While
visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim I rented a bike from Canyon Adventures Bicycles.
The outfitter has three suggested bike rides; I started with none of the above.
I started on the greenway trail that parallels the main park entrance road
between the visitor center (where the rentals are) and the town of Tusayan. This
trail takes you through the Kaibab National Forest. There are a few ups and
downs and no views of the canyon, but it was a peaceful ride in a wonderful
forest setting. The trail is set back from the road and you can see cars only
occasionally. It was very smooth, paved but the ups and downs and the 7
thousand foot elevation provided a bit of a workout for this flatlander (I live
at 200 ft elevation) used to nearly level rail-trails. The trail is about 6.5
miles long. I started at the visitor center and didn’t see any noteworthy
wildlife on the way out but rode by three elk on the return. These were near
the campground. I later learned this is a favorite hangout for elk.
The
next leg of my ride was what the rental shop calls the Yellow Ride. This is a paved
bike path from the visitor center to Grand Canyon Village. This is kind of an
urban setting within the forest. You pass offices, maintenance buildings,
homes, rental lodging, a supermarket and various other buildings. The route
then moves to a road restricted to shuttle busses. The road takes you to
various lookouts overlooking the canyon. You must park your bike and walk out
to see spectacular canyon views. The
total mileage to Hermits Rest is just over ten miles, half in the urban setting
and the remaining portion on the shared road. I generally don’t ride anywhere
where there are cars but the buses were infrequent and I was sure the drivers
were alert for cyclists. I encountered another elk on this road. She was
walking down the shoulder toward me. I crossed the road and we both continued
on our way without incident. This route has a half mile section with a 6%
grade. If you choose this route or the Kaibab Forest section I did first you
may want to consider an ebike also available at Canyon Adventures. I turned around
just past Monument Vista for the sake of time and possible rain.
The
rain still had not materialized by the time I returned to the Visitor Center so
I ventured on to the so called orange route. This goes from the visitor center
toward Yaki Point. The first half mile or less bypasses the busy part of the
rim trail where bikes are not allowed. It then joins the rim trail where there
are less pedestrians and bikes are allowed. Here the trail is immediately adjacent
to the canyon rim sometimes just a couple of feet away. The views from your
saddle are nothing short of spectacular. There is no need to get off the bike
but the views beckon you to stop and gaze at the sight. There were still some
walkers but you won’t want any speed here. The adjacent canyon is a safety
issue and the views must be admired at a slower pace. This route is three and a
half miles.
My
total mileage for the day was 26 miles. There were a few miles on the red route
that I did not ride. I would not come here just to ride but if you are a
cyclist and are planning a trip to see the canyon be sure to include time for a
bike ride. It was very memorable for me as I expect it will be for you. Note, this is a national park and there is an admission fee.
For more information visit:
National Parks website
Canyon Adventures
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| Bike rental |
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| Observation point along the yellow route |
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| Seen from my bike on the rim trail (Orange route) |
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| Seen from my bike on the rim trail (Orange route) |
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| Seen from my bike on the rim trail (Orange route) |
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| Seen from my bike on the rim trail (Orange route) |
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| Rim trail (Orange ride) |
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| My rental bike |
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| Horses along the yellow route |
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| Elk seen near the campground (Kaibab Forest) |
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| Greenway in Kaibab Forest |
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| Greenway near Tusayan |
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| Greenway in Kaibab Forest |
