South Rim of the Grand Canyon Adventure Trip

ADVENTURE TYPE | ●︎ Introductory
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | June
PRICE | $2,445 pp

Experience an extraordinary Grand Canyon South Rim adventure, where you’ll cycle through the majestic ponderosa pines of the Kaibab National Forest to reach secluded overlooks and quiet forest campsites. This fully supported Arizona multi-sport vacation handles every detail from gourmet meals to gear transport, featuring iconic park hikes and a quintessential Grand Canyon mule ride.

We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride, although it will never be too far away. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Dirt roads, smooth singletrack and pavement.
Overall Rating: Introductory
Technical Difficulty: Easy
Physical Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Altitude: 6,000 - 7,500 feet
Packing for your trip

Day One: Flagstaff, Red Butte Hike, and Forest Views

  • From Flagstaff, AZ, we will shuttle north to Tusayan and head for the Red Butte, a promontory that will give us the lay of the land as we work our way toward the big ditch.
  • This three-mile round trip hike brings us to a Forest Service Fire Tower with 360-degree views of this idyllic landscape of mature trees, majestic elk, and gentle roads and trails.
  • After the hike, we will do a fun bike ride that leads right to our quiet, secluded camp for the night.

Day Two: Biking the Arizona Trail and Grand View Point Sunset

  • Today we will bike a fun section of the Arizona Trail. This trail runs the length of the state from the Utah border to Mexico, and the part of the trail we will experience today is a great introduction to mountain biking on singletrack trails.
  • Double track dirt roads are also an option, but either way, we are likely to see wildlife and wildflowers. Our destination is another fire tower with a view, which will be our camp for the night.
  • Once here, we will have an early dinner to give us plenty of time to head over to Grand View Point on the rim itself for a truly spectacular Grand Canyon sunset.

Day Three: Western Forest Trails and Canyon History

  • Today we head to the western side of the forest, building on the biking skills we learned the day before. We will utilize some fun and flowy singletrack as well as some historic double track roads as we learn about the history of the region.
  • Historical Note: The first European visited the South Rim in 1540 with the help of a guide from the Hopi tribe. His name was Captain Garcia Lopez, and he and his party spent three days trying to find a route down to the river before giving up and turning back into the forest.
  • We won’t give up! Instead, we will continue on to our comfortable camp just past the little town of Tusayan.

Day Four: Bright Angel Trail Hike and Grand Canyon Mule Ride

  • Today we head to the western part of the South Rim for a whole new set of views. First, we will check out the famous Bright Angel Trailhead.
  • From here, we will hike down off the rim to get a better look at the geology and begin to understand the layers of earth that the Colorado River has been working to expose for us to enjoy. There is evidence that the layers of the canyon were deposited some 70 million years ago, and it only took the river five to six million years to expose them.
  • What goes down must come up! We will head back up the trail for lunch along the rim, followed by our chance to meet the descendants of Brighty of the Grand Canyon. Burros and mules have been helping humans experience the Canyon for hundreds of years, so we will take a mule ride to honor their contribution before heading back to camp.

Day Five: Scenic West Rim Drive Bike Ride

  • Our final day is a true highlight: biking the scenic West Rim Drive (Hermit Road). This road is famously closed to private vehicles, allowing us to cycle peacefully and stop at world-famous viewpoints like Powell Point, The Abyss, and Hermits Rest.
  • Enjoy final, unforgettable vistas of the Grand Canyon before our return shuttle to Flagstaff, filled with memories of an incredible adventure.

Flagstaff, AZ
This tour will begin at 8:00 AM MST

ENDING TIME

We will return to Flagstaff between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

Driving
Flagstaff is located at the intersection of Interstates 40 and 17. There is parking available at the bike shop where the trip meets.

Flying into Flagstaff
Airport Code: FLG

Flying into Phoenix, AZ
Airport Code: PHX

There are two options:
1) Rent a car and park it at the bike shop while on the tour. It is 145 miles from Phoenix, about two hours.
2) Arizona Shuttle runs daily shuttles from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Reserve ahead: arizonashuttle.com, 800-888-2749.

Flying into Las Vegas, NV
Airport Code: LAS
Rent a car. It is a 250 mile drive, about four hours, from Las Vegas.

TAXI SERVICE
Apex Taxi: 928-779-0000
Friendly Cab: 928-774-4444

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

La Quinta
928-556-8666
This hotel is about one mile from the bike shop where the trip meets.

Aspen Inn B&B
www.flagstaffbedbreakfast.com
888-999-4110, 928-773-0295
Includes full breakfast.

Quality Inn
928-774-8771

Econolodge
928-774-7326

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

ADVENTURE TYPE | ●︎ Introductory

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | June

Grand Canyon South Rim Adventure: Forest Trails, Scenic Biking, and The Big Ditch

On this trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, we begin in the picturesque Kaibab National Forest. Here, the majestic Ponderosa pines cover the gentle hills right up to the edge of the canyon. On this trip, we will camp in the quiet forest, away from the crowds, and pop into the Park itself for hikes, bike rides, views, and yes, a quintessential Grand Canyon mule ride!

We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride, although it will never be too far away. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Dirt roads, smooth singletrack and pavement.
Overall Rating: Introductory
Technical Difficulty: Easy
Physical Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Altitude: 6,000 - 7,500 feet

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Flagstaff, AZ
This tour will begin at 8:00 AM MST

ENDING TIME

We will return to Flagstaff between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO FLAGSTAFF, AZ

Driving
Flagstaff is located at the intersection of Interstates 40 and 17. There is parking available at the bike shop where the trip meets.

Flying into Flagstaff
Airport Code: FLG

Flying into Phoenix, AZ
Airport Code: PHX

There are two options:
1) Rent a car and park it at the bike shop while on the tour. It is 145 miles from Phoenix, about two hours.
2) Arizona Shuttle runs daily shuttles from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Reserve ahead: arizonashuttle.com, 800-888-2749.

Flying into Las Vegas, NV
Airport Code: LAS
Rent a car. It is a 250 mile drive, about four hours, from Las Vegas.

TAXI SERVICE
Apex Taxi: 928-779-0000
Friendly Cab: 928-774-4444

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

La Quinta
928-556-8666
This hotel is about one mile from the bike shop where the trip meets.

Aspen Inn B&B
www.flagstaffbedbreakfast.com
888-999-4110, 928-773-0295
Includes full breakfast.

Quality Inn
928-774-8771

Econolodge
928-774-7326

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

  • Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
  • A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o mountain bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Print This

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

South Rim of the Grand Canyon Adventure Trip

PRICE | $2,445 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

=========   More Trips Like This  =========