Grand Canyon
What better way to explore one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders than by bicycle? Grand Canyon National Park’s remoteness, especially on the North Rim, can make planning multiday, self-contained cycling expeditions difficult, but that’s where vehicle support comes in, letting you ride the trails and winding dirt roads through pine and aspen forests load-free. We’re offering the mountain biking trip of a lifetime!
Come take advantage of this opportunity to ride legendary singletrack on the Rainbow Rim and Arizona trails — portions of which were built specifically for mountain bikes. Our overnight locations, some literally perched right on the rim, are jaw-dropping. Top all this off with a special sumptuous dinner at the Grand Canyon Lodge, and the grandeur of this trip can’t be beat.
There are no scheduled departures for this tour.
"This was my first ever tour. The experience was fantastic and the question is not will I do another tour, but what form it will take and for how long."
Day 1. Jacob Lake, Arizona, 0 miles
After a quick van shuttle, you and your fellow adventurers will congregate at Kaibab Camper Village, located just south of Jacob Lake. Here you'll take part in your group orientation meeting and begin getting acquainted with the rest of the dirt-loving group members while gathered around a tasty meal. When you finally climb into your tent and fall asleep, you'll dream of the high-quality singletrack trails and excellent backroads that are in your near future.
Day 2. Jacob Lake to Crazy Jug Point, 33 miles
Today we'll set our sights high as we head to our camping spot, perched at nearly 7,500 feet in elevation. As we zigzag up some challenging dirt roads, we'll ride among the nearly 1,600 plant species that call the Grand Canyon home. Our climbing will be rewarded by stunning views of the Colorado River wrapping around Great Thumb Mesa in the canyon far below and of the Uinkaret Mountains rising dramatically in the west.
Day 3. Crazy Jug Point to Timp Point, 30 miles
You have two options today. If you like, you can test your dirt-riding skills as you blast along the famous Rainbow Rim Trail. This singletrack trail was built for cyclists (with no grades exceeding 10 percent) and it weaves in and out of valleys, offering incredible canyon views. Alternatively, you can follow meandering Forest Service roads most of the way to tonight's destination: a pristine camp on the canyon's edge overlooking Timp Point.
Day 4. Timp Point to Grand Canyon North Rim Campground, 37 miles
We'll start out on dirt roads before riding into the Grand Canyon National Park campground on pavement. You'll also have the option of riding a section of the undulating Arizona Trail (recently proclaimed an "Arizona Treasure") into tonight's camp, where we'll enjoy the simple pleasures of showers and a laundry.
Day 5. Layover day in Grand Canyon National Park, 0 miles
Did you know that the oldest rocks in the Grand Canyon are close to two billion years old? Attend a geology talk with a ranger, go mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding, or, of course, simply relax. And be sure to check out the North Rim Lodge, a space with a stunning veiw.
Day 6. Grand Canyon North Rim Campground to East Rim Viewpoint, 22 miles
After we fuel up for the day, we'll pedal out of the park on pavement. Continuing on Forest Service roads to our last primitive campsite, we'll take a turn onto the Arizona Trail, which here is made up of a mouth-watering combo of singletrack trail and decommissioned dirt roads. The trail ambles through aspen groves, connecting with the enchanting high meadows of the Kaibab Plateau. Although it is not apparent, the north wall of the Canyon rises 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, giving the North Rim nearly twice as much annual precipitation as the other side. At our final campsite, we'll enjoy our last backcountry dinner beneath a stand of old-growth ponderosa pine.
Day 7. East Rim Viewpoint to Jacob Lake, 33 miles
We'll spend our last day cycling on rolling dirt roads — or we may take a singletrack option — back to Jacob Lake, where we'll say our goodbyes, but only after an amazing 1,000-foot descent! High fives all around before we pack up and head on our way, basking in the glow of a completely fantastic cycling experience.
