South Rim - Capes of the Canyon

Open in the App

Grand Canyon, AZ, USA

Show 12 more photos

Route Overview

Forrest Radarian

Northern Arizona - Bikepacking and Adventure Riding

238 mi.

12,079 ft.

The South Rim Capes of the Canyon provides a backcountry ride through the southern landscape of Grand Canyon National Park and the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument. From pinyon-juniper grasslands blanketing the base of Red Butte to towering ponderosa stands along the Coconino Rim that spill to limestone at Canyon edge, this route provides bikepackers an opportunity to see the Grand Canyon region. Full Route Guide: https://www.theforrestbiome.com/capes-of-the-canyon-southrim

Send to Device Advanced Export View Standard Route (with cuesheet)

Route Details

# Detailed Route Guides
- [Capes of the Canyon - Overview Guide](https://www.theforrestbiome.com/capes-of-the-canyon)
- [South Rim Capes - Full Route Guide](https://www.theforrestbiome.com/capes-of-the-canyon-southrim)
- [South Rim Passages](https://www.theforrestbiome.com/capes-of-the-canyon-southrim-passages)
------------------------------------------

# Route Overview
The South Rim Capes of the Canyon provides a backcountry ride through the southern landscape of Grand Canyon National Park and the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument. From pinyon-juniper grasslands blanketing the base of @poi[Red Butte](73732389) to towering ponderosa stands along the @poi[Coconino Rim](73732480) that spill to limestone at Canyon edge, this route provides bikepackers an opportunity to see the Grand Canyon region. The goal of the route is to hit every bike-legal track that takes a rider to views of the Grand Canyon along the South Rim. The bonus is a backcountry ride though the arid evergreen woodlands and exposed highland geology of the Colorado Plateau along the way. Capes include the @poi[Little Colorado River Gorge](73732396), @poi[Desert View](73732401), @poi[Navajo](73732404), @poi[Lipan](73732405), @poi[Moran](73732407), @poi[Grandview](73732408), @poi[Duck on a Rock](73732409), @poi[Shoshone](73732410), @poi[Yaki](73732411), @poi[Pipecreek Vista](73732415), @poi[Mather](73732419), @poi[Yavapai](73732420), @poi[Trailview Overlook](73732434), @poi[Maricopa](73732435), @poi[Powell](73732436), @poi[Hopi](73732437), @poi[Mohave](73732438), @poi[The Abyss](73732447), @poi[Monument Creek Vista](73732439), @poi[Pima](73732441), @poi[Hermit's Rest](73732446), @poi[South Bass](73732457), @poi[Signal Hill](73732461), @poi[Ruby](73732460), and @poi[Havasupai](73732459).

Riders start in the conifers of @poi[Tusayan, AZ](73732382) before descending to grasslands for a perimeter ride around sage-swathed @poi[Red Butte](73732389).  Heading east, cyclists ride through ponderosa forests and across the vast pinyon-juniper savannas of @point[Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument](d,95266.27) before climbing to the high point of the route at 7,500 feet near @poi[Grandview](73732393) and its namesake fire tower.  Here, bikepackers can catch glimpses of the red-washed Canyon heart through the dark evergreens of the forest.  Riders descend and trace the base of the @point[Coconino Rim](d,145055.12) before getting a view of the @poi[Little Colorado River Gorge](73732396).  After entering Grand Canyon National Park, bikepackers get their first expansive view of the Canyon at @poi[Desert View](73732401) with glimpses of the Colorado River pulsing with sediment down the chasm's spine.  Cyclists continue along a spread of twenty-two South Rim capes, ride out through plains of sage to remote @poi[South Bass](73732457), and then plunge back into the forest before returning to Tusayan.  For bikepackers camped at the more remote areas on the route, stare up at the stars each night for exceptional Dark Skies and clear views of the Milky Way.

