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GRAND CANYON CONNECTOR ROUTE
The Adventure Cycling Association Grand Canyon Connector Bicycle Route is the 573
mile (923 km) connector route between the Western Express Bicycle Route and the
Southern Tier Bicycle Route is a prime example of the vast and beautiful American West.
It also connects the magnificent Zion National Park and both sides of Grand Canyon
National Park. From the Western Express Route, it offers the opportunity to access Zion
National Park and the north rim of the Grand Canyon. From the Southern Tier Route, it is
185 miles to reach the south rim of the Grand Canyon. One of the most spectacular
examples of erosion anywhere in the world, the Grand Canyon is unmatched in the vistas
it offers to visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site.
Some portions of the Grand Canyon Route are very remote, so good planning is needed
for basics like food and water. The redrock country of Utah and the Grand Canyon are
beautiful and unique to this area of the United States. The elevational differences range
from the Sonoran Desert up through the ponderosa pine and aspen forests in Arizona to
the high desert and pinyon-juniper forests of Utah. Riders must be prepared for
occasional blowing dust storms in the lower desert regions. Local conditions and
mountain ranges affect winds, so it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. This
route can be ridden from spring through fall, with spring having the most widely changing
weather conditions. Summers are potentially hot, with high temperatures, so rest during
the heat of the day may be appropriate. There is heavy traffic levels during the tourist
season (generally July through early September). An ideal time for both weather and
lighter tourist traffic is in the early fall. If camping out, it is possible that scorpions have
gathered under a tent floor during the night. Rattlesnakes also tend to be near water
sources in the mornings.
ROUTE
The Connector begins in Cedar City, Utah, which is the beginning/end points on Sections
2 and 3 of the Western Express Route. Both Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks are
bicycle-friendly, allowing cyclists to ride in popular sections where visitors in automobiles
must use shuttle buses during the main tourist season. The Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel in
Zion National Park does not allow bicycle travel, though the National Park Service has
personnel at the tunnel and will assist cyclists through. It is also wise to visit with rangers
at the park entrance stations. The two rims of Grand Canyon National Park differ
significantly, but both are appealing. The south rim is much more developed, has more
services, and because of its accessibility is more heavily visited. The north rim is more
remote, higher in elevation, and offers full but fewer services. The 44-mile spur to the
north rim is a beautiful ride but does require backtracking to rejoin the main route. The
route between the two rims of the Grand Canyon is the most remote section and offers a
unique experience to the adventurous cyclist. Much of this portion of the route travels
through the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, allowing opportunities to meet these
Native American people. To those who do not live there, the Navajo people seem shy and
quiet and when spoken to are helpful and friendly. Services are limited to several trading
posts that sell groceries and water. The trading posts also offer authentic Navajo-made
crafts, pottery, and weavings as well as some rich history of their culture. Alcohol is not
sold or served anywhere within the reservation. Wickenburg, near the southern end of the
route, is the connecting point to the Southern Tier Route. This route continues into the
metropolitan area surrounding Phoenix, Arizona and ends in [[Tempe, Arizona], near the
international airport.
Terrain
This route comprises a series of climbs and descents. The elevational differences range
from low desert to high desert. Within these elevational zones, there are some
impressive climbs and steep drops for the touring cyclist. The route begins at 5,843' and
ends at 1,198', with several climbs/descents over 7,000'. The North Rim Spur has the
highest elevation, at over 8,500', for a length of 27 miles.
