Rainbow Rim Trail Bikepacking Guide: Grand Canyon North Rim Route
What would you say if I told you I knew of a secret cycling trail that runs along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon; that you can cycle in just 1 or 2 days; and that allows you to camp for free on the edge of the Grand Canyon with no one else around for miles and miles? Would that be something you’d be interested in learning more about?
If YES, then you’re going to love ❤️ my new “Bikepacking the Grand Canyon” videos:
Bikepacking the Rainbow Rim Trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most unique off-road cycling experiences in the United States. This route follows a series of rugged forest roads and singletrack along the edge of the canyon, delivering repeated viewpoints where the land suddenly drops away into one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth.
Unlike the busier South Rim, the North Rim feels remote and quiet. You’ll spend long stretches riding through pine forest, often without seeing another person, before emerging at dramatic overlooks with sweeping views deep into the Grand Canyon. It’s this contrast—dense forest riding mixed with jaw-dropping canyon vistas—that makes the Rainbow Rim Trail so special.
From a bikepacking perspective, the route is moderately challenging. Expect a mix of dirt roads, rocky sections, and occasional sand, along with steady climbing at elevation. You don’t need advanced technical skills, but you do need a solid level of fitness and the ability to handle rough terrain with a loaded bike.
Water and resupply are limited, so planning ahead is essential. Most riders carry everything they need for the duration of the trip, including food, camping gear, and enough water to get between reliable sources. Dispersed camping is common along the route, allowing you to set up camp in quiet forest areas or near the canyon rim itself.
What makes this ride truly memorable isn’t just the terrain—it’s the feeling of riding along the edge of something vast and ancient. Sunrise and sunset along the rim are especially unforgettable, with shifting light and colors transforming the canyon walls in a way that’s hard to capture in photos or video.
If you’re looking for a bikepacking route that combines solitude, challenge, and world-class scenery, the Rainbow Rim Trail delivers an experience that’s hard to match.
There are several different ways to access the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. While the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the largest and most popular location in the National Park, the North Rim is (in my opinion) the best area in which to access the Grand Canyon if you’re looking for privacy and seclusion.
I recently traveled to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and participated in a short 2-day, 1-night bikepacking trip on a scenic single-track trail called the “Rainbow Rim Trail.”
The Rainbow Rim Trail is a 22.5 mile-long single-track trail that is open to cyclists, hikers and people on horseback. It is the only single-track trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon that is open to cyclists and it makes for a perfect 1 or 2-day bicycle touring/bikepacking adventure.
I really appreciate what you’ve done here on this site! In the 1970’s I did three long distance bike trips with boyfriends, one in Europe and two in the US, but none since. I am wanting to get back in to it. Your straightforward, generous and comprehensive presentation is very helpful, reassuring and refreshing! Thank you!