## Route Highlights
* Ride every bike-legal track that takes bikepackers to views of the Grand Canyon along the South Rim on the Coconino Plateau.
* Viewpoints: Little Colorado River Gorge, Desert View, Navajo, Lipan, Moran, Grandview, Duck on a Rock, Shoshone, Yaki, Pipecreek Vista, Mather, Yavapai, Trailview Overlook, Maricopa, Powell, Hopi, Mohave, The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima, Hermit's Rest, South Bass, Signal Hill, Ruby, and Havasupai
* Riding around the base of culturally significant Red Butte
* Traveling across the grasslands of Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument
* Viewing the landscape atop Grandview and Signal Hill Lookout Towers
* Touring Desert View Watchtower and attending Native Cultural Demonstration Programs
* Camping at the rim's edge at South Bass, Ruby, or Havasupai Points
* Opportunities to hike into the Grand Canyon at trailheads (if you store your bike on top)
* Museums and Vistor Centers throughout the Park
* Biking down Coconino Wash

## 
## Recommended Tire Size: 2.3"-2.8"
## 
------------------------------------------
# Riding Seasons:
* **BEST TIME:** Late April - Early June
* **BEST TIME:** September - October
* **Potentially Possible:** Late June - August
* **Not Possible:** November - Mid April
------------------------------------------

# Surface Color Guide
- **Purple** = Improved Dirt Surface (Frequently Maintained, Usually Smoother)
- **Red** = Rugged Dirt Surface (Infrequently Maintained, Typically Rougher/Rockier)
- **Brown** = Primitive Dirt Surface (Rarely/Never Maintained, Particularly Rocky/Rutted/Eroded)
- **Black** = Singletrack
- **Blue** = Vehicular Pavement
- **Green** = Paved Bike Path

------------------------------------------

# Surface Conditions and Route Difficulty

- **Physical Difficulty = 4/10*** *(Regular rolling terrain with sustained climbing)*
- **Technical Difficulty = 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 intermediate mountain bikers)*
- **Based on Bikepacking Roots' Rating Scales*
## 
The South Rim Capes mostly sticks to forest service dirt roads.  These roads can be smoother, broad, and are frequently better-maintained near highways and pavement.  The roads found deeper in the heart of the Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument quickly become less-maintained doubletrack that feature sections of washboard, ruts, and limestone rock.  There are sections of more primitive rutted-roads out by South Bass Trailhead and Havasupai Point; the National Park Service rarely upkeeps these roads.  Some portions of the more remote dirt roads on the route can have tree blowdowns over the winter: be prepared to go around these obstacles.  Most of the capes on this route are reached via the large stretches of pavement built along the South Rim.  The pavement is in good condition, but there is very little shoulder.  Be defensive, wear bright colors, and use flashing lights.  When possible, the route takes paved bike paths throughout the South Rim Village.

If any rain/snow is forecast, most of the unpaved route will become peanut butter/death mud and impassable in places.  Leave No Trace and avoid riding at these times until the route dries out.  In addition, flash flooding from precipitation is a possibility in washes or low areas - stay safe and stay out of those locations during monsoon rain dumps.

The **technical difficulty** of the route is due to the abundance of 4x4 roads that the South Rim Capes utilizes.  The route travels a mix of wide, maintained 2WD USFS dirt roads, limestone chunky 4x4 doubletrack, and frequent pavement along the Rim.  A lot of the roads are serviced yearly by the National Forest Service, but some rarely have work done and can become rutted/eroded in wet conditions.

The **physical difficulty** is mostly due to the climbing.  Most of the route is found on the regularly rolling terrain of the Coconino Plateau that stretches between Flagstaff and the South Rim.  The elevation profile of the route puts the low point at 6000 feet near @point[Anita Station](d,33450.6) in the southwest corner and the high point at 7500 feet at @poi[Grandview Tower](73732393) and again at Desert View along the northeast portions.  In-between, riders can expect to climb and descend regularly across hills and drainages.  **And most salient, almost every cape has to be reached by ascending one-way up a road to the Rim.**  You will think about this each time you head to a cape.  But take succor in knowing that those views of the Grand Canyon are well worth it.

