If you are looking into Grand Canyon bike tours, you will quickly find that the term covers a few different types of experience. For some people, it means a short scenic ride along the South Rim. For others, it means a guided day tour, a self-guided route, or a bigger multi-day adventure through the wider Grand Canyon region. That variety is part of what makes cycling so special, with a bike offering one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Grand Canyon at a slower, more immersive pace.
At Bike the US for MS, we have seen just how varied those experiences can be. Our Grand Canyon & Zion tour covers 575 miles over 11 days, with 9 riding days and 2 explore rest days, combining time in the saddle with time to properly take in the places you pass through.
What are the best Grand Canyon bike routes and trails?
South Rim
Some of the best Grand Canyon bike routes and trails are found around the South Rim, where cycling gives you an easy way to take in iconic views without relying entirely on a car or shuttle. Hermit Road is often one of the standout rides.
North Rim
The North Rim offers a quieter, more remote feel and shows a very different side of the region. That contrast is part of what makes biking around the Grand Canyon so distinctive. More broadly it is the variety of the wider region, from desert landscapes to plateaus and canyon scenery, that makes this part of the Southwest such a rewarding place to explore by bike.
Our Grand Canyon & Zion bike tour itinerary highlights
Day 1 & 2: Cedar City to Zion National Park
The ride begins in Cedar City, Utah, with the high desert quickly giving way to the red rock and sandstone scenery around Zion National Park. The approach into Zion is a dramatic one, with scenic desert roads and stops in places like Virgin and Springdale. Enjoy an early rest day to explore Zion National Park on day 2.
Day 3: Zion National Park to Kanab
This is a shorter day, but still packed with variety. Riders shuttle to the top of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel (sadly no cycling through the tunnel), then climb back out of Zion and into the high desert on the way to Kanab, with the chance to stop at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and Moqui Cave along the way.
Day 4 & 5: Kanab to Marble Canyon to Cameron
This is where the riding starts to ramp up. A long climb out of camp is followed by a fast descent into the Vermilion Cliffs region, before the route heads into some of the most remote and exposed stretches of the trip. From Marble Canyon, riders cross the Colorado River over Navajo Bridge and continue through the Navajo Nation. It is one of the best chances on the route to take in the culture and history of these native lands and to try some Fry Bread along the way.
Day 6 & 7: Cameron to Grand Canyon National Park
The route leaves the desert behind and climbs back into the high desert pine forests on the way to the South Rim. First views of the canyon come into sight, and this is one of those days where sunset at the rim is hard to beat. Enjoy another exploratory rest day in the Grand Canyon National Park to celebrate the one week mark.
Day 8 & 9: Grand Canyon to Williams to Prescott
After the Grand Canyon, the route heads through Kaibab National Forest and into Williams, a historic Route 66 and railroad town. From there, the ride to Prescott brings a more up-and-down day through high desert and open rangeland, with a stop in one of Arizona’s classic western towns.
Day 10 & 11: Prescott to Wickenburg to Phoenix
The final stretch drops out of the Arizona high country and into the Sonoran Desert, with rolling terrain, a major descent, and what will likely be a noticeable jump in temperature. From Wickenburg, the route continues through wide open desert landscapes filled with saguaro cacti, before finishing in Phoenix on canal bike paths and, hopefully, a well-earned celebration and check donation at the Barrow Neurological Institute.
Which Type of Grand Canyon Bike Tour Is Right for You?
Guided day tours
Guided day tours are often the best fit for first-time visitors who want a shorter, more structured experience. They usually focus on scenic riding, famous viewpoints and the reassurance of having a guide leading the way.
Self-guided rides
Self-guided rides are a good option for people who want more flexibility. Whether you bring your own bike or rent one locally, they give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop where you want.
Multi-day supported tours
Multi-day supported tours like ours are a great option for riders who want to cover more ground without the hassle of organising every detail themselves. With route leaders on the road, support vehicles carrying gear, water stops along the way, help with mechanical issues, and accommodation booked for the group, riders can focus on the ride itself. They also bring people together, with the shared experience of riding as part of a group being a big part of what makes this style of tour work so well.
Why ride the Grand Canyon & Zion Bike Tour with Bike the US for MS?
There are lots of ways to experience the Grand Canyon by bike, but our Grand Canyon & Zion tour is designed for riders who want to see it as part of something bigger. Rather than focusing on one short stretch of riding, the route takes in a much wider sweep of the Southwest, combining the Grand Canyon with places like Zion National Park, the Kaibab Plateau and the Vermilion Cliffs.
The result is a wider journey through a region that changes day by day, rather than a bike trip focused on one stretch of scenery. With a supported setup, a small team around you, and the added purpose of raising money and awareness for people living with MS, it becomes a ride that is memorable for far more than the views alone.
If you are considering a Grand Canyon bike tour, our Grand Canyon & Zion route page is a good next step. It gives you a closer look at the route, how the trip works, and whether it feels like the right fit for you.
Prefer to chat it through first? Book a 1-to-1 call here and we’d be happy to talk it through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Canyon Bike Tours
Where does the Grand Canyon & Zion bike tour start and finish?
Our Grand Canyon & Zion bike tour runs from Cedar City, Utah to Phoenix, Arizona. Over the course of 11 days, riders cover 575 miles with around 30,300 feet of elevation change, with 9 riding days and 2 explore rest days built into the itinerary.
What is the terrain like on a Grand Canyon bike tour?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the terrain on a Grand Canyon bike tour can vary a lot depending on the route. Some rides use smooth paved roads and bike paths, while others can include rougher, dustier stretches and more remote-feeling roads. On our own route, for example, riding around Zion National Park involves climbing and descending on winding roads, the Kaibab Plateau brings longer stretches at higher elevation, and areas like Marble Canyon and Cameron open out into straighter desert roads. That variety is a big part of what makes biking in this region so different.
What kind of rider is a Grand Canyon bike tour suitable for?
Grand Canyon bike tours like ours can suit a wide range of riders, including those who are newer to multi-day cycling. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be prepared for consecutive days on the bike, varied terrain and some longer miles. For many riders, it is less about being a highly experienced cyclist and more about arriving with a decent level of fitness and feeling ready for the demands of a multi-day tour.
When is the best time of year for a Grand Canyon bike tour?
While you can ride in the Grand Canyon region at different times of year, some seasons are better suited to cycling than others. The height of summer can bring very hot temperatures, especially on lower and more exposed sections of road, which can make longer days in the saddle more demanding.
For that reason, many riders prefer the cooler seasons. Our own Grand Canyon & Zion tour takes place in early October, when the weather is often better suited to both riding and exploring, with more comfortable temperatures across the route.
What sort of bike is a good fit for a Grand Canyon Bike tour?
There is no single perfect bike for every rider. Because ours is a fully paved route with no dirt riding, the best fit is usually a road bike, endurance road bike, gravel bike with road-friendly tyres, or a lighter hybrid with sensible gearing. What matters most is choosing a bike that is comfortable, reliable, and suited to long days in the saddle rather than chasing the fastest or fanciest setup. For many riders, an endurance road bike is the safest all-round choice, but the right answer really comes down to fit, confidence, gearing, and what you already ride well.
Where can I sign up for a Grand Canyon Bike Tour?
If you are considering a Grand Canyon bike tour, our Grand Canyon & Zion route page is a good next step. It gives you a closer look at the route, how the trip works, whether it feels like the right fit for you and where to sign up!
