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 – Elevation: 2300 ft 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 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. We ride a total of 18 miles before reaching camp near Telephone Hill. E-Bike option is to travel on Forest Roads through undulating terrain with about 2300 ft. of climbing today. Once camp is set, your work is done! Your guides will take care of all the details from setting up lawn chairs with hors d’oeuvres and the drink cooler nearby, to cooking up a healthy delicious meal. Wash basins are available for clean- up and a solar shower is usually available for 1 or 2 nights during the trip. This is your time to relax, whether it’s lounging around camp with our library of books or setting out for a hike to explore your surroundings.
Day 2 – Today we continue on the Arizona Trail. The ride today is a bit more challenging with some short but steep climbs. Our destination is the East Rim Overlook and our first views into the magnificent canyons below. We’ll camp near the East Rim Overlook tonight. There are opportunities to hike from camp. Mileage: 14 miles. E-Bike option is Forest Roads criss-crossing the plateau. We are considering extending the E-Bike route for this day into the National Park to take in the views there and spend an hour or more enjoying the park. This will add 15 miles and from the park we’ll likely offer a shuttle back to our East Rim camp for tonight.
Day 3 – 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. E- Bikes will ride parallel roads for the first part then would be on the same route for much of the day. Option for a short hike along the East Rim leaving camp then getting on the bikes. 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 4 – 18 miles – For the next 2 days we’ll explore 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 E-bikers can hike the Rainbow Rim Trail to North Timp Point, meet the van with bikes and visit Timp Point before returning to camp via the fun network of roads around the area.
Day 5 – Elevation: 8,000-9,000 ft
Elevation: 2300 ft Distance: 18 miles Elevation: 8,000-9,000 ft