Bright Angel Bikepacking

Bright Angel Bikepacking is the site for adventure cycling routes on the North and South 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 explore this vast, geologically complex, and culturally rich area.

A logo featuring a California Condor with outstretched wings over a mountain bike, set against a sunset with a starry sky and Grand Canyon landscape as seen from Shoshone Point. The text around the logo reads 'CAPES OF THE CANYON'.

Capes of the Canyon

Bikepacking Extended Expeditions on the North and South Rims

The Capes of the Canyon are a set of two bikepacking routes located on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park.  Both routes traverse classic Colorado Plateau geography.  The COTC take riders into vast forests of pinyon, juniper, ponderosa, aspen, and spruce.  They travel through 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, they take bikepackers to Capes of land jutting out into geological space, providing riders iconically recognizable and rarely regarded views of the Grand Canyon.  

Explore the Ride with GPS map collection for the Capes of the Canyon.

RWGPS Maps

South Rim - Capes of the Canyon

Full Route Guide

North Rim - Capes of the Canyon

Full Route Guide

Grand Canyon Overnighters

Bikepacking Weekend Overnighters on the South and North Rims

These bikepacking routes feature phenomenal views that highlight the Grand Canyon region from segments of the Capes of the Canyon. Typically 2 - 3 days in length and with water sources stationed at good distances, dispersed camping abounds along these loops that take riders right back to where they parked. Each track begins and ends at accessible locations where a 2WD vehicle is possible to drive/park at the start. Spend the weekend or a night camping next to a viewpoint of the Grand Canyon.

Explore the Ride with GPS map collection for Grand Canyon Overnighters.

RWGPS Maps

Route Guides for each Grand Canyon Overnighter

Capes of the Canyon Passages

The Capes of the Canyon are broken up into a series of passages for those looking to section-ride, overnight, or day ride.

Explore the Passages
Explore the Passages

Partner Organizations

Bikepacking Roots: South Rim - Capes of the Canyon
Bikepacking Roots: North Rim - Capes of the Canyon