Grand Canyon Overnighters

Bikepacking 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.

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.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 40 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1000 ft.

    • Water: None - Carry enough water to get you through tomorrow.

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Stateline Campground; Dispersed camping at a few pullouts further down the road

    • Mileage: 42 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 4200 ft.

    • Water: Wildlife Tank just past Wire Pass parking area; Wildlife Tanks up in the Buckskin Mountains; Jacob Lake

    • Resupply: Jacob Lake Inn has a restaurant and small convenience store.

    • Camping: Jacob Lake Campground; Kaibab Camper Village; Jacob Lake Inn; Dispersed camping in the woods nearby

    • Mileage: 17 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1500 ft.

    • ​Water: Wildlife Tank near the end of the ride

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Finish! Jacob Lake Campground; Kaibab Camper Village; Jacob Lake Inn; Dispersed camping in the woods nearby

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - North Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 - 3 Days

    • 99 Miles

    • 6,656 Feet

    • 5/10

    • Rugged terrain with frequent climbs, some of which may be steep and unrelenting

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 5/10

    • Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4×4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for riders with intermediate off-road experience

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.2" - 2.6"

    • Smooth Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths that aren’t rocky, sandy, or soft and on which bikes with >35mm (1.4”) tires are most suitable.

    • 4×4 Roads: Rough, rocky, rutted, and more technically challenging “roads” on which mountain bikes with >2.2” (55mm) tires are generally preferred.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Best: May - Mid-June

    • Best: September - October

Point Sublime Overnighter

Point Sublime Overnighter takes bikepackers on a loop out to remote and iconic Point Sublime in Grand Canyon National Park. This viewpoint is famous for its campsite on the North Rim where a night is spent on a fin of land jutting into the chasm.

The route provides opportunities to see both the the inner Canyon gorge and its desertscape as well as the subalpine forests and meadows strewn across the Kaibab Plateau. Start at Demotte before climbing to the route high point of 9200 feet. Riders then descend towards Kanabownits Canyon and its namesake historic lookout tower where a climb provides vast views from forest interior to Grand Canyon edge. Bike out to Point Sublime for a night of camping (backcountry permit required). On your way back the next morning, stop to gaze out at Crystal Canyon before starting a chunky and eroded dirt track through thicks of ponderosa and aspen. You'll cross the sprawling Basin with its wild bison herd before eventually entering the North Rim Village. Spend another night camped rim-side at the wonderful hiker-biker site in the North Rim Campground along with more Grand Canyon views at Bright Angel Point. The next day starts with riding beautiful Arizona Trail singletrack that flows across broad meadows followed by another fire tower stop at North Rim Lookout. Finally, bikepackers merge with well-maintained FR 610 to finish the loop back at Demotte.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 28 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1900 ft.

    • Water: Northing Reliable - Carry enough water to get you through tomorrow.

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Point Sublime (Backcountry Camping Permit required from Grand Canyon National Park)

    • Mileage: 22 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2600 ft.

    • OPTIONAL: Combine Days 2 and 3 and cover 42 miles and 4700 feet of gain to finish.

    • Water: North Kaibab TH faucet; North Rim Campground, North Rim Village

    • Resupply: North Rim General Store

    • Camping: Hiker/Biker site at the North Rim Campground

    • Mileage: 20 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2100 ft.

    • OPTIONAL: Combine Days 2 and 3 and cover 42 miles and 4700 feet of gain to finish.

    • Water: North Kaibab TH faucet; Water jug at North Rim Entrance Station next to AZT

    • Resupply: North Rim Country Store or Kaibab Lodge in Demotte

    • Camping: Finish! Demotte Campground, Kaibab Lodge, Dispersed Camping in woods nearby

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - North Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 - 3 Days

    • 70 Miles

    • 6,538 Feet

    • 6/10

    • Rugged terrain with frequent climbs, some of which may be steep and unrelenting

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 6/10

    • Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4×4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for riders with intermediate off-road experience

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.3" - 2.8"

    • Rough Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths characterized by coarse gravel, washboards, or softer sections for which >50mm (2”)  tires are most suitable (some riders may prefer mountain bikes over gravel bikes).

