Bright Angel Bikepacking
Bright Angel Bikepacking features cycling routes, community rides, and bike events on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park.
These bicycle routes explore the Grand Rimlands region via day rides, overnighters, and extended backcountry trips. The Grand Rimlands are the belts of land surrounding the Grand Canyon. The rim terrain varies from lowland sagebrush desert plains to high country subalpine meadows and forests. The Grand Rimlands make up the Grand Canyon’s vital immediate watershed zone and are ecologically connected with the Canyon. Bicycling is the best way to experience this vast, geologically complex, biodiverse, and culturally rich area.
Bright Angel Bikepacking routes traverse classic Colorado Plateau geography. They take riders through vast forests of pinyon, juniper, ponderosa, aspen, and spruce. They roll across open subalpine meadows and arid savannahs. They cross exposed plains of sand, sage, stone, and prickly pear. They traverse across benchlands and canyonlands topography. They peer down at the waters of the Colorado River. And most strikingly, these routes often take cyclists to capes of land jutting out into geological space, providing riders iconically recognizable and rarely regarded views of the Grand Canyon.
Routes Collections
These collections reflect the main regions of the Grand Rimlands: South Rim, North Rim, and Arizona Strip. Explore all the routes in the maps below or click on the collection buttons for routes in each region.
Visit the Ride with GPS community page for all GPX tracks of the routes.
South Rim Collection
The South Rim Collection’s bicycle routes are centered on and around the Coconino Plateau. The riding in this region stretches from the Navajo Nation in the east over to the Havasupai Tribal Land in the west. The region spans from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in the north down to the boundary of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument at Red Butte in the south.
Only a 1.5 hour drive from Flagstaff, AZ, the South Rim encompasses the Coconino Plateau and the more developed Grand Canyon Village area. Riding along the rim is typified by longer paved stretches and some iconic dirt doubletrack out to distant rim viewpoints. The South Rim Village boasts a robust network of paved multi-use Greenway that stretches from the canyon to the town of Tusayan. Outside the core developed visitor areas is the vast Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument. Here, cyclists can tackle hundreds of miles of dirt forest service roads and little-traveled doubletrack. Nearly 70 miles of Arizona Trail singletrack is available for mountain bikers that wraps through this region. Remoteness and solitude are abundant within the outer stretches of the national monument although vehicles and people are expected near the South Rim developed areas. The Coconino Plateau's elevation ranges from 6000 feet at its lowest point to over 7500 feet at its highest. The landscape is marked by arid-uplands and desert with dominant vegetation being the juniper and the pinyon pine although thick stands of ponderosa pine are prevalent among the highest portions of the Coconino Rim.
North Rim Collection
The North Rim Collection’s bicycle routes are centered on and around the Kaibab Plateau. The riding in this region stretches from Lee’s Ferry at Marble Canyon and House Rock Valley in the east over to the Kanab Creek Wilderness in the west. The region spans from the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in the south up to the Vermilion Cliffs and Buckskin Mountains in the north.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is remote to access at a nearly 4 hour drive from Flagstaff, AZ or 3.5 hours from St. George; it consequently receives only a fraction of the visitors that the popular South Rim receives. The region sits high up on the elevated Kaibab Plateau where viewpoints of the Grand Canyon are at nearly 9000 feet. Cycling routes in the area head down rarely used roads into lesser-seen parts of the Kaibab Plateau. This landscape is filled with thousands of miles of unpaved tracks criss-crossing terrain that makes dramatic swings between high elevation subalpine and lower elevation exposed desert; these biome changes exemplify the large elevation gains riding in this area requires. The North Rim's winter weather can be extreme at the higher elevations, making the riding season narrow. Lower parts of the region around House Rock Valley and the Vermilion Cliffs can be incredibly hot in the summer. The landscape juxtaposes thick aspen groves and spruce with raw rocklands seeded with sparse grass and sage. Riders should be prepared to self-rescue and be self-sufficient on the more isolated routes as hitching a ride may be unlikely if a problem arises. Truly reliable water resupplies are few with long distances between sources. About 77 miles of Arizona Trail singletrack, all open to mountain bikes, stretches from the North Rim edge all the way to the trail’s terminus at the Arizona-Utah border. Camping rimside is available at many locations, including Rainbow Rim which is the sole opportunity for mountain bikers to ride singletrack along the rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Arizona Strip Collection
The Arizona Strip Collection’s bicycle routes are centered on and around the famously remote Arizona Strip of northern Arizona. The riding in this region stretches from the Kanab Creek Wilderness in the east over to Gold Butte National Monument in the west. The region spans from the Grand Canyon-Parshant National Monument in the south up to the Arizona-Utah state border and Virgin Mountains in the north.
The Arizona Strip is famously isolated - an area of the land that the Grand-Canyon Parashant National Monument recommends only be traversed by vehicles with two extra spare tires and advertises no developed facilities, stores, ranger stations, or paved roads. This is expedition bikepacking country. Riding in this landscape requires self-sufficient and experienced cyclists willing to take on extreme heat in the lowlands and cold conditions on mountain passes. Carrying many liters of water is a safe and expected norm along with several days worth of food. Bikepackers need to be prepared to repair their own bikes and gear. The rewards for the physical and preparation challenges associated with this place are geological wonder and remote beauty along with some of the most epic views of the Grand Canyon.
