Arizona Trail: Grand Canyon to Utah, Day 1 (Arizona Trail)
Mountain Biking Trail
Moderate
11.92 mi
1,671 ft
Along the Arizona Trail between Grand Canyon and the Utah state line you’ll discover outstanding singletrack, phenomenal views, and beautiful forests and meadows that seldom see human visitors.
One of Arizona’s least visited natural wonders lies hidden on the Kaibab Plateau north of Grand Canyon National Park. Along the Arizona Trail between Grand Canyon and the Utah state line you’ll discover outstanding singletrack, phenomenal views, and beautiful forests and meadows that seldom see human visitors. This area is only accessible between May and November as winter can bury the entire plateau in snow for over half the year.
This was the first segment of Arizona Trail to be designated in the 1980s and remains one of the most significant portions of trail in the state. After four days of riding you’ll understand why. While the first two days include rolling terrain at high elevation, the last two are mostly downhill. The highpoint of this ride on Day 1 is above 9,150 ft. and the lowpoint on day 4 is at 5,000 feet. Riders of all ability levels will appreciate this AZT Expedition, including beginners who don’t mind sucking a little wind at altitude.
Day One
Our first day we’ll meet at 7:00am at Flag Bike Revolution. This ride begins as dramatically as it ends, and before you climb aboard your bike and begin riding north you’ll want to take a short walk down the North Kaibab Trail and see one of the seven natural wonders of the world from its most spectacular vantagepoint. Peering into Bright Angel Canyon from the North Rim might be one of the best views in the world, but it’s only one of three unforgettable viewpoints you’ll experience over the next four days. The first ten miles of this day’s ride gain over 1,000 feet in elevation, which is no easy task considering you start above 8,000 feet. The trail rises and falls (but mostly rises) in and out of small drainages before entering the Kaibab National Forest. We’ll make camp here and allow you to catch your breath for the next day. Ride length is 13 miles.
For more information and to book a tour, visit: Written by FATMAP Official
One of Arizona’s least visited natural wonders lies hidden on the Kaibab Plateau north of Grand Canyon National Park. Along the Arizona Trail between Grand Canyon and the Utah state line you’ll discover outstanding singletrack, phenomenal views, and beautiful forests and meadows that seldom see human visitors. This area is only accessible between May and November as winter can bury the entire plateau in snow for over half the year.
This was the first segment of Arizona Trail to be designated in the 1980s and remains one of the most significant portions of trail in the state. After four days of riding you’ll understand why. While the first two days include rolling terrain at high elevation, the last two are mostly downhill. The highpoint of this ride on Day 1 is above 9,150 ft. and the lowpoint on day 4 is at 5,000 feet. Riders of all ability levels will appreciate this AZT Expedition, including beginners who don’t mind sucking a little wind at altitude.
Day One
Our first day we’ll meet at 7:00am at Flag Bike Revolution. This ride begins as dramatically as it ends, and before you climb aboard your bike and begin riding north you’ll want to take a short walk down the North Kaibab Trail and see one of the seven natural wonders of the world from its most spectacular vantagepoint. Peering into Bright Angel Canyon from the North Rim might be one of the best views in the world, but it’s only one of three unforgettable viewpoints you’ll experience over the next four days. The first ten miles of this day’s ride gain over 1,000 feet in elevation, which is no easy task considering you start above 8,000 feet. The trail rises and falls (but mostly rises) in and out of small drainages before entering the Kaibab National Forest. We’ll make camp here and allow you to catch your breath for the next day. Ride length is 13 miles.
For more information and to book a tour, visit: Written by FATMAP Official
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZT - Passage 39 North Kiabab TH to Ranger Station | 9.82 mi | 991 ft | 1.1% |
| Kachina Trail Climb | 1.04 mi | 315 ft | 5.7% |
| AZT Climb from GCNP Gate | 1.18 mi | 302 ft | 4.6% |