    • 4×4 Roads: Rough, rocky, rutted, and more technically challenging “roads” on which mountain bikes with >2.2” (55mm) tires are generally preferred.

    • Singletrack: Narrow, technical trails on which mountain bikes with >2.2” (55mm) tires are best suited.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • BEST TIME: May 15* - Mid-October

    • Not Possible: Late October - Early May

    *Bicycles are prohibited on North Rim Grand Canyon NP roads from Dec. 1 until May 15. Be sure not to enter the roads of Grand Canyon NP before that date.

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 bikepacking route combines both the smooth gorgeous dirt roads of the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim with significant trail-weaving in and out of capes along the Canyon edge. Riders start in Demotte among subapline meadows before climbing into aspen, firs, and spruce on FR 22. Then, it's a big descent down through Dry Park and a stop at its lookout tower. Bikepackers plunge back into subalpine forest thickets for a fun downhill to Parissawampitts Point and the start of Rainbow Rim. Although a little chunky at first, the tread smooths out as the singletrack weaves and flows along the Canyon edge. Riders hit up viewpoints of the Grand Canyon at Parissawampitts, Fence, Locust, North Timp, and Timp. Each one provides rim-side dispersed camping opportunities. At the end of the trail, ride up Quaking Aspen Canyon, get water from its spring, and then start a long climb up FR 222 to the Kaibab High Point at 9200 feet. Finish with a fun descent back to Demotte.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 32 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1900 ft.

    • Water: Available seasonally at Parissawampitts Spring; Plan to carry plenty from Demotte and supplement from Parissawampitts Spring

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Dispersed camping at Locust Point.

    • Mileage: 28 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2700 ft.

    • Water: Available seasonally at Timp and Quaking Aspen Springs; Demotte

    • Resupply: North Rim Country Store or Kaibab Lodge

    • Camping: Finish! Demotte Campground, Kaibab Lodge, Dispersed Camping in woods nearby

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - North Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 Days

    • 60 Miles

    • 4,597 Feet

    • 6/10

    • Rugged terrain with frequent climbs, some of which may be steep and unrelenting

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 5/10

    • Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4×4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for riders with intermediate off-road experience

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.3" - 2.6"

    • Smooth Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths that aren’t rocky, sandy, or soft and on which bikes with >35mm (1.4”) tires are most suitable.

    • Singletrack: Narrow, technical trails on which mountain bikes with >2.2” (55mm) tires are best suited.

    • Rough Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths characterized by coarse gravel, washboards, or softer sections for which >50mm (2”)  tires are most suitable (some riders may prefer mountain bikes over gravel bikes).

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • BEST TIME: Early-Summer - Fall (Mid-May - Mid-October)

    • Not Possible: Winter - Spring (Late October - Early May)

Jumpup Overnighter

Jumpup Overnighter is a spectacular ride to one of the most remote viewpoints off the North Rim on the Kaibab Plateau. Bikepackers get a chance to stay overnight in historic US Forest Services cabins at Big Springs and Jumpup. They also get to camp rimside at Jumpup Point where views of the crimson Esplanade stretch within the Kanab Creek Wilderness.

Riders start at Jacob Lake and immediately descend geologically beautiful Warm Springs Canyon to meet up with FR 22. Bikepackers then ride out to the Jumup Divide down doubletrack that crosses unexpected 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 and enjoy the view of red-benched rock stretching within the chasm. Return the way you came and head downhill to the turnoff for Jumpup Cabin where reservations allow you to stay in this old historic USFS cabin next to Jumup Canyon. Start a a big climb from here back into the aspens and pines before a downhill for water and an overnight stay at historic Big Springs Cabin Site with its gushing waterfall. Finally, start an ascent up Castle Canyon into the pines and aspen once more as you ride along the Spine of the Kaibab to finish back at Jacob Lake.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 37 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1900 ft.

