Bicycling

The South Rim's limited opportunities for off-road biking, narrow shoulders on park roads, and heavy traffic in summer may disappoint hard-core cyclists; for others, cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to tour the park. Bicycles are permitted on all park roads and on the multiuse Greenway Trail System; visitors to the North Rim have Bridle Path and a 12-mile section of the Arizona Trail (see Grand Canyon North Rim). Bikes are prohibited on the paved portions of the Rim Trail between Mather Point and Bright Angel Trailhead. Some find Hermit Road a good biking option, especially from March through November when it’s closed to cars. You can ride west 8 miles and then put your bike on the free shuttle bus back into the village (or vice versa). A shorter ride takes you east to Yaki Point (3.5 miles), a great place to stop and have a picnic. Bicyclists visiting the South Rim may also enjoy meandering through the ponderosa pine forest on the Greenway Trails or the Tusayan Bike Trail, a gentle uphill climb from Tusayan into the park. Rentals and guided bicycling tours are available mid-March through October at the South Rim from Bright Angel Bicycles (928/638–3055 bikegrandcanyon.com) at the visitor center complex. Bicycle camping sites ($6 per person per night) are available at Mather Campground.