Passage 8: South Bass - South Rim COTC (Full Version)

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

Passage 8: South Bass is a rare opportunity for bikepackers to camp on the edge of Grand Canyon's South Rim in an area excluding cars. The route starts in the town of Tusayan before heading out towards Pasture Wash through vast sage grasslands that transition back to juniper-pinyon woodlands interspersed with ponderosas. Riders take a chunky doubletrack through the woods to enter Grand Canyon National Park where they pass by the abandoned ruins of the Pasture Wash Ranger Station before making their way out to Cape 21 South Bass and Cape 22 Havasupai Point. Make sure to get the required permits from the Backcountry Information Center to sleep on the rim and carry plenty of water because it's dry camping out there. The "Full Version" includes a ride through Apex along the Grand Canyon Railroad as well as a start and end in Tusayan.

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- Location: ​Grand Canyon - South Rim, Arizona, USA
- Days to Ride: 2 - 3 Days
- Physical Difficulty: 3/10
- Technical Difficulty: 5/10
- Tire Size: Recommended: 2.4"-2.6"; ​Minimum Tire Size: 2.3"

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Seasons:
- Best: Late April-Early June
- Best: September-October
- Possible: Late June - Aug.

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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)
- Green = Paved Bike Path

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Permits: A Backcountry Permit from GCNP is required to camp at any of the campsites along the rim. The permit can only be acquired as a walk-up at the Backcountry Information Center. As these campsites are not accessible by vehicle, there is a high chance of achieving a walk-up permit. An Arizona State Lands permit is required, so make sure to purchase and carry one with you.

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South Bass Overnighter version available here: ridewithgps.com/routes/45567539