Cycling at the Grand Canyon

Why would you travel all the way to the Grand Canyon and then step out only as far as the Visitors’ Centre viewpoint?  Surprisingly, many people do, but we wanted something more memorable.

On our recent US family road trip, we spent two days at the Grand Canyon and decided to explore the South Rim by bike.  With our kids aged 9 and at an intermediate cycling level, we felt confident the Hermit Road was an appropriate route.  Cycling the Grand Canyon turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.  It was an easy, family-friendly way to escape the crowds and experience the canyon’s vast, jaw-dropping scenery at a relaxed pace.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about cycling at the Grand Canyon, including bike rental options, guided tours, routes, and practical tips for planning your ride. 

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders and a UNESCO-listed National Park.  Its vast scale, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping views are truly breathtaking. 

Cycling at the Grand Canyon offers a unique way to experience this landscape.  You can get away from the busy viewpoints and enjoy quieter stretches of the South Rim.  You can stop when you want to take photos or simply soak up the scenery as you’re cycling along.

For families, it’s a fun and active way to explore the park.

We rented our bikes from Bright Angel Bicycles, conveniently located next to the Visitors’ Centre at Mather Point.   They fitted us with high-quality bikes and helmets and offered a range of options including children’s bikes, trailers, and tag-alongs.

There is also a café nearby for coffee and snacks, before or after your ride.

We opted for a guided bike tour, which I highly recommend if you’re visiting for the first time.  The tour lasts around three hours, including the shuttle transfer to the start of the route.

In summer, tours depart at 9am, 1pm and 2pm, with a 30-minute check in beforehand.   

One of the best things about a guided tour is finding out facts about the area.  Our guide shared fascinating insights into the canyon’s geology, anthropology, and wildlife and was happy to answer the kids’ endless questions.

Once we were fitted with bikes and helmets,  we took the shuttle minibus to Hopi Point.  This conveniently bypasses the steep uphill section at the start of the route.

From Hopi Point,  we cycled approximately 5.2 miles (8.4km) west along Hermit Road to Hermit’s rest.  There were two other families in our group.  You can see from the elevation chart below, the route is mostly flat or gently downhill.  It is largely traffic-free, making it ideal for families and intermediate cyclists.

We stopped frequently at the viewpoints to take in sweeping views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.

Hermit’s Rest marks the end of the Hermit Road route and is a great place for a break.  First built in 1914 as a stopping point for tourists, it now has a café, toilets, and gift shop.  You can also take photos with the historic bell at the entrance to the Mary Jane Colter building.

After our break,  all the cyclists and bikes were transported back to the starting point at Hopi’s point.

• Book in advance:  guided tours and bike rentals can sell out, especially in peak season
• Bring layers:  Weather can change quickly at the rim, even in summer
• Carry water and snacks
• Wear sun protection:  The sun can be intense at the high altitude

Absolutely, the kids loved it.  Our kids were 9 years old and regular riders and found the route manageable and fun.  The terrain was mostly flat and there was little traffic on the road, so it felt safe.

They also enjoyed learning so much about the area from the guide and having some fun with him.

•  2 days in Las Vegas
• A visit to the Hoover Dam
• Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
• 4 days at Point Reyes, California

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