Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center - Search Nearby - Added by Sarah Neal
Great opportunity to skip the crowds and ride beautiful open roads and paved greenways along the rim.
The Hermit Road, originally built by early pioneers and then improved by the Santa Fe Railroad, winds along the Canyon’s rim for 7 miles. It boasts some of the grandest views along the South Rim of Grand Canyon and is your best opportunity to see the river and its rapids from the rim. This is the best scenic bike ride to do in the West!!
You have two options on how to bike this road. You can depart from the visitor center and ride the 21 mile roundtrip route via the greenways to the Hermit route. This version of the route includes a one mile uphill climb which makes it's suitable for those who want a challenging ride. The other option is to rent bikes from Bright Angel Bicycles and get their shuttle which drops you at the Hopi Lookout Road, passes the hills and offers a 5 mile mostly flat ride suitable for families and recreational cyclists.
Along the route, which is a combination of open paved road and greenways winding through the forest along the rim, there are several "pull outs" with benches where you can rest and enjoy the view. If you pack a lunch you can enjoy some of the most scenic picnic tables on the planet.
At the end of the line, Hermit's Rest, there is a "tuck shop" where you can buy ice creams, drinks etc. It's also the trailhead of the Hermit Trail in case you want to combine your bike ride with a hike. The free NPS shuttle system services the route and buses are equipped to take bikes if you run into an emergency or if you need a break on the way home.
Bike rentals are available here. They have a good map showing you the various ways you can ride this route.
Tags
Details
Stay Nearby
Nearby Adventures
Hike the South Kaibab Trail to Tip Off
9 Miles Round Trip - 5000 ft gain
Backpack to Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop
17.3 Miles Round Trip - 4314 ft gain
Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
3.1 Miles Round Trip - 1158 ft gain
Gallery
Reviews
Overall rating:
The Best Way to See Grand Canyon in a Short Amount of Time
I have done the canyon by boat which is the best way to do it if you have time and money. If you're going to visit the Rim for a day or less, you'll defineately want to figure out a way to avoid the terrible crowds. You can do a hike if you're in shape which is also awesome, but the best way to cover a ton of ground and feel like a kid again is biking the rim. The Hermit route REALLY gets you away from the crowds onto awesome paved routes that are quiet and absolutely stunning. I recommend using Bright Angel Bicycle's shuttle service. I've done it both ways (21 mile round trip) and the cruiser version where they bypass the village and hills and shuttle you right up there and it's worth it!
Free yourself in Tucson!
Calling all travelers, the free thinker and the free at heart. Discover a place where you can explore without boundaries.
Our natural landscape draws visitors outdoors where there is plenty of room to roam.
A bit off the beaten path, Tucson’s unique attractions and accommodations beckon you to discover and explore and our arts and culture scene makes Tucson a place that’s authentic and comfortable.
Savor the unapologetic passion for food that inspires Tucson’s cuisine, or come as you are and experience our vibrant nightlife.
An oasis from the unoriginal and pretentious, Tucson is a place that you want to be. Let Tucson inspire the free spirit in you.
Visit Tucson
