 Passage 8: South Bass and the South Bass Overnighter are rare opportunities for bikepackers to camp on the edge of Grand Canyon’s South Rim in an area excluding cars. The route starts in the town of Tusayan before heading out towards Pasture Wash through vast sage grasslands that transition back to juniper-pinyon woodlands interspersed with ponderosas. Riders take a chunky doubletrack through the woods to enter Grand Canyon National Park where they pass by the abandoned ruins of the Pasture Wash Ranger Station before making their way out to Cape 21 South Bass and Cape 22 Havasupai Point. Make sure to get the required permits from the Backcountry Information Center to sleep on the rim and carry plenty of water because it’s dry camping out there. The “Short Version” bypasses the ride through Apex along the Grand Canyon Railroad and cuts off a start and end in Tusayan.
This route is best ridden in Spring (Late April - Early June) and Fall (September - October), although it is possible to ride it during summer (just be ready for heat and monsoons). A Backcountry Permit from GCNP is required to camp at any of the campsites along the rim. The permit can only be acquired as a walk-up at the Backcountry Information Center. As these campsites are not accessible by vehicle, there is a high chance of achieving a walk-up permit. An Arizona State Lands permit is required, so make sure to purchase and carry one with you. Passage 8 can be ridden as a day ride or turned into an Overnighter.
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