## Noteworthy Climbs
1. @slice[Climbing the Coconino Rim to Grandview Tower](d,102971.9,135739.6) along the Rim Road
2. @slice[Ascending to Desert View](d,178013.6,189602.7) when entering Grand Canyon National Park along Highway 64
3. @slice[Riding up to Grandview Point](d,206305.4,214838) along Highway 64 from the bottom of Desert View Drive
4. @slice[Getting to South Bass and Havasupai Point](d,303508.8,318884) from the start of the boundary fence
##

## Noteworthy Primitive, Rocky Surfaces
1. @slice[A short ride on FR 347E](d,42629.7,45002.3) to get to Little Red Horse Wash
2. @slice[The ride out to the Little Colorado River Gorge](d,163684.8,169148.8) (Cape 1) can be extremely rocky, rutted, primitive, and overgrown in places.
3. @slice[FR 2501 on the way to South Bass](d,283389.8,290921.2) can be chock full of limestone chunks and eroded. 
4. @slice[The out-and-back on the doubletrack along the boundary fence](d,300436.6,303508.8) with the Havasupai Nation is full of babyheads, steep descents, and one absolute hike-a-bike both ways
5. @slice[FR 334 and FR 3223](d,352602.2,356708.6) heading up Coconino Wash
## 
## Noteworthy Vehicular Pavement
1. @slice[All of Highway 64/East Rim Drive](d,178013.6,232554.6): This is a long stretch of highway pavement with little shoulder, hills, and curves.  It stretches from just outside Grand Canyon National Park at the bottom of the climb to Desert View all the way to the South Kaibab Trailhead.  The portion outside the National Park has a fantastic and broad shoulder for cyclists to ride in.  This shoulder almost entirely disappears once cyclists enter the Park.  Wear bright colors, ride defensively, and have a flashing light.  This stretch of pavement is frequented by cyclists and is a part of the official Grand Canyon Connector by the Adventure Cycling Association.  Luckily, most of the viewpoints/parking areas require side-spur-roads meaning people will likely be keeping their eyes on the road while driving.  There are lots of pull-outs and parking areas for you to get off the road for breaks, views, and capes too.  
2. @slice[South Rim Village](d,241091.2,244850.2): Mostly short spurts along a road with lots of traffic but good lines-of-sight.  You quickly are on and off this road in-between sections of paved bike path.  
3. @slice[West Rim Drive to Hermit's Rest](d,248259.5,266674.4): No cars are allowed for the majority of the year save for shuttle buses.  Cyclists frequently ride this awesome stretch of tarmac that features some of the best capes of the route.  Plus, there is a paved greenway that you can jump on for part of the ride.  By Park policy, cyclists MUST dismount and get their bodies and bikes off the road and onto the sides when a bus is passing - this is for the safety of the buses and you.  Be courteous and do so.  
## 
## Parking
The South Rim Capes is intended to be ridden in a counterclockwise direction. Park your car for the duration of the route at the @poi[Grand Canyon Visitor Center - IMAX](73732382) in Tusayan, AZ.  Park in the back of the building in the paved parking area, but not on the adjacent gravel lot.  Make sure to check into the Visitor Center with your (a) car make, (b) car model, (c) license plate number, and (d) expected return date; just let them know you're riding the COTC.  If the center isn’t open, leave a note on your dashboard saying, “Bikepacking the Capes of the Canyon Route - Expected return date XX/XX/XXXX."  The Center is open seven days a week from 9 am - 6 pm.

------------------------------------------

# Water and Food

## Water Reliability Scale
- 1 = unreliable 
- 2 = seasonal;
- 3 = mostly reliable; 
- 4 = definite source
## 
Water is scarce along this route. The Kaibab National Forest is considered the driest national forest in the United States. Although the South Rim receives an average of 15.56 inches of moisture a year, most quickly percolates through the porous rock of Kaibab Limestone that makes up the upper layers of this area. Within the canyon, water exits through numerous springs, but up on top, it's a dry area.  Plan to carry several liters of water, sometimes enough to last at least 24 hours and more than you think you'll need should you arrive at a source and find it dry.

