Grandview Overnighter and the Grand Canyon Bikepacking Network
One of my long-standing projects has been to create a number of smaller Overnighter routes on both the South and North Rims. The ultimate goal being to create a suite of bikepacking routes that stretch from day-long rides, to weekend overnighters, to full expedition multi-week Capes of the Canyon. After much site-reorganizing and rider feedback, I’m excited to officially release both a new overnighter on the South Rim as well as the complete Grand Canyon Bikepacking Network. Head to the link below to explore the landing page for the network:
Grandview Overnighter travels down wide dirt roads into the forested heart of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Natonal Monument before looping along pavement and greenways past viewpoints of Grand Canyon National Park on the South Rim.
Riders start the loop in Tusayan where well maintained dirt roads climb gradually into large ponderosa forests that blanket the South Rim. Grasses intermix with pinyons, junipers, and oaks as riders approach the Coconino Rim in the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument. From here, bikepackers climb to the high point on the South Rim at Grandview Lookout Tower which sits at 7500 feet in elevation. Those who climb the tower get tremendous views north into the Grand Canyon as well as south into dense forests with distant mountains. Riders join pavement along the East Rim Drive as they pass by a number of viewpoints of the chasm. Stopping in South Rim Village provides overnight sleep at the hiker/biker site at Mather Campground before a morning push along Hermit Road where cyclists only share the pavement with buses. After several iconic views of the Grand Canyon, bikepackers rejoin dirt at the Abyss for a fun descent down towards Bright Angel Wash along Rowe Well Road. Riders take dirt roads through woodlands once more before joining with the paved multi-use greenway that carries cyclists back to Tusayan.