    • OPTIONAL: Bike 14 miles and 900 feet of gain further to stay overnight at Jumpup Cabin if you've reserved it.

    • Water: Several Wildlife Tanks including a good one out near Jumpup Point

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Dispersed camping at Jumpup Point.

    • Mileage: 30 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 3000 ft.

    • Water: Several Wildlife Tanks; Big Springs

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Stay overnight at Big Springs Cabin Site if you have reservations; Dispersed camping nearby

    • Mileage: 25 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2300 ft.

    • Water: Castle Spring; Jacob Lake

    • Resupply: Jacob Lake Inn

    • Camping: Finish! Stay at the Jacob Lake Inn, Kaibab Camper Village, Jacob Lake Campground, or Dispersed camp nearby

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - North Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2- 3 Days

    • 91 Miles

    • 7,169 Feet

    • 7/10

    • Very rugged terrain with abundant climbing, some of which is very steep and unrideable

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 5/10

    • Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4×4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for riders with intermediate off-road experience

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.4" - 2.6"

    • Rough Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths characterized by coarse gravel, washboards, or softer sections for which >50mm (2”)  tires are most suitable (some riders may prefer mountain bikes over gravel bikes).

    • 4×4 Roads: Rough, rocky, rutted, and more technically challenging “roads” on which mountain bikes with >2.2” (55mm) tires are generally preferred.

    • Smooth Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths that aren’t rocky, sandy, or soft and on which bikes with >35mm (1.4”) tires are most suitable.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • BEST TIME: Early-Summer (May - Mid-June)

    • BEST TIME: Autumn (September - October)

    • Not Advisable: Summer (Late-June - August)

    • Not Possible: Winter - Spring (November - April)

East Rim Overnighter

East Rim Overnighter is a chance to bike out to three overlooks off 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 a Kaibab Plateau 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.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 47 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 3500 ft.

    • Water: Marble Sinkhole

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Dispersed camping at Marble Viewpoint

    • Mileage: 19 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1200 ft.

    • Water: Crystal Spring; Several Wildlife Tanks; Demotte

    • Resupply: Demotte at the Finish

    • Camping: Finish! Demotte Campground, Kaibab Lodge, or Dispersed camping in the woods nearby

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - North Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 - 3 Days

    • 66 Miles

    • 4,712 Feet

    • 4/10

    • Regular rolling terrain with sustained climbing

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 5/10

    • Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4×4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for riders with intermediate off-road experience

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.2" - 2.6"

    • Smooth Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths that aren’t rocky, sandy, or soft and on which bikes with >35mm (1.4”) tires are most suitable.

    • Singletrack: Narrow, technical trails on which mountain bikes with >2.2” (55mm) tires are best suited.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Best: Late May - Mid-October

Crazy Jug Overnighter

Crazy Jug Overnighter provides riders a chance to camp rim-side at Crazy Jug Point along the Grand Canyon. Start at Big Springs heading north on FR 22 before a descent down Oak Canyon to join FR 423 heading south. This mostly smooth doubletrack will carry you across grassy slopes and wooded thickets until it merges with FR 425. Bikepackers enter a densely wooded ponderosa valley along with an old cabin. Climb up FR 292 and ride straight out to Monument Point with a small hike along the Bill Hall Trail. Come back and ride the spur out to Crazy Jug for a night rim-side under Dark Skies and incredible stars. In the morning, take some some steep rocky doubletrack out to Parissawampitts Spring. Finish on smooth dirt ascents back to FR 22 and a return to Big Springs to complete the loop.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 30 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 3000 ft.

    • Water: Nothing reliable after Big Springs, so plan to carry all you’ll need until tomorrow.

