[richwolf]

I plan to spend a week on the North Rim. Going to do the Rainbow trail.
What is the condition and fun factor of the AZ trail in that area? I guess there is around a 70 mile stretch?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[AZTtripper]

Parts of it are still closed from a fire in 05 but there is good riding south of east rim view good camping in the same area. Turn off is just south of Rainbow Rim turn off. I would ride south from east rim view out to the park boundary out and back or you can loop back on roads.

 

[Maadjurguer]

Just got back from a ride on the Kaibab to include AZ trail, Rainbow and East rim........East Rim > Rainbow Rim IMHO

 

[AZTtripper]

Your not the only one who finds the RR to be a little mundane, RR is all about the canyon views and flat easy riding. The AZT section was one of the first pieces of trail built just to be the AZT back then they were using FS fire crews to do the trail work. They didn't go out of the way to keep the grades down but rather pushed the trail through to get you where you are going in a shorter rather then longer way. To build the AZT at the same grades as RR it would be a lot longer. Pretty sure the guy who did the RR used a Sweco trail machine with the goal in mind of building a really easy trail. For an experienced rider it is not at all challenging. Like the Canelo hills section of the AZT the fire crews did not go out of their way to create an easy bike trail with out really trying they built a more challenging trail that is more interesting if you have the skills and stamina to ride it not that its that hard either just more interesting. IMHO

 

[Maadjurguer]

I actually found the East Rim to be more beautiful and unique with respect to the views than the Rainbow Rim. Don't get me wrong....peering into "the canyon" is always a hoot....but there was something about the East Rim and the longer view/expanse into canyon country vs. "the canyon" that grabbed me.....perhaps I'm weird

 

[richwolf]

Thanks for the responses.
Any and all opinions and recommendations welcome!

 

[richwolf]

Where exactly is east rim?

Thanks!

 

[Guipago]

Where exactly is east rim?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the East Rim is actually part of the AZ trail on the North Rim. Confused? I was just trying to figure this out as well.

If you can tell there's a pink trial (East Rim) overlaying the red (AZ trail).

 

[AZTtripper]

Looks like its FS road 611 turn off is right near Kaibab Lodge. Head out to the end of the main road there is a trail head with pit toilet at the view point. There is great camping not to far to the north of there.

 

[richwolf]

Looks like its FS road 611 turn off is right near Kaibab Lodge. Head out to the end of the main road there is a trail head with pit toilet at the view point. There is great camping not to far to the north of there.

Is this open camping, accessible by vehicle?

Thanks!

 

[DesertDog]

Thanks for the responses.
Any and all opinions and recommendations welcome!

Great riding up on the Kaibab Plateau.

Check out my photo collection from the plateau here:
A few shots from the East Rim.
There is an area map and a map of my bikepacking trip in June in there too.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dirtypursuits

Great area for riding. Not sure about the Rainbow Rim trail. Didn't get over there. But, I'm heading back up for a trail riding weekend in a couple weeks and will ride it from Timp - North until/if I tire of it.

 

[AZTtripper]

Is this open camping, accessible by vehicle?

Thanks!

Yes.