North Rim - Capes of the Canyon

Route Details

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

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

# Route Overview

The North Rim Capes of the Canyon takes riders from the desert base of @poi[Vermilion Cliffs National Monument](128545033) to the subalpine meadows and sprawling aspen forests of the @poi[Kaibab Plateau](128545107). In-between, it weaves a circumference dirt tour of North Rim viewpoints along the edge of Grand Canyon National Park.  Capes include @poi[Vermilion Cliffs](128545032), @poi[Gunsight](128545055), @poi[Jumpup](128545076), @poi[Sowats](128545084), @poi[Thunder River](128545089), @poi[Crazy Jug](128545092), @poi[Monument](128545093), @poi[Parissawampitts](128545098), @poi[Fence](128545099), @poi[Locust](128545100), @poi[North Timp](128545101), @poi[Timp](128545102), @poi[Fire](128545116), @poi[Swamp](128545121), @poi[Point Sublime](128545126), @poi[Crystal Canyon](128658307), @poi[Bright Angel](128545146), @poi[Point Imperial](128545147), @poi[Vista Encantada](128545149), @poi[Roosevelt](128545150), @poi[Walhalla Overlook](128545152), @poi[Angel's Window](128545155), @poi[Cape Royal](128545156), @poi[Nankoweap/Saddle Mountain](128545161), @poi[Marble Viewpoint](128545163), @poi[East Rim](128545166), and @poi[Dog](128545170).  Look forward to multiple views of the Esplanade along the Kanab Creek Wilderness, the possibility of sleeping in old Forest Service cabins at @poi[Jumpup](128545071) and @poi[Big Springs](128545067), riding through @slice[Coyote Valley](d,32196.4,72618.5) beside the Paria Plateau, seeing high-altitude meadows cupped by conifers, and absorbing views of the Grand Canyon along remote dirt roads.

The goal of the route is to hit every bike-legal track that takes riders to views of the Grand Canyon along the North Rim on the Kaibab Plateau.  Capes of the Canyon provides an additional tour of the Colorado Plateau by way of an extensive network of forest service roads that wind through ponderosas, spruce, firs, aspen, sage, tablelands, and plateaus in and near the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument and the Kaibab National Forest.  This route offers remote high-country riding down seldom-visited roads, a chance to bike singletrack along the Grand Canyon at @poi[Rainbow Rim](128545098), multiple opportunities for dispersed camping at the rim edge, sections of the Arizona Trail, and, for those who store their bike on top, the chance to hike down into the inner gorge at notable trailheads within Grand Canyon National Park.

## Recommended Tire Size: 2.3"-2.6"

------------------------------------------
# Riding Seasons:
* BEST TIME: Early Summer (May 15 - June)
* BEST TIME: Fall (September - Mid-October)
* POTENTIALLY POSSIBLE: Summer/Monsoon Season (July - August)
* NOT POSSIBLE: Winter and Spring (Late October - Early May)
## 
Bicycles prohibited on North Rim Grand Canyon NP roads from Dec. 1 until May 15.  You can start the route prior to May 15 as it's 350 miles before you'll reach the Park boundary, but be sure not to enter the roads of Grand Canyon NP before that date.

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

# 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 = Dirt Multi-Use Path

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

# Surface Conditions and Route Difficulty

The North Rim COTC travels down a trove of Forest Service roads and old doubletrack.  Some of the Forest Service roads are regularly maintained, wide, lightly graveled, and sometimes hero dirt.  The spurs off of these carry riders down smooth-to-chunky-to-decayed doubletrack - especially out to the most remote capes of the route where vehicles infrequently travel.  The dirt roads in Grand Canyon National Park are especially poorly maintained.  I've been told the USFS puts spending priority on their unpaved roads while the NPS does not.  Overall, there can be extended sections of washboard, ruts, and chunk with ample babyheads.  Some of the viewpoints that the North Rim Capes utilizes are very remote and are often littered with tree blowdowns come early summer.  The deadfall will get removed, but anyone traveling in the early season may have to go around/over trees until agencies clear them.