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Dispersed camping at Crazy Jug Viewpoint

    • Mileage: 30 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2200 ft.

    • Water: Parissawampitts Spring

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Finish! Big Springs Cabin Site; Dispersed camping in the woods nearby

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - North Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 Days

    • 60 Miles

    • 5,099 Feet

    • 4/10

    • Regular rolling terrain with sustained climbing

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 5/10

    • Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4×4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for riders with intermediate off-road experience

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.2" - 2.6"

    • Smooth Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths that aren’t rocky, sandy, or soft and on which bikes with >35mm (1.4”) tires are most suitable.

    • Rough Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths characterized by coarse gravel, washboards, or softer sections for which >50mm (2”)  tires are most suitable (some riders may prefer mountain bikes over gravel bikes).

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Best: Late May - Mid-October

Spine of the Kaibab Overnighter

Spine of the Kaibab Overnighter 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 for overnight camping at the 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, ascend the big climb up beautiful Warm Springs Canyon to 8000 feet where you finish your ride at Jacob Lake to finish the loop.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 38 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 3100 ft.

    • Water: Demotte Campground, Kaibab Lodge, North Rim Country Store

    • Resupply: Kaibab Lodge, North Rim Country Store in Demotte

    • Camping: Demotte Campground; Kaibab Lodge; Dispersed camping in the woods nearby

    • Mileage: 25 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 800 ft.

    • Water: Big Springs

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Big Springs Cabin Site (reservations required); Dispersed camping in the woods nearby

    • Mileage: 19 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2000 ft.

    • Water: Jacob Lake

    • Resupply: Jacob Lake Inn

    • Camping: Finish! Jacob Lake Campground; Jacob Lake Inn; Kaibab Camper Village; Dispersed camping in the woods nearby

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - North Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 - 3 Days

    • 82 Miles

    • 5,826 Feet

    • 4/10

    • Regular rolling terrain with sustained climbing

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 4/10

    • Track has occasional obstacles and steep sections (e.g., maintained forest roads, mellow singletrack); suitable for beginner riders with some off-road experience.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.1" - 2.6"

    • Smooth Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths that aren’t rocky, sandy, or soft and on which bikes with >35mm (1.4”) tires are most suitable.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Best: Late May - Mid-October

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 provides a tour from Grand Canyon Village out to remote Havasupai Point by way of pinyon-juniper woodlands and sage-filled grasslands.

The route starts in Grand Canyon Village at the Backcountry Information Center 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 savannahs that transition back to juniper-pinyon woodlands interspersed with ponderosas. Riders take chunky doubletrack through these 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 remote South Bass and its namesake trail. Next, it's over to Signal Hill and its historic lookout tower. Finally, a ride out to Ruby and Havasupai Points provides solitude and stunning views of Mount Huethawali and the Grand Scenic Divide. After camping rimside, bikepackers return through the woods before riding the Greenway into Grand Canyon Village to finish the loop.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 35 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1700 Feet

    • Water: Wildlife Tank - Carry enough water to dry camp overnight.

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: South Bass, Ruby Point, and Signal Hill are the only three campsites allowed for rim-side camping out past Pasture Wash. All require reservations from the Backcountry Information Center beforehand that can only be obtained by walk-up. Make sure to grab a permit before heading out on the route. Hit up all the viewpoints before settling in to camp at South Bass for the night as my preference.

    • Mileage: 44 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2200 Feet

    • Water: Wildlife Tanks; Tusayan; Grand Canyon Village

    • Resupply: Tusayan, Grand Canyon Village

    • Camping: Finish! If you want to stay at the hiker/biker site at Mather Campground, plan to bike in here and then ride the rest of the way back to your car tomorrow (this leaves 2 more miles of riding for tomorrow and 2 less miles of riding for today)

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - South Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 Days

    • 79 Miles

    • 3,798 Feet

    • 4/10

    • Regular rolling terrain with sustained climbing

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 5/10

    • Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4×4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for riders with intermediate off-road experience

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended Size: 2.3" - 2.8"

    • 4×4 Roads: Rough, rocky, rutted, and more technically challenging “roads” on which mountain bikes with >2.2” (55mm) tires are generally preferred.

