South Rim of the Grand Canyon Family Trip

RIDING TYPE | ●︎ Introductory

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | June

We start our trip on the Arizona Trail which takes us through beautiful ponderosa forests on the plateau above the canyon. Two days in the forest brings us to the edge of the big ditch. On day three, a dramatic hike into the canyon offers us a new perspective of this incredible landscape. The riding on this trip is quite gentle with very little elevation change, making it a great opportunity to learn about singletrack. We avoid the crowds along the rim of the canyon and camp instead in more remote areas which we have all to ourselves. We finish the trip with a ride along the West Rim Drive which is closed to vehicles. This gives us a chance to visit many of the classic viewpoints by bike. The van is always close at hand on this trip and there is very little climbing. The rolling singletrack of the Arizona Trail is a great place for those just getting into mountain biking.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

We’ll begin our journey up to the South Rim with a shuttle from Flagstaff to Tusayan. Our scenic drive will take us into one of the largest continuous Ponderosa pine forests in the world. Here we’ll start our ride over 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The terrain rises gently up to the rim and the riding is fun and easy. Today, we’ll pedal up to 20 miles on rolling forest roads through open stands of large trees. Wildlife here is abundant and it is quite common to see wild turkeys, mule deer, elk and coyote during the ride. Tonight we’ll camp less than two miles from the rim near the Grandview Fire Tower, where a climb to the top will offer you views above the treetops down into the canyon and beyond.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 20 miles, other options available

DAY 2

After a hearty breakfast we’ll set out to enjoy some of the finest riding in Arizona. The morning offers a chance for the family to explore the hidden secrets of the ponderosa forest along the rim together, and hit some awesome singletrack on the Coconino Ridge section of the Arizona Trail on the way back home. This trail covers 800 miles from the northern to southern state lines and was completed on December 16, 2011. This South Rim section is especially fun! We’ll return to our camp beneath the Grand view Fire Tower tonight and then drive a short shuttle over to Grandview Point after dinner to watch the sunset paint the walls of the canyon with colors and images you won’t soon forget.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 25 miles, other options available

DAY 3

Today we’ll ride a variety of trails and forest roads that will lead us to our camp inside Grand Canyon National Park. We’ll begin with a fun five mile section of the Arizona Trail that follows the southern boundary of the park. This will bring us to a network of forest roads and bike trails that take a circuitous route into Tusayan. Small ups and downs combined with fun corners and a smooth trail surface make this very enjoyable riding indeed. After a quick stop in Tusayan, you can either ride or get in the van for the cruise to our home for the next two nights at Mather Campground. Inside the park, the opportunities for activities are endless.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 18 - 26 miles, other options available

DAY 4

Today we’ll get a chance to explore Grand Canyon National Park on bike and on foot. We’ll begin with an easy ride from our camp along the bike path to the top of the Bright Angel Trail. One of the best known trails in the canyon, the winding path takes us back in time as we descend through the rock layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. The scale of the canyon becomes more and more apparent the farther into it you descend. The Bright Angel Trail offers resthouses with shade and water every one and a half miles on the way down. This makes the trail great for the family to see the inside of the canyon without having to carry big packs. After returning to the top of the trail, we’ll have a chance to check out a ranger program or two. Our guides will help the kids get their Junior Ranger Badges as they learn about the mysteries of the canyon’s geology, history and even tour the canyons vibrant night sky, which is among the darkest and least disturbed in the country. We will return to our camp in Mather Campground to finish off the day with s‘mores and stories of what we’ve learned.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 3 miles riding, 3 - 6 miles hiking

DAY 5

For our last day of the trip, we’ll connect with the scenic West Rim Drive, which is a great 16 mile round trip paved road ride. The views while riding are spectacular and stopping at the viewpoints will give you the opportunity to view some of the Grand Canyon’s famous viewpoints. Powell Point, The Abyss, and Hermits Rest are all great places to hop off the bike and check out the views. You may opt to visit the El Tovar Hotel or the Kolb Studio, the home and business of the Grand Canyon’s pioneering photographers. We will regroup at the van for lunch and then return to Flagstaff where our journey ends.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 10 - 20 miles, other options available

TRIP NOTES

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

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

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

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

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.

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South Rim of the Grand Canyon Family Trip

PRICE | $1,645 pp

Private Departures Available
Call 435-259-8732

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.

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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.

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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.

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BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“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

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

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

~ Paul

“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

“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

“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 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

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

“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

“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

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

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

~ Christl

“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

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

~ Jason

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