House Rock Wrap

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House Rock Valley, AZ, USA

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Route Overview

Forrest Radarian

Northern Arizona - Bikepacking and Adventure Riding

143 mi.

6,492 ft.

House Rock Wrap takes bikepackers on a wraparound traverse across House Rock Valley to viewpoints of Marble Canyon. Riders can expect to visit and camp rim-side at Tiger, Bedrock, South Canyon, Buck Farm, and Triple Alcove points.
Full Route Guide: https://www.theforrestbiome.com/house-rock-wrap

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Route Details

# Route Overview

House Rock Wrap takes bikepackers on a wraparound traverse across House Rock Valley to viewpoints of Marble Canyon. Riders can expect to visit and camp rim-side at @poi[Tiger](128281568), @poi[Bedrock](128281569), @poi[South Canyon](128283022), @poi[Buck Farm](128281574), and @poi[Triple Alcove](128281583) points. These overlooks provide expansive views of the Colorado River as it courses through the redwall layers of Marble Canyon - a precursor to the Grand Canyon. The route is framed by the shear rising walls of @poi[Vermilion Cliffs National Monument](129553909) to the north, the iconic @poi[Saddle Mountain Wilderness](128281580) to the south, the gorge of @point[Marble Canyon](d,68720.52) to the east, and the ascending flanks of the @point[Kaibab Plateau](d,93353.96) to the west. House Rock Valley provides a multitude of dirt roads crossing high desert grasslands where pronghorn, deer, and bison frequent.

"Aesak" is the traditional Southern Paiute name for this basket-shaped region, and riders can expect to ascend across this important cultural landscape from lower grassy-arid plains to elevations where pinyon-juniper woodlands dominate. The route also passes through @point[Coyote Canyon](d,2387.8) adjacent to the Paria Plateau with abundant opportunities to see endangered @poi[California Condors](129553910). Adventurous side-hikes and inner-canyon access are provided by the @poi[Nankoweap](128281584) and @poi[South Canyon](128283022) Trails as the route travels through the remote heart of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument and the Kaibab National Forest.

## Route Highlights
- Marble Canyon viewpoints at @poi[Tiger](128281568), @poi[Bedrock](128281569), @poi[South Canyon](128283022), @poi[Buck Farm](128281574), and @poi[Triple Alcove](128281583) points.
- Opportunities for side-hikes at @poi[South Canyon](128281574) and @poi[Nankoweap Trails](128281584).
- Biking across Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni and next to Vermilion Cliffs National Monuments.
- Expansive high grassland views framed by dramatic geological rises and sinks.
- Camping rim-side at remote desert locations along the Marble Platform.  
## 
## Recommended Tire Size: 2.5" - 3.0"

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# Riding Seasons:
* **BEST TIME:** Spring (Late March - Mid-May)
* **BEST TIME:** Autumn (Late September - Early November)
* *NOT POSSIBLE/ADVISABLE: Winter and Summer (Late November - Early March; Late May - Early September)*
##

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# 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)
- **Yellow** = Sand (Intermittent with Hard Pack; Mild/Medium Depth)
- **Black** = Hiking Trail - No Bikes Allowed
- **Blue** = Vehicular Pavement

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# 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
##

Most of House Rock Wrap sticks to broad dirt roads along the transect of the valley.  These roads are mostly in fine condition, but they can become rutted, washboarded, and eroded after serious monsoon season or frequent ATV use.  In addition, @slice[sand is an expectation for several miles](d,45586.8,52792.2) of the route when first entering House Rock Valley; it's temporary, but there.  Most of the doubletrack along the route is a mixture of smooth to rocky rugged.

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 around the Vermilion Cliffs and House Rock Valley - stay safe and stay out of washes or low areas at those times.  I cannot stress enough that House Rock Valley Road will become absolutely impassable during precipitation events making riding your bike or driving a vehicle to the start anywhere from untenable to impossible.

The technical difficulty of the route mainly comes in the form of @slice[sand](d,45683,53183.7) upon entrance to House Rock Valley and the rugged doubletrack that climbs up to @poi[Tiger Point](128281568), @poi[Bedrock Point](128281569), and @poi[Nankoweap Trailhead](128281584).  It can get rocky in sections and eroded after monsoon season.

## Noteworthy Climbs
1. @slice[Climbing up to the high point](d,0,17861.7) on House Rock Valley Road in Coyote Canyon
2. @slice[Ascending to Nankoweap Trailhead](d,117245.7,127524) at the southern end of the route

## 
## Noteworthy Primitive, Rocky Surfaces
1. @slice[The sandy descent](d,45426.9,53183.7) from Highway 89A to House Rock Wash
2. @poi[A section of potential sand](134425857) near the northern end when leaving Buffalo Ranch Road
3. @slice[Descending](d,56665.8,57498.7) and crossing North Canyon Wash and then climbing to Tiger Point
4. @slice[The climb to Nankoweap Trailhead](d,116257.8,127524) on the southern lollipop of the route

## 
## Noteworthy Vehicular Pavement
1. @slice[Highway 89A](d,32014.1,45586.8): There is little shoulder and medium-level fast traffic.  There are good-lines-of-sight and it's relatively straight.  Wear bright colors, flashing lights, and ride defensively.