Definite water can be found in the town of @poi[Tusayan](73732384), at @poi[Desert View in GCNP](73732402), and in @poi[Grand Canyon Village within GCNP](73732423).  Beyond that, water is mostly found in dirt cattle tanks, metal cattle tanks, and Arizona Game and Fish Water Catchments (Wildlife Tanks).  Wildlife tanks can be chock full of bugs and algae in the summer, but are safe to drink with treatment/purification.  AZGFD Wildlife Tanks help provide water to wildlife in the ever-drying environment of the southwest under climate change.  There is no camping within 0.25 miles of AZGFD Wildlife Tanks (or other water sources).  This route requires riders to dry camp.  Be prepared to load up at water sources so that you can camp far away from them.

Outside of the start and end in @poi[Tusayan](73732384), there are only 2 food resupplies mid-route at @poi[Desert View](73732402) and @poi[Grand Canyon Village](73732424).  Riders need to plan several days of food between these points.

------------------------------------------

# Fees and Permits:
- Grand Canyon National Park [requires a fee for entry](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/fees.htm). No cash, credit/debit only. ($35 for a vehicle; $20 for a bicycle).
- Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument/Kaibab National Forest has no fees.
- A [Recreational Land Use Permit](https://land.az.gov/applications-permits) is required for any travel or camping on Arizona State Lands. Apply for and pay for one before you head out on the route. Carry it with you.

------------------------------------------

# Important Information

**Hunting Season:** Starts in September and goes through December.  Hunters will mostly be seeking deer and elk.  Expect to see more trucks, backcountry campers, ATVs, and individuals on foot.  WEAR ORANGE and make yourself visible as you ride.  Be smart and be seen during hunting season.  Wildlife Tanks may have more hunters scoping them out.

**Black Bears:** There are black bears which means you need to properly store your food at night using a bear-aware method.

**ATVs:** ATVs are somewhat common around the Coconino Rim, Grandview Tower, and Red Butte.  Outside of here, ATVs are much more rare across the Coconino Plateau, although you will see them.  However, I have found drivers are pretty respectful, will check on you/offer you water, and give you space when passing.

**Dark Skies:** Grand Canyon National Park is an International Dark Sky Park.  This means that you can expect to have anywhere between Bortle Class 1 - 3 night skies overhead (even better night viewing during a new moon).  The Bortle Class Scale is used to rate night skies on their clarity and lack of light pollution.  A Bortle Class 1 is the darkest possible and there are several locations along these routes where, should you camp, you will have this level of darkness.  Here, night skies will be virtually unimpeded by artificial light.

**Fences:** There may be "cowboy fences" on this route which consist of barbed wire wrapped around vertical wooden branches that are strung across roads.  They can be opened by removing a loop of wire on one side.  Most importantly, leave fences as you found them; re-close them if they were closed.

**Hantavirus and Plague:** Bubonic plague and hantavirus are frequent enough amongst the rodent population that you should avoid their saliva, feces, urine, and direct bodily contact.  Be careful when entering old cabins and caves where droppings are plentiful and ventilation is limited.  These are prime areas for possible contraction of these diseases.

------------------------------------------

# South Rim Capes Specific Bike Access

@poi[FR 3223](104593769) in the Kaibab National Forest has a "Foot Travel Only" sign.  Kaibab National Forest says bicycles are allowed on this section and any section saying "Foot Travel Only."

@poi[FR 335](104589251) in the Kaibab National Forest includes a section of Private Land owned by GCR Acquisitions, LLC/Xanterra near mile 237 at Apex, just west of the Grand Canyon National Park Airport.  There will be a sign saying "Not a Public Highway - No Trespassing."  I talked to Xanterra and bicycles are allowed to cross this private land.  DO NOT leave the road, camp, or explore the area - their permission for bikepackers only allows travel on FR 335 to cross their private land.  This is marked on the Ride with GPS map.

