Looking for a weekend bikepacking route at the Grand Canyon?
These are a set of routes on both the South and North Rims that are perfect for a 2-3 day trip. They feature phenomenal views that highlight the Grand Canyon region and typically have water sources stationed at good distances. Dispersed camping abounds along these loops that take riders right back to where they parked. Each route begins and ends at accessible locations where a 2WD vehicle is possible to drive/park at the start.
These are a set of routes on both the South and North Rims that are perfect for a 2-3 day trip. They feature phenomenal views that highlight the Grand Canyon region and typically have water sources stationed at good distances. Dispersed camping abounds along these loops that take riders right back to where they parked. Each route begins and ends at accessible locations where a 2WD vehicle is possible to drive/park at the start.
North Rim Overnighter List
South Rim Overnighter List
North Rim Overnighters
1. Vermilion Cliffs Overnighter
Vermilion Cliffs Overnighter takes bikepackers along the red butte-faces of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and climbs through the aspens and pines of the northern Kaibab Plateau. Bikepackers start the route by biking down Orderville Canyon on smooth dirt roads that tunnel through groves of ponderosa pines. A turn provides a smooth descent off the Kaibab Plateau on paved Highway 89A along with an iconic pullout for expansive views of House Rock Valley and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Riders then head north adjacent to the rock escarpments as the desert benchlands funnel into Coyote Valley. Then, it's a climb up and into the Buckskin Mountains where doubletrack carries cyclists through pinyon-juniper groves and intermittent grasslands that slowly climb up into ponderosa groves once more at Jacob Lake. After a resupply, bikepackers continue south as ponderosas give way to aspens, firs, and spruce at the high point of the route. Finally, a ride through an old burn scar followed by mature woodlands leads to the closure of the loop.
Detailed Route Guide found on the RWGPS Page here.
Detailed Route Guide found on the RWGPS Page here.
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2. Point Sublime Overnighter
Point Sublime Overnighter is a loop out to one of the most famous and hard-to-reach capes on the Grand Canyon. It's also an opportunity to spend a night out camped on a fin land jutting into the chasm. Start the route at Demotte where a climb up to the Kaibab Plateau High Point at 9200 ft. is proceeded by a long descent towards Kanabownits Canyon and its namesake historic lookout tower. Then, it's a ride out to Point Sublime where a permit (*see below) can be secured for rim-side camping from the National Park. Riders will head back inland and cross The Basin (look for bison!) along rocky and eroded doubletrack before arriving at the North Kaibab Trailhead and its reliable water faucet. Riders then head north along miles of smooth AZT singletrack with a side-ride to the North Rim Lookout Tower. Finally, bikepackers merge with well-maintained FR 610 to finish the loop back at Demotte. Water is scarce on this route (only the North Kaibab TH has definite water) and may require 24 hours of carrying, so bring several liters; the camping will be dry at Point Sublime.
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3. Rainbow Rim Overnighter
Rainbow Rim Overnighter takes riders out to famous Rainbow Rim, which is the sole opportunity for mountain bikers to ride singletrack along the rim of Grand Canyon National Park. This overnighter combines Passage 9 Rainbow Rim and Passage 10 Dry Park from the Capes of the Canyon. The route has two potential start points: (a) Demotte and (b) FR 22. If starting from Demotte, riders climb up FR 22 to the Kaibab High Point before a big descent down through Dry Park to Cape 9: Parissawampitts Point and the start of the singletrack. Although a little chunky at first, the tread smooths out as it weaves and flows along the Canyon edge and through thickets of aspen and pine. Riders hit up Capes 9 -13 - all of which provide rim-side camping opportunities and stellar views. Water is available mid-route at Parissawampitts and Quaking Aspen Springs. Finish by riding up Quaking Aspen Canyon and then climbing up FR 222 back to Demotte to close the loop.
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4. Jumpup Overnighter
The Jumpup Overnighter is remote and spectacular; it may be the most distant portion of the entire North Rim Capes. Riders start by passing (or even lodging the night before/after the route) by Big Springs with its famous cabin site and reliable gushing spring of water. Cyclists then ride out to the Jumup Divide past grasslands and down gullys. From here, it's an out-and-back ride to Jumpup Point as it juts straight into the heart of the Kanab Creek Wilderness. Camp on the rim edge for the night! Then, return the way you came and head downhill for a turnoff to stay at Jumpup Cabin (reservations required). Or continue on and climb back into the pines before a big downhill to the end. There are many reliable water sources on this route. Ride prepared and be self-sufficient as there is a lot of rocky doubletrack out to the cape and you are unlikely to run into other travelers.