## 
## Parking

Park your vehicle for the duration of the route at @poi[Stateline Campground](129553911) located at the border between Arizona and Utah.  In addition to dry campsites, the campground is also the northern terminus for the Arizona Trail.  There is a parking area in front of the obelisk/monument for the AZT; this is where you can leave your vehicle overnight.

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# Water and Food

## Water Reliability Scale
- 1 = unreliable
- 2 = seasonal;
- 3 = mostly reliable;
- 4 = definite source
## 
Water is scarce along this route.  This area is arid and the tablelands and canyonlands around the Vermilion Cliffs, House Rock Valley, and Coyote Canyon 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.

Water is mostly found in dirt cattle tanks, metal cattle tanks, and Arizona Game and Fish Water Catchments (Wildlife Tanks).  There is an @poi[AZGFD Headquarters](128283024) located out at Buffalo Ranch with year-round spring water available from a spigot being fed into a trough.  The wildlife tanks along the route 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.

There are no food resupply opportunities on the route.  Pack in everything you'll need for the duration.

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# Fees and Permits
- 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.

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# Important Information

**Bison:** There is a wild bison herd managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department that lives out on House Rock Valley.  These bison are wild and tempermental - give them lots of space and do not approach too close.  Be prepared to detour your ride if necessary around certain areas or water sources.

**ATVs:** ATVs frequently use House Rock Valley Road/BLM 1065.  The Wave, White Pocket, Coyote Buttes South, and the Buckskin Gulch have all made this dirt road increasingly popular for vehicular travel over the last several years.  Expect mild intermittent washboard along sections of the road and some dust from passing vehicles.  However, I have found drivers are pretty respectful, will check on you/offer you water, and give you space when passing.  Once in the grasslands of House Rock Valley, ATVs are rare.

**Wind:** This is a large exposed area, and the wind can get ferocious, especially in the spring.  Keep a positive mindset if you got caught in some.  This usually means a headwind coming from the south or a crosswind coming from the west.  Make sure your tent is pitched well, or choose to cowboy camp using some natural features as wind protection.

**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.

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# General Access and Tribal Nations
Bikes are STRICTLY forbidden below the rim in the inner gorge of Marble Canyon which is managed by Grand Canyon National Park.  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.

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 and surrounding land designations 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.

When traveling out to Nankoweap Trail along the southern lollipop of the route, make sure to stay on established roads and do not stray outside the loop as the Saddle Mountain Wilderness comes right up to the road.  Bikes are not allowed in Wilderness Areas.

No riding singletrack or trails anywhere in this area.  This includes South Canyon, Nankoweap, and Triple Alcoves.  You are allowed to cycle on any established dirt roads.

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# Camping
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.  Marble Canyon is truly one of the most remarkable places for dispersed camping right up against the edge of the gorge at numerous locations for those making the remote trek out.

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# 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 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**: 46 Miles
- **Elevation Gain**: 2100 ft.
- **Description**: Park your car for the duration of the ride at the northern terminus of the Arizona Trail at the @poi[Stateline Campground](129553911).  Carry all the water you'll need for today and tomorrow morning.  Head south down House Rock Valley Road, merge with paved Highway 89A and head east.  Join dirt towards House Rock Wash.  Continue to @poi[Marble Viewpoint 1 at Tiger Point](128281568).  Finally, ride to @poi[Marble Viewpoint 2 at Bedrock Point](128281569) where you'll dispersed camp at the rim.
- **Water**: There is no reliable water today, so carry everything you need to get you through tomorrow.
- **Resupply**: None
- **Camping**: Dispersed camping at @poi[Bedrock Point](128281569)
#
**Day 2**
- **Mileage**: 44 Miles
- **Elevation Gain**: 2400 ft.
- **Description**: Grab water at @poi[Buffalo Tank](128281570) and then merge with Buffalo Ranch Road heading south.  Head to the @poi[AZGFD Headquarters](128283024) for more water and a stop at @poi[Marble Viewpoint 3 at South Canyon](128283022).  Then return and head south beginning a lollipop loop and climb to @poi[Nankoweap Trail](128281584).  Ride to @poi[Triple Alcoves](128281582) for a hike out to Marble Viewpoint 4.  Finally, head out to @poi[Buck Farm](128281574) for tonight's camping at Marble Viewpoint 5.  Make sure to get enough water prior to camping to get you through tonight and all tomorrow.
- **Water**: @poi[Buffalo Tank](128281570); @poi[AZGFD Headquarters](128283024); @poi[Wildlife Tanks](128281573)
- **Resupply**: None
- **Camping**: Dispersed camping at @poi[Buck Farm Viewpoint](128281574)
#
**Day 3**
- **Mileage**: 54 Miles
- **Elevation Gain**: 2000 ft.
- **Description**: Leave Buck Farm and close the lollipop loop riding north on Buffalo Ranch Road.  Pass Kane Ranch and continue to the escarpments of the Vermilion Cliffs.  Turn left and bike several miles along Highway 89A before taking a right on House Rock Valley Road.  Ride the original stem of the route back to the Stateline Campground and finish of the route.  
- **Water**: There is no reliable water today unless you choose to stop at one of the former sources from yesterday that will be slightly off-route. 
- **Resupply**: None
- **Camping**: Finish!  Camp at the @poi[Stateline Campground](129553911)

House Rock Wrap

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Forrest Radarian

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Gold to Grand Loop

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