. The idea behind this layout was to encourage friendships, lessen the physical demands on the riders, and try a new format.

Racers are encouraged to track their entering and exiting times to rest stop. You can find the start and stop locations for each stage by downloading the waypoints and GPX track.

Mingus Bypass – There is a bypass for Mingus Mountain at Mile 97.1 that rejoins the official route at Mile 105.6. The Bypass is longer by .9 miles is only eliminates 289′ of climbing and 1010 of descending.

Start Date:

The Race is typically in early October. See official race website for more detail.

Location:

‘The Place” 21 S Milton Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

Stage 1

Flagstaff to Sedona – 52.3 miles

Rest Stop #1 – Schnebly Hill Overlook

Stage 2

Sedona to Mingus Mountain – 49.2 miles (+1.2 mile to camp), 102.7 total miles

Rest Stop #2 – Mignus View

Stage 3

Mingus Mountain to Williams – 71 miles, 173.7 total miles

Rest Stop #3 – Williams, AZ

Stage 4

Williams to Flagstaff – 63.7 miles, 237.4 total miles (+2.6 miles back to start from actually finish for a total of 24o miles).

RULES

Bikepack racing is usually not organized, is without entry fees or prizes (in this case the winner gets donuts), but there are a set of rules all bikepacking races follow. The rules are put into place to create a level playing field for all those who participate.

*Note these rules are the general rules for bikepack racing and each event may have their own specific rules and they also change from time to time. With that said it’s important you read and understand the official rules which can be found at the link below.

1. One must complete the entire route under their own power.

2. Outside support is not allowed.

3. No caching of food/supplies ahead of time.

4. No use of motorized transportation or hitch-hiking, EXCEPT for travel to hospital/medical care.

The following are allowed, but not encouraged. Please use sparingly.

5. Unplanned assistance from other racers is ACCEPTABLE.

6. Trail magic OK – but please, no begging or fishing (hinting).

7. Mailing resupplies ahead to Post Offices is ACCEPTABLE.

For full rules visit the Arizona Endurance Series.

No entry fee, absolutely no outside support

SPOT TRACKING

Though not required, riders and racers are encouraged to carry a Spot tracker. Due to the potential dangers of bikepacking in such conditions, one would be ill advice not to. Racers can sign up at Trackleaders.com one month before the race if they choose to.

SPOT HIRE

Spot Trackers are available for rental from Trackleaders.com around one month before the start. Check Trackleaders or Bikepacking.net forums for information at that time.

Race Resources

Event Website

GPX Tracks and Clue Sheets

My Updated Clue Sheet

Race Forum

Bikepacking.net

COCONINO 250 Planning Aids

During my Bikepacking Triple Crown, it became clear bikepacking didn’t have quality planning tools available. As a Triple Crown thru-hiker I’m used to quality planning tools for my trips. The Project’s Coconino 250 Planning Aids and Resources are our answer to this.

After 100’s of hours of research, 1000’s of keystrokes, web surfing, and more emails and phone calls than I can recall the One of Seven Project’s has put together quality planning aids for the Coconino 250 and others. They’re the ultimate planning resources for the Coconino 250. They contain everything you need to plan and execute your ride of the Coconino 250. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in these then it’s probably in our Coconino 250 Guide.

“This website is awesome, very professionally done and has been a great resource.”

Levente S.

“Your website is awesome. It has everything I am looking for.”

Thomas A.

Data Sheet

Data Sheet includes:

Key POI.
Elevation of POI.
Mileage numbers.
Distance to next.
Elevation +/-.
Avg. Grade between POI.
Max/Min Elevation between POI.
Pavement mileage.
Key water sources.
Bike shops.
Resupply options.
Important notes.

Data Sheet $25 + tax (CO only)

Buy Now »

MUST KNOW

Highlights Difficulties Food/Water Camping Dangers and Pitfalls

Single Track: Fantastically flowing Flagstaff trail system.
Slick Rock: Sedona slick rock isn’t to be missed.
Soaring Heights: Mignus Mountain offers amazing views.
Oasis: Walnut Canyon is a little gem, filled with shade, cool water, and quiet.