@poi[FR 313](104452629) and @poi[FR 328](78922955) cross small sections of private land.  These roads have been designated legal for travel by the Kaibab National Forest Motor Use Vehicle Map (MVUM).  Just make sure to stick to the road and do not camp in these areas marked on the RWGPS map.

@poi[DO NOT take Pasture Wash Road](73732451) into the Havasupai Reservation to access South Bass with a permit from the Tribe directly; respect their wishes about their land.  Remember to ride with respect.  Instead, take the Boundary Road doubletrack on the EAST side of the fence (inside the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni NM).  The west side of the fence is Havasupai Tribal Lands.  See the map attached here.

# General Access

Bikes are STRICTLY forbidden below the rim in the inner gorge of the Grand Canyon.  DO NOT RIDE YOUR BIKE DOWN INTO THE CANYON - you will get fined, it is illegal, and you will hurt the perception and opportunities of other bikepackers on this route.  There are certain trails on top that are also off-limits to bikes; this route expressly avoids them.  No cross-country travel in Grand Canyon National Park; practicing Leave No Trace means staying on established trails, roads, and paths.

Finally, respect tribal land and do not ride without permission in either the Havasupai or the Navajo Nations.  This route stays explicitly within land domains where riding is public and legal.  Although it may approach boundaries with the surrounding tribal nations, you should never ride onto the reservations without securing tribal government permission.  Doing so otherwise is disrespectful and unlawful.  I must note that although this route stays on "public lands," the formation of Grand Canyon National Park involved the forced removal of the Havasupai, and they have endured legal battles to keep their vastly smaller chunk of land out of their historical precedent.  **Know the land you are riding on is traditionally theirs, know their current reservation boundaries are smaller than where they historically inhabited, and know where you are riding to keep yourself both legal and respectful.**

------------------------------------------

# Camping
There is no dispersed camping within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park. However, there are several well-established sites including @poi[Desert View](73732399) and @poi[Mather Campgrounds](73732422). Desert View does not have hiker/biker sites, so plan to reserve ahead of time if you want to camp there. Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village has a fantastic hiker/biker site for walk-ups arriving by foot or bicycle. The hiker/biker site is shared with other cyclists and backpackers and costs $6 per night per person. Mather Campground is conveniently located next to the @poi[Post Office](73732425) (M - F, 8 - 3:30 pm), the @poi[General Store](73732424), a @poi[Chase Bank ATM](73732426), @poi[Yavapai Lodge + Tavern](73732427), and a bus stop.

If you want to stay at the backcountry campsites above the rim at @poi[South Bass Trailhead](73732457) or near @poi[Havasupai Point](73732459), you will need to reserve backcountry permits through the @poi[GCNP Backcountry Information Center](73732433).  **These permits require a walk-up at the BIC.**  As these sites are not accessible by vehicle, there is a high chance of achieving a walk-up permit. However, you can check site availability online by doing the following:

1. Head to Recreation.gov for Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Permits.
2. Click “Check Availability” under Available Permits on the right hand side.
3. Choose the button tab “Above Rim Areas - South Rim” at the top.
4. Examine the following options:
    - SE1 - Signal Hill - Campsite
    - SE2 - Ruby Point - Campsite
    - SE3 - South Bass Trailhead - Campsite - Large or Small Group

# 
If you want to backcountry camp anywhere else above the Rim in Grand Canyon National Park, you'll need to navigate to the same link above and make sure to choose the proper Use Area.  This [Use Area Map](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/useAreaMap.pdf) will help you determine which zone is appropriate for your intended backcountry campsite.

Outside of GCNP in the the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument/Kaibab National Forest, excellent and numerous dispersed camping abounds.  Make sure not to camp in the noted Private Properties and pay attention to boundary lines between the National Monument and Grand Canyon National Park.