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 real possibility in the lower portions of the route around the @slice[Vermilion Cliffs and House Rock Valley](d,32196.4,72574.6) - stay safe and stay out of washes or low areas at those times.

The technical difficulty of the route is due to the abundant spread of surfaces that range from pavement, to smooth dirt, to chunky doubletrack.  There  are stretches with several miles of rugged and rocky tread.  There are also miles of gorgeous wide dirt roads coursing through the woods or across plateaus.  More on notable rocky sections can be found under "Surface Conditions" below.

The physical difficulty is mostly due to the climbing.  Make no doubt, this route is hilly and can be steep.  The North Rim Capes travels across the mountainous folds of the Kaibab Plateau; riders should expect rolling terrain that frequently ascends and descends ridges and canyons.  The route ascends to the @poi[Kaibab High Point](128545107) at 9200 feet from a low point in @point[Fredonia](d,144325.38) at 4600 feet.  Although the route is gradual on average, there are some sections featuring steep grades.  And most salient, almost every cape has to be reached by traveling one-way down a dirt road that invariably descends several hundred to a thousand+ feet.  This means that you must immediately turn around and climb back up to rejoin the route's loop.  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 up into the Buckskin Mountains](d,72619.2,83165.3) from House Rock Valley Road
2. @slice[Ascending up Warm Springs Canyon](d,233112.5,247530.2) to Jacob Lake
3. @slice[Climbing to FR 427](d,359484.1,372950.5) after Jumpup Cabin
4. @slice[Heading up to Demotte](d,496021.7,534945.8) from the end of Rainbow Rim

## 
## Noteworthy Primitive, Rocky Surfaces
1. @slice[The climb up into the Buckskin Mountains](d,74710.2,76597.5) from House Rock Valley Road
2. The last portion of the @slice[ride out to Jumpup Point](d,186003.4,198575.2)
3. @slice[FR 206](d,502917.7,504011.5) down to Quaking Aspen Spring
4. @slice[The road out to Swamp Point](d,557814.1,581599.9) (especially after monsoons)
5. @slice[The entire road between Point Sublime and the Widforss Trailhead.](d,642962.6,660016.5)  This can be quite awful with washouts, erosion, steep babyhead sections, hike-a-bikes, and chunk.  
## 
## Noteworthy Vehicular Pavement
1. @slice[Kaibab Descent to Vermilion Cliffs](d,14182.4,32196.4): Has little shoulder and high speeds on the road, but traffic can be light - especially in the morning. There are good lines-of-sights for both cyclists and drivers.
2. @slice[Paved FR 22 between Fredonia and Warm Springs Canyon](d,134193.1,166403.1): Has very little traffic. There are good lines-of-sights for both cyclists and drivers.  This is a rural, quiet backroad.  
3. @slice[Riding to Cape Royal and Point Imperial in Grand Canyon National Park](d,669242,741713.5): This is windy, twisty, and has poor lines-of-sight on the curves.  Plus, there can heavy traffic on it, especially in the afternoons.   If you choose to ride this portion make sure to ride defensively, wear bright colors, and use flashing lights.  I also recommend riding early in the morning when traffic is less.  As a heads up, GCNP does not recommend bicyclists on this stretch of road (but it is legal to ride and definitely is ridden).  
## 
## Parking

The North Rim Capes is intended to be ridden in a counterclockwise direction. Park your vehicle for the duration of the route at the @poi[Murray Lake Trailhead for the Arizona Trail](128545029).  This AZT trailhead is located just south of Jacob Lake right off Highway 67 and is about 0.25 miles down an unpaved, but 2WD accessible, road.  There are several parking spots for long-term parking. Parking is not visible from the highway due to the woods (which is good for keeping your car out of view).  There is also a pit toilet and informational sign on the AZT. There are also many spots further along the dirt road where you can park your car in the forest if you need to.  I like to contact the US Forest Service to let them know I'll be parking for a while at a trailhead; they won't promise anything, but it's good peace of mind in case of an issue. If you want to do the same, reach out to the [North Kaibab Ranger District here](https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/kaibab/about-forest/contactus).

