I often ride the North Rim of the Grand Canon around Memorial Day. Anybody know if the trails, AZT and/or Rainbow Rim, are open? About got hypothermia on AZT last year and it would be nice to try it again.
I have heard talk that you can ride into the NP near the end of the AZT, beyond this sign. Anybody know about that and if so where can I find an official statement of such?
Yes, but correct me if I'm wrong but the singletrack doesn't last for long though and most of it is linked up dirt roads. I've only ridden it from the park boundary north to 89. There might be quite a bit of deadfalll on it this early as well.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will open Highway 67 to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on Wednesday, May 15 by 8:00 am; and Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, a Forever Resorts property, and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will commence their 2013 seasonal operations.
I don't know if it helps you guys but my recollection from running bike tours on the Kaibab section of the AZ trail was most of the early season downed trees were between FS610 and 611. The sections to the north go through extensive meadows like Tater Canyon and areas that have been logged in the past.
It was the section south of the 610 that was the worst. From the short section I rode I would probably go ahead with the ride. It was about the same amount of trees as there were on the section of AZT starting at aspen corner going down at the beginning of this season. I didn't ride any north of the 610.
Five of the trees were small enough that I could muscle them off trail. Another took me and a friendly hiker.
With the winds this week I wouldn't be surprised if a few more came down today.
Knowing Marks bike handling skills, I would imagine he will try to ride over EVERY downed tree. And since the dude rocks a flannel shirt, his Paul Bunyan impersonation will be spot on I'm sure.
A quick update from the Kaibab ride this past weekend: Only 1 downed tree that required a dismount from the Kaibab TH inside the park all the way north to the last steep drainage some 40 miles to the north. That last drainage had about 5 downed trees all within 200 yards of one another, so virtually the entire AZT from the rim to 89A was free & clear. The burn area was rippin' fast and easy to follow as well. We were all a bit surprised at the number of fresh cut timbers that only a week prior must have been lying across the trail.
How are the road conditions? Especially heading out to the Rainbow Rim area. I'm thinking about a trip that way this weekend and debating the transport method; fuel-sipping sedan or fun/big truck.
My 2cents are for the truck with beefy tires. The roads on the Kaibab, even those that are maintained, wreak havoc on tires.
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