------------------------------------------
# Sample Route Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Use it as a rough guide for your own planning purposes. Feel free to use it, adapt it, or don't use it at all and make your own plans. Plan your trip on this route based on your own strengths, comfortabilities, experiences, wants, and needs.

**Day 1**
- **Mileage:** 51 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 2630 ft.
- **Description:** Start from @poi[Tusayan](73732382) climbing up through the trees.  Ponderosas set amid meadows will be everywhere.  You'll cross the highway and then start a descent down to pinyon-junipers and out towards @poi[Anita Station](73732465).  You'll head east, cross the highway, and do a right angle turn around the base of @poi[Red Butte](73732389).  Head up FR 320 to end the day.  Optional: Do a side-hike to the top using @poi[Red Butte Trail](128496006). 
- **Water:** @poi[Wildlife Tank](73732467) about 40 miles into today.  It's the only water resupply for today, so carry a ton out of Tusayan to get to here.  Once here, fill up to dry camp tonight and to last you through tomorrow as it's 34 miles to the next reliable source. 
- **Resupply:** None
- **Camping:** @poi[Dispersed Camping](107438731) near the intersection of FR 320 and FR 301.
#
**Day 2**
- **Mileage:** 64 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 2975 ft.
- **Description:** Turn right to descend down Red Horse Wash/FR 301 to historic @poi[Moqui Stage Station](73732469).  Head east across doubletrack traveling through grasslands before swinging north and crossing massive @poi[Peterson Flat](104452631) filled with sage.  Join FR 310 along the Coconino Rim and steadily rise as towering ponderosas pop up.  Look right through the trees for views of the Upper Basin and your first glimpses of the Grand Canyon.  Join the Arizona Trail at @poi[Grandview Tower](73732393).  Either camp here for a big day tomorrow, OR make today a big day by continuing on to dispersed camp right outside the Park to allow yourself all day tomorrow to take in each view along the Rim.  If continuing on, ride down the Coconino Rim for a perimeter base ride around the @poi[Upper Basin](134418428).  Cross the highway and ride out the rocky, primitive doubletrack to @poi[Cape 1 at Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook](73732396).  Join paved Highway 64/East Rim Drive for a big climb up to the @poi[entrance of Grand Canyon National Park](73732397) where some dispersed camping can be found on a side dirt road just outside the Park. 
- **Water:** There are a couple of reliable @poi[Wildlife Tanks](73732470) along the Coconino Rim to fill up at.  Grab enough to replenish your supplies to get you to Desert View tomorrow and dry camp tonight.
- **Resupply:** None
- **Camping:** Reserve a campsite at @poi[Desert View Campground](73732399) (no hiker/biker sites) or @poi[dispersed camp](107438733) off a dirt road right below the entrance to the Park.
#
**Day 3**
- **Mileage:** 35 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 2165 ft.
- **Description:** Enter @poi[Grand Canyon National Park](73732397).  Ride up steep, paved Highway 64/East Rim Drive (shoulder disappears) to @poi[Desert View](73732400) for water, epic views of the Grand Canyon, and a resupply.  Take all day to ride the paved East Rim Drive for all the capes along the length of Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim.  Grab sunset at @poi[Shoshone](73732410) or @poi[Yaki Points](73732411).  Don't rush - the views are each worth it to soak in.  End the day by taking the multi-use path Greenway to @poi[Mather Campground](73732422) for a resupply and food at services in the area.
- **Water:** Grab some at Desert View at the back of the @poi[Desert View Market and Deli](73732402).  It's 27.5 miles to the water faucet at the @poi[South Kaibab Trailhead](73732413) from here.  Finally, water can be found at @poi[Mather Campground](73732423).  