    • Rough Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths characterized by coarse gravel, washboards, or softer sections for which >50mm (2”)  tires are most suitable (some riders may prefer mountain bikes over gravel bikes).

    • Smooth Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths that aren’t rocky, sandy, or soft and on which bikes with >35mm (1.4”) tires are most suitable.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • BEST TIME: Late April - Early June

    • BEST TIME: September - October

    • Potentially Possible: Late June - August

    • Not Possible: November - Mid April

Red Butte Overnighter

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. The domed rise of this rock formation is iconic against the skyline of the South Rim; it is also considered the birthplace of the Havasupai people and culturally sacred. 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 can take a side-hike to its summit. Spend the evening camped below the silhouette of this culturally significant landform against a backdrop of stars. The next morning, bikepackers ascend back into conifer forests along Skinner Ridge. From here, it's a fun descent back to Tusayan to finish the loop.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 42 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2000 ft.

    • Water: Wildlife Tank

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Dispersed camping in the pinyon-junipers along FR 320

    • Mileage: 28 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1400 ft.

    • Water: Wildlife Tanks, Tusayan

    • Resupply: Tusayan

    • Camping: Finish! Camp at the Tusayan-Montane Campground or dispersed camp in the woods nearby

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - South Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 Days

    • 70 Miles

    • 3,398 Feet

    • 4/10

    • Regular rolling terrain with sustained climbing

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 4/10

    • Track has occasional obstacles and steep sections (e.g., maintained forest roads, mellow singletrack); suitable for beginner riders with some off-road experience.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.2" - 2.5"

    • Rough Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths characterized by coarse gravel, washboards, or softer sections for which >50mm (2”)  tires are most suitable (some riders may prefer mountain bikes over gravel bikes).

    • Smooth Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths that aren’t rocky, sandy, or soft and on which bikes with >35mm (1.4”) tires are most suitable.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Best: Late April - June

    • Best: September - October

    • Possible: July - August (Beware heat and monsoons)

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 a stunning viewpoint of the Little Colorado River Gorge. The dirt transitions to pavement as riders join Highway 64 and enter Grand Canyon National Park. A large climb proceeds up to Desert View where water, groceries, established camping, and the historic Desert View Watchtower wait. More viewpoints follow along the East Rim Drive as the route parallels the Canyon edge back in a loop to finish at Grandview Tower.

Sample Route Itinerary

    • Mileage: 34 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 2100 ft.

    • Water: Wildlife Tank and none more until Desert View

    • Resupply: Desert View

    • Camping: Desert View Campground (reservations required)

    • Mileage: 14 Miles

    • Elevation Gain: 1000 ft.

    • Water: None

    • Resupply: None

    • Camping: Finish! Dispersed camping in the woods near Grandview Tower

A detailed Route Guide can be found at the Ride With GPS link:

Route Details

    • Grand Canyon - South Rim, Arizona, USA

    • 2 Days

    • 48 Miles

    • 3,122 Feet

    • 4/10

    • Regular rolling terrain with sustained climbing

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • 4/10

    • Track has occasional obstacles and steep sections (e.g., maintained forest roads, mellow singletrack); suitable for beginner riders with some off-road experience.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Recommended: 2.2" - 2.5"

    • Rough Gravel: Unpaved roads or paths characterized by coarse gravel, washboards, or softer sections for which >50mm (2”)  tires are most suitable (some riders may prefer mountain bikes over gravel bikes).

    • Paved: Roads or rec paths suitable for bikes with <35mm (1.4”) tires.

    • Based on Bikepacking Roots’ Route Rating Scale

    • Best: Late April - June

    • Best: September - Mid-October