Bikepacking Routes Collection
The vast public lands that make up the Grand Rimlands present a true spread of options for bikepackers seeking overnighters, weekend escapes, or extended expeditions. Water and food resupplies present the biggest challenges for bikepackers exploring the region; riders should always be prepared to carry many liters of water and several days of food on the longer routes. The reward for anyone heading into the Grand Rimlands will be remote lookouts, stunning geology, gorgeous woodlands, and abundant wildlife.
Route Pages
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Abyss to South Kaibab
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road
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Anita Station Doubletrack
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Doubletrack, 4×4
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Apex Rail Ride
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Arizona Trail Singletrack (South Rim Passages 35 - 37)
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Singletrack, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Arizona Trail Singletrack (North Rim Passages 39 - 43)
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Singletrack, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Badger Rapids Ramble
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Pavement, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Bedrock Point Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Doubletrack, 4×4 Roads, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.5”)
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Big Ridge Big Rugged
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Doubletrack, 4×4 Roads, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Big Springs Lookout Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Big Springs Water Cycle
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Boundary Road Punishment
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: 4×4 Roads, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.4”)
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Brow Monument Turn
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Buck Farm Knot
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.1”)
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Buckskin Mountains Spin
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Cameron Plunge and Climb
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road
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Cape Royal Road Ride
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road
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Coconino Rim Gravel Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel, Singletrack, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Coconino Rim Singletrack Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel, Singletrack, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Coconino Wash Wander
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Crazy Jug Loco Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Crazy Jug Poco Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Curry Tank Corner
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Doubletrack, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Desert View Declivity
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Pavement, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Dog Leash
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, Singletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Dry Park Lookout Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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East Rim Edge
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, Singletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Fire and Swamp
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Gold to Grand Loop
- Location: Arizona Strip
- Surface: 4×4 Roads, Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.6”)
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Grand Canyon Gravel Route
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, Pavement
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Grandview Grand Tour
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, Pavement
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Grandview Lookout Dirt Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Grandview Lookout Paved Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Pavement
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Gunsight Point Salute
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Hanta House Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Hermit's Abyss Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Pavement, Rough Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Hermits Rest
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road Bike
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House Rock Wrap
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.5”)
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Jacob Lake Lookout Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Jumpup Epic
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4x4 Roads, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.4”)
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Jumpup Jaunt
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4x4 Roads, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.4”)
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Kaibab Plateau Bisect
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road Bike
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Kaibab Sinkhole Cinch
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Kaibab Spine
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel Bike (≥50 cm)
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LCR Gorge Climb
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road
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Long Jim Canyon Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: 4×4 Roads, Pavement
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Lookout Canyon Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Gravel Bike (≥50 cm)
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Marble Viewpoint Gravel Grind
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, Singletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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North Rim - Capes of the Canyon
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Orderville Sweep
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Gravel Bike (≥2.0”)
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Parashant Paradox
- Location: Arizona Strip
- Surface: 4×4 Roads, Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.5”)
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Parialinear
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel Bike (≥2.0”)
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Point Imperial Push
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road Bike
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Point Sublime Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Singletrack
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Powerline Pummel
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Pavement, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Railroad Obstacle Course
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Rainbow Rim Gravel Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Singletrack, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Rainbow Rim Singletrack Loop
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Singletrack, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Rainbow Rim Tour
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Singletrack, Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Rainbow Rim Trail
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Singletrack, Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Rainbow Springs Circuit
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Singletrack, Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Rain Tank Rotation
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Red Butte Base Trace
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Red Butte Gravel Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Red Butte Wii'i Gdwiisa Tour
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Red Horse Hoop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Russell Tank Roundup
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Singletrack, Doubletrack
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Shoshone to Singletrack
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Singletrack, Pavement
- Bike: Gravel Bike (≥2.0”)
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Skinner Ridge Pinch
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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South Bass Scenic Divide
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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South Bass Straight Shot
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Smooth Gravel
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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South Canyon Snare
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Thunder River Go!
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Toroweap Terminus
- Location: Arizona Strip
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Doubletrack, 4×4 Roads
- Bike: Mountain Bike (≥2.5”)
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Tusayan Greenway Out-and-Back
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road Bike
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Tusay Dirt Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, Smooth Gravel, Pavement
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.0”)
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Tus-to-Butte
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
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Vermilion Cliffs Condor Tour
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Smooth Gravel, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.2”)
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Village Greenway Loop
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road Bike
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Walhalla Plateau Full Ride
- Location: North Rim
- Surface: Pavement
- Bike: Road Bike
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Williams Gateway Gravel
- Location: South Rim
- Surface: Smooth Gravel, Rough Gravel, 4×4 Roads, Doubletrack
- Bike: Gravel or Mountain Bike (≥2.3”)