Water: Lack of clean water during Stage 1.
Heat: Even in early October heat can be a major factor.
Death Mud: Potential mud if it rains in certain areas.
HAB: Mingus Mountain offers up a serious hike-a-bike push.

Water: The Coconino 250 has multiple water options throughout the entire loop, with only a couple dry areas but don’t let that fool you. It’s a very hot and dry loop.
Food Resupply: Options are well placed along the loop.
Key Towns: Fill up on food and water in Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, and Williams.

Rest Stops: #1 and #2 are both at campsites.
Dispersed Camping: The rest of the the loop has plenty of camping opportunities.
Hotels / AirB&B: Towns along route offer riders formal options for sleeping.

DANGERS & PITFALLS

Heat: High temperatures require careful hydration and pacing to avoid heat exhaustion.
Poisonous Animals: Venomous snakes and scorpions are present; stay alert and know how to handle encounters.
Plants: Thorny vegetation like cacti can puncture tires and skin; ride carefully and carry repair kits.
Lack of Water: Limited resupply points demand strategic water planning and extra capacity. Have ample carrying capacity, like a hydration pack.
Strenuous Terrain: Steep climbs and rocky descents test endurance and technical skills.
Exposure: Minimal shade increases sunburn and heat risks; use sun protection.
Remoteness: Isolated trails mean limited help; self-sufficiency is key.

PHOTOS OF THE COCONINO ROUTE

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Sedona - Chicken Point area

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Sedona - coconino 250 journal

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Oak Creek

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Lime Kiln Trail - coconino 250 journal

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Lime Kiln Trail

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Sycamore Canyon

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Walnut Canyon

Coconino 2Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Walnut Canyon05 Guide Bikepacking - Walnut Canyon

Coconino 2Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Anderson Mesa05 Guide Bikepacking - Anderson Mesa

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Sedona Area

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Sedona Area - coconino 250 journal

Coconino 250 Guide Bikepacking - Sedona Area - desert flower

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

WEBSITES

MAPS / BOOKS / GPX

WRITE UPS

MORE RESOURCES

Read these next or checkout the main resource page.

PLANNING / GEAR RESOURCES

PLANNING AIDS

1 2 3

Checkout all our amazing Planning Aids at our store. Southbound and Northbound, as well as metric versions are available depending on the route.

TRIPLE CROWN GEAR

1 2 3

Dive into all three gear lists from the Bikepacking Triple Crown, and find pros & cons; things I’d do differently; and tips.

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

1 2 3

In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide, CTR, AZTR, Kokopelli Trail, and Bay Circuit Trail again.

RIDER SURVEYS

1 2 3

Curios to know what gear other riders used to get to the finish line? Checkout our Rider Surveys to find out what works or to take the survey yourself.

MOST POPULAR RESOURCES

Brooks B-17 Bikepacking - how to care for your butt

Bikepacking, Featured Bikepacking Resource, Mountain Bike, Mtb

Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help.

Bikepacking Resources

CHECKOUT ALL OUR GUIDES

guide, planning aid, coconino 250, bikepacking, resource - Planning Aids for Bikepacking and Hiking

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COCONINO 250 GUIDE - BIKEPACKING

Table of Contents:

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Popular Resources:

Stats

Time of Year

Race Date

Closest Towns to Start/Finish

Race Records

Overview

Route

PLANNING / RESUPPLY

WATER

BIKE SHOPS

FOOD

Transportation Services

Parking

COCONINO 250 RACE

RACE

Start Date:

Location:

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

RULES

Race Resources

COCONINO 250 Planning Aids

Data Sheet

MUST KNOW

PHOTOS OF THE COCONINO ROUTE

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

MORE RESOURCES

PLANNING / GEAR RESOURCES

PLANNING AIDS

TRIPLE CROWN GEAR

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

RIDER SURVEYS

MOST POPULAR RESOURCES

Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help.

CHECKOUT ALL OUR GUIDES

Support the Project