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5. East Rim Overnighter
East Rim Overnighter is a chance to bike out to three capes overlooking the eastern portion of the Kaibab Plateau. The views are expansive and far as you gaze out across the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah National Monument, Marble Canyon, Grand Canyon, Navajo Mountain, Vermilion Cliffs, and even the distant Grand Staircase Escalante. Start the ride at Demotte before a climb up to the Kaibab High Point and a ride on Arizona Trail singletrack across meadows out to Dog Point. Then it's a smooth and beautiful ride through aspen along Dog Saddle Road that takes riders out to Nankoweap/Saddle Mountain Trailhead. Retrace, and then head north out to Marble Viewpoint for one of the best dispersed camping spots on the North Rim. After a night out, head back the way you came and then turn on more AZT singletrack crossing wide subalpine meadows before one last view of the canyon at East Rim Viewpoint. Jump on some smooth dirt roads for a fast descent back to Demotte.
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7. Crazy Jug Overnighter
The Crazy Jug Overnighter provides riders a chance to camp rim-side at Crazy Jug Point along the Grand Canyon. The route has two potential start points: (a) Big Springs and (b) FR 22. If starting at Big Springs, bike up wide FR 22 to a descent down Big Sowats Canyon before merging with FR 425. It's a straightforward ride from here out to Cape 7 Crazy Jug which also is a stellar place to camp. Then, it's over to Cape 8 Monument Point with short hike out on the Bill Hall Trail before turning around and riding some rocky doubletrack out to Parissawampitts Spring (this is the only water source along the route - make sure to carry many liters with you if you decide to dry camp or just in case this source isn't running). Continue on a climb back up to FR 22 to finish the loop.
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8. Spine of the Kaibab: A Gravel Overnighter
Spine of the Kaibab is a high-elevation ride across the sprawling montane and subalpine forests and meadows of the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Starting at an Arizona Trailhead outside of Jacob Lake, bikepackers do a slow climb through thick aspen groves, old burn scars, robust pine forests, and through verdant meadows. Be on the lookout for deer, goshawks, and Kaibab squirrels. Ride to the Kaibab Plateau Point at 9200 feet before a quick descent to Demotte for a resupply and the option of overnight camping at its campground or a room at the Kaibab Lodge. Next, it's back up to the high point for a long and gradual descent through spruce and firs down to ponderosas amid exposed cliff faces. Pass by Big Springs Cabin Site to grab water from the gushing waterfall coming out of the mountain. Rent a cabin and stay for the night to enjoy the area (advanced reservations required). Finally, it's a big climb up beautiful Warm Springs Canyon back to 8000 feet where you finish your ride at Jacob Lake to close the loop. Reliable water can only be found at Jacob Lake, Big Springs, and Demotte. Plan to carry several liters at a time accordingly.
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South Rim Overnighters
1. South Bass Overnighter
South Bass Overnighter is a rare opportunity for bikepackers to camp on the edge of Grand Canyon's South Rim in an area excluding cars. The route starts in Grand Canyon Village at the Backcountry Information Center (make sure to run in and get a permit for overnight backcountry camping at South Bass or Havasupai Point) before heading out towards the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument/Kaibab National Forest along the historic Grand Canyon Railway through thick ponderosa woodlands. The route then heads out towards Pasture Wash via vast sage grasslands that transition back to juniper-pinyon woodlands interspersed with ponderosas. Riders take a chunky doubletrack through the woods to reenter 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 BIC to sleep on the rim and carry plenty of water because it's dry camping out there.
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2. Red Butte Overnighter
The Red Butte Overnighter takes bikepackers out on a loop ride to Red Butte in the heart of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument. Cyclists start in Tusayan riding through montane woodlands of ponderosa pines before descending to savannah grasslands near Anita Station. Riders then approach the base of Red Butte and pass by a trailhead to its summit before ascending back into conifer forests up along Skinner Ridge. From here, it's a fun descent back to Tusayan. The route sticks to mostly fantastic gravel roads and features several reliable wildlife tanks for water.
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3. Desert View Overnighter
Desert View Overnighter provides riders views of five different capes along the Grand Canyon. Bikepackers start at Grandview Lookout Tower and the Arizona Trail before descending through the pines off the Coconino Rim. Then, it's on to rocky doubletrack out to stunning Cape 1 Little Colorado River Gorge. The dirt transitions to pavement as riders join the highway and enter Grand Canyon National Park. A large climb proceeds up to Cape 2 Desert View where water, groceries, established camping, and the historic Desert View Watchtower wait. Capes 3 - 5 follow as the route parallels the Canyon edge back in a loop to where riders started.
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*Based on Bikepacking Roots Route Rating Scale
