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Mountain Biking

MOUNTAIN BIKING

From the Kaibab Plateau, you have a breathtaking view of the wide and lonesome Arizona Strip. Mt. Trumbull, Mt. Logan, and the Uinkarets stand marooned on its broad desert tablelands.The southern edge of the Strip is fractured and eaten away by the Grand Canyon. As you move in that direction, the views from the overlooks take on an unmistakable appearance. At Jensen Canyon Point, the view is dominated by the world's most celebrated chasm, the Grand Canyon.

This progression culminates at Jumpup Point. This is one of the most unique views in all of the Grand Canyon. The overlook stands at the end of a long narrow ridge of rock that juts well away from the main body of the rim. It offers the viewer a perspective literally surrounded with breathtaking scenery. It's easy to see why this point is named Jumpup. The list of landmarks visible' from here is impressive: Fishtail Mesa, the Great Thumb, Racetrack Knoll, Gramma Canyon, Hack Canyon, Steamboat Mountain, Kwagunt Canyon, Indian Hollow, Monument Point, to name a few. Take a map and you'll be able to name many more.

GRAND CANYON DAY RIDES

The North Kaibab Ranger District skirts the rim of the Grand Canyon along the district's southern edge. Here, forested byways provide pleasant routes of access right to the brink of the world's most splendid abyss. From the overlooks easily accessible here, you'll see some of the Grand Canyon's most notable views. Thunder River, Vulcan's Throne, Sinyella Butte, Steam-boat Rock, all are visible from at least one of the promontories.

If that's not enough, along the way to the magnificent views, you'll meander along remote valleys lined with clumps of old-growth yellow pine interspersed with clusters, of scrub Gambel oak and stands of aspen. In many places the countryside is virtually undisturbed, giving the rider a glimpse of the forest magnificence that once covered the entire North Kaibab Ranger District. In the fall, this area provides a colorful display that begins with the gold of aspens in mid-September and continues with the reds, oranges, and ambers of the oaks throughout the month of October.

Keep an eye out for the area's famous Kaibab mule deer, reputedly they are some of the largest in existence. And don't forget to watch the trees for the area's most unique resident, the black-bodied, white-tailed Kaibab Squirrel. Ages ago, the Grand Canyon cut these tassel-eared tree dwellers off from their southern cousin, the Abert squirrel. Left to evolve by themselves, these striking animals have developed into a separate species that lives here and nowhere else.

LOOP RIDES

Although most of the mountain biking routes on the North Kaibab Ranger District are out and back rides on spur routes that lead to canyon overlooks, there are opportunities for loop rides. A significant drawback of most loop routes is that they involve roads that are more frequently traveled by motorized vehicles. Additional care must be taken along these routes and even more so when the route is being used by logging trucks. If you encounter a logging truck, the best policy is to pull off the road and wait for it to pass. Chances are the driver can't see you and couldn't slow down in time to avoid you.

THE RULES OF THE RIDE

Though the North Kaibab Ranger District is wild and remote, it is nevertheless a fragile place. This primitive land has remained as beautiful- as it is because it is relatively free of human impact. You can make sure that you leave the area in as good a condition as you found it by practicing low-impact riding.

  • Share the trail; bikes should yield to horses and to hikers. On the roads, yield to other vehicles.
  • Stay on roads or trails designated as open to mountain bikes. Don't ride cross‑country.
  • Don't short cut or cut switchbacks.
  • Don't cut ruts by riding on muddy trails or roads.
  • Heed trail closures and no trespassing signs.
  • Leave gates as you find them.
  • Mountain bikes are NOT permitted in wilderness areas.
  • Practice good "leave-no--trace" outdoor ethics.
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

Travel with a companion; leave word at home as to where you will be riding; bring more water and more food than you think is necessary. Also, bring a first aid kit and be prepared for an emergency. Remember an accident in a place as remote as this can be the beginning of a real emergency. If someone is injured, treat the injury to the best of your ability and make the victim comfortable. Send, signal, or go for help, but be sure that someone stays with the injured person. If rescue is delayed, make an emergency shelter. Don't move until help arrives unless there is more danger in staying where you are. Use extreme care in moving anyone who is injured.