Mark's Bike Tock: Grand Canyon, South Rim

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