Passage 5: Desert View - South Rim COTC

South Rim Passages - Capes of the Canyon: theforrestbiome.com/capes-of-the-canyon-southrim-passages

Passage 5 provides riders views of five different capes along the Grand Canyon. Bikepackers start at Grandview Lookout Tower and the Arizona Trail before descending through the pines off the Coconino Rim. Then, it's on to rocky doubletrack out to stunning Cape 1 Little Colorado River Gorge. The dirt transitions to pavement as riders join the highway and enter Grand Canyon National Park. A large climb proceeds up to Cape 2 Desert View where water, groceries, established camping, and the historic Desert View Watchtower wait. Capes 3 - 5 follow as the route parallels the Canyon edge back in a loop to where riders started.

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- Location: ​Grand Canyon - South Rim, Arizona, USA
- Days to Ride: 1 - 2 Days
- Physical Difficulty: 4/10
- Technical Difficulty: 4/10
- Tire Size: Recommended: 2.2"-2.5"; ​Minimum Tire Size: 2.0" or 50mm

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Seasons:
- Best: Late April - June
- Best: September-October

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Surface Color Guide
- Purple = Improved Dirt Surface (2WD, Wider, Smoother, Better Maintained, Intact, Graded, etc.)
- Red = Rugged Dirt Surface (4WD, Doubletrack, Rough, Less Maintained, etc.)
- Brown = Primitive Dirt Surface (Particularly Rocky, Rutted, and Eroded)
- Blue = Vehicle Pavement
- Green = Paved Bike Path
- Black = Singletrack

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Permits: Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park requires a fee. In addition, reservations are highly encouraged for camping at Desert View Campground (there is no hiker/biker site).

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Desert View Overnighter version available here: ridewithgps.com/routes/46423716