Take in the unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon’s wild northern borders! On this tour we explore the remote Kaibab Plateau rising high above the magnificent Grand Canyon. We’ll ride through ponderosa and aspen forests on a fun 2 day section of the Arizona Trail leading up to our first view of the Canyon at its East Rim. We then traverse the plateau to finish the last days of the tour on the magnificent Rainbow Rim Trail. This is mountain biking at its best with winding singletrack and stunning views into the Grand Canyon. The combination of high desert vistas, forest trails and alpine meadows make for an incredibly scenic route. Riders of varying abilities will enjoy the terrain that offers a choice of riding options from secluded forest roads to more challenging singletrack. For further details, view a photo gallery about this tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 – The route for the first day is a section of the Arizona Trail, a trail that will eventually run north to south across the entire state of Arizona. The trail consists of mostly smooth, rolling singletrack but the route does have several steep climbs and descents so we’ll keep the mileage moderate (14 miles for the day) so riders have a chance to acclimate. We will meet up with the truck at mid-day when your guides will prepare a tasty buffet lunch. Our destination after lunch is the East Rim Overlook with our first views into the magnificent canyons below. We’ll camp at a beautiful forested site near the East Rim Overlook. There are opportunities to hike from camp. Once at camp, the guides will assist you with tent set-up. At this point your work is done! The guides will set up lawn chairs and hors d’oeuvres while you enjoy a cold drink as a healthy delicious meal is prepared. Washbasins are available for personal use and a solar shower is usually available for 1 or 2 nights during the trip. This is your time to relax, whether you chose to lounge around camp with our library of books or set out for an exploratory hike.
Day 2 – Leaving the East Rim we’ll set out on the Arizona Trail on our way to Upper Tater Canyon and then across the Kaibab Plateau to the North Rim proper. This is our biggest day of riding with miles totaling 30. The ride begins with 3 miles of rolling singletrack. We then alternate on forest service roads, some of which are closed to vehicular traffic. The terrain is moderate with a good amount of downhill but there are a couple climbs that you must conquer before reaching camp at Locust Point. Our campsite for the next 2 nights is situated right on the magnificent North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The views are amazing and the sunrises, sunsets, and stars sublime. There is also beautiful hiking along the rim.
Day 3 – 18 miles – For the next 2 days we’ll explore the Rainbow Rim Trail, one of the most scenic 18 miles of singletrack found anywhere! The Kaibab Ranger District constructed this trail with mountain bikers in mind. The fast- carving singletrack winds right along the rim of the Kaibab Plateau with outstanding views into the Grand Canyon. We’ll carry lunch on the out and back ride to Timp Point. Riders can also choose to make a loop of today’s trail by adding 10 miles of jeep roads to the first half of singletrack. Miles: 18
Day 4 – 14-30 miles | 9,000 ft –
Distance: 18 miles Distance: 14-30 miles | Elevation: 9,000 ft