- **Resupply:** @poi[Desert View Market and Deli](73732402); @poi[Canyon Village Market & Deli (General Store)](73732424)
- **Camping:** @poi[Hiker/Biker site in Mather Campground](73732422)
#
**Optional: Zero Day**
- **Mileage:** 0 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 0 ft.
- **Description:** Take an optional 0 day at the @poi[hiker/biker site](73732422) in Mather Campground. Rest your legs, grab a shower, do some laundry, eat lots of food, and enjoy the area. If your legs feel up to it, hike down the @poi[Bright Angel](73732431) or @poi[South Kaibab Trails](73732412) - bring water, snacks, and know your limits (down is optional, up is mandatory!).
#
**Day 4**
- **Mileage:** 45 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 2220 ft.
- **Description:** Roll out of Mather Campground to @poi[Mather](73732419) and @poi[Yavapai Points](73732420).  Then, ride the Greenway through the South Rim Village, making sure to stop at the @poi[Backcountry Information Center](73732433) for backcountry permits to camp near the rim tonight.  Join the paved shuttle bus route out to @poi[Hermit's Rest](73732432) and a slew of Capes.  Return and head into the forest at @poi[The Abyss](73732447), join Rowe Well, and then begin a long ride out towards Pasture Wash.  At the end of the road, turn right at the @poi[boundary fence](73732451) (riding inside the National Monument and not on Havasupai Tribal Lands) out towards @poi[South Bass](73732457).  Enjoy a night under the stars perched along the Canyon edge.  
- **Water:** South Rim Village area, @poi[Hermit's Rest](73732443), and a good @poi[Wildlife Tank](73732449) about 31 miles into today's ride.  This Wildlife Tank is the last for the day so make sure to really fill up to get you through 24 hours of camping until the next source tomorrow.  
- **Resupply:** None
- **Camping:** Get backcountry permits to camp at @poi[South Bass](73732457) or over near Havasupai Point at @poi[Ruby Point](73732460) or @poi[Signal Hill](73732461).  Make sure to stop by the @poi[Backcountry Information Center](73732433) in the South Rim Village today to secure permits for camping at the Rim edge in one of these spots.  
#
**Day 5**
- **Mileage:** 45 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 2200 ft.
- **Description:** Do a morning ride over to @poi[Signal Hill](73732461), @poi[Ruby Point](73732460), and @poi[Havasupai Point](73732459) for the sunrise and the last capes on the route. Also take the side-ride out to the historic @poi[Signal Hill Lookout Tower](135520522).  Retrace your route back to FR 328.  Bike up @poi[Coconino Wash](104593769) on doubletrack through a shallow canyon.  Swing south and cross the Grand Canyon Railroad at the historic @poi[Apex](104589251) site.  Stay on the route (cyclists have permission to use the road) as you pass through this private property.  Swing north and ride next to and under the railroad.  Hit FR 328 again before turning right on the paved Greenway and making your way to the end in @poi[Tusayan](73732382).  Finish!
- **Water:** Hit up a @poi[Wildlife Tank](73732462) about 25 miles into today.  There are a series of @poi[Wildlife Tanks](104593768) starting then; they are spaced about 7-10 miles apart. 
- **Resupply:** @poi[Tusayan](73732384)
- **Camping:** Finish!  Stay at @poi[Tusayan-Montane Campground](73732388) outside of Tusayan, grab a hotel, or dispersed camp in the woods.

------------------------------------------

# Shorter Route Options:
Looking for a shorter route, overnighter, or day ride on the Capes of the Canyon?  Check out the options below:
- [South Rim Passages](https://www.theforrestbiome.com/capes-of-the-canyon-southrim-passages)
- [Grand Canyon Overnighters](https://www.theforrestbiome.com/grand-canyon-overnighters)

South Rim - Capes of the Canyon

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Forrest Radarian

El Lobo Lupus

North Rim - Capes of the Canyon

House Rock Wrap

Gold to Grand Loop

Vermilion Cliffs Overnighter

Sign Up

Share link

Share via email

Embedded widget

Get the Ride with GPS mobile app!