Rainbow Rim Trail • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Jonathan took me on my first true bike-packing trip over Memorial Day weekend: multi-day single track and double track on gravel road bikes with over-night gear.

The loop included the beautiful Rainbow Rim Trail and many glorious miles of riding through aspen groves and mixed conifer forests. Although this was my third time in the Northern Kaibab National Forest, I was still infatuated with the overwhelming pine smells of the forest that make you forget all about the Sonoran Desert.

The only surface water available on the southern Kaibab Plateau was at Quaking Aspen Spring.

Point Sublime Road is pretty rough and has multiple sections of deep sand. This was a disappointing realization because it precludes me from ever getting back to a campsite I found overlooking Crystal Creek Canyon. I mean, