Update for the North Rim - Capes of the Canyon Route

A significant route update is dropping for the North Rim - Capes of the Canyon.  First, the fully updated route guide can be found at the link in my bio under “North Rim - Full Route Guide.”  The updated @ridewithgps map is also found there under “North Rim - Ride with GPS Map.”  The corresponding @bikepackingroots page for the route will be updated in the days to come.  

The North Rim COTC is now 551.1 miles long with 40,180 feet of gain.  

Some information on the update:  

• New route start/end at the Murray Lake Trailhead for the Arizona Trail just outside Jacob Lake.
• New descent off the Kaibab Plateau on HWY 89A (eliminates what has become an increasingly eroded and arduous descent off Tater Ridge).  
• Removes the desert riding around House Rock Valley and Marble Canyon.  NEW: This awesome riding isn’t going away but will be released in a forthcoming weekend route perfect for the cooler months of the year.  (Consistent rider feedback that it’s difficult to complete this section during the heat of early summer and early autumn).  
• Added more high-elevation riding along the Spine of the Kaibab for bikepackers to escape the heat on great gravel roads.  
• Updated water sources + their quality and reliability.  
• Added more stops for Lookout Towers.  
• Updated the Sample Itinerary for riders looking for a go-to guide for planning their trip.
• Minor tweaks and improvements.  

These updates improve the route, rider experience, and feature less pavement miles.  All of this comes from rider feedback in addition to my own continuous scouting and riding around the Grand Canyon (I freaking love this area!).