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

# Water and Food

## Water Reliability Scale
- 1 = unreliable
- 2 = seasonal;
- 3 = mostly reliable;
- 4 = definite source
## 
The remote nature of this route means riders need to carefully plan how much food to carry and to expect several days between resupplies.  The distance between resupplying at @poi[Jacob Lake](128545059) and @poi[Demotte](128545110) alone is 184 route-miles.  Within the canyon, water exits through numerous springs, but up on top, it's a relatively dry area; the Kaibab National Forest is considered the driest national forest in the United States.  Springs may require you to stash your bike on the rim to hike down and retrieve water. The tablelands and canyonlands around the Vermillion Cliffs, House Rock Valley, and Buckskin Mountain are true desertscapes with little reliable surface runoff or pools.  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 at @poi[Fredonia](128545045), @poi[Jacob Lake](128545059), @poi[Big Springs](128545067), @poi[Demotte](128545110), and the @poi[North Rim Village](128545137) area in GCNP.  Beyond that, water is mostly found in dirt cattle tanks, metal cattle tanks, springs, and Arizona Game and Fish Water Catchments (Wildlife Tanks).

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

# 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, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument have 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.

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

# 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.

Bicycles are prohibited on all Grand Canyon National Park North Rim backcountry roads from December 1 until May 15.  No backcountry permits will be issued prior to May 15 for campsites.  If starting in the early season, time arrival at the Park boundary to be right on May 15.  The Kaibab National Forest permits bicycle travel outside these dates.

Finally, respect tribal land and do not ride without permission in either the lands of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians just outside of Fredonia or the Navajo Nation just across the Colorado River at Marble Canyon. 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 tribes such as 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 is an established camping site at the @poi[North Rim Campground](128545139).  The North Rim Campground near the 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.  The North Rim Campground is conveniently located next to the @poi[North Rim General Store](128545137) and is only a short ride away from the lodging, restaurants, and @poi[Post Office](128545140) (M-F, May 15 - October 15, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm) in the village.

If you want to stay at the backcountry campsites above the rim at @poi[Fire Point](128545116), @poi[Swamp Point](128545121), or @poi[Point Sublime](128545126), you will need to reserve backcountry permits through the @poi[GCNP Backcountry Information Center](128545135) or online at [Recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675337).  No backcountry permits will be issued prior to May 15 for campsites.  Here are the steps to take to reserve these sites:
1. Head to [Recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675337) 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 - North Rim" at the top.
4. Choose from the following options:
	- NJ1 - Fire Point Campsite - Large or Small Group
	- NJ2 - Swamp Point - Campsite - Large or Small Group
	- NH1 - Point Sublime - Campsite
5. If it's less than 30 days until your planned date to camp here, and the "1-6 people" permit is taken, you are allowed to choose the "LARGE GROUP" option if it's still available.
# 
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, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and House Rock Valley, excellent and numerous dispersed camping abounds.  The North Rim is truly one of the most remarkable places to disperses camp right up against the edge of the Canyon at numerous locations for those making the remote trek out.  Just make sure to pay attention to boundary lines between Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest.

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

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

Interested?

Want to ride this?

Put it on your bucket list and we'll help you celebrate.

Add to bucket list

Just save a link

Getting back to this route is easy with pinning. ()

Add to pinned

Share and promote

Forrest Radarian would love your help bringing this route to a wider audience.

North Rim - Capes of the Canyon

Route Overview

Route Details

Interested?

Want to ride this?

Just save a link

Share and promote

Other routes by Forrest Radarian

South Rim - Capes of the Canyon

El Lobo Lupus

North Rim - Capes of the Canyon (Older Version 2023)

Gold to Grand Loop

Sign Up

Share link

Share via email

Embedded widget

Get the Ride with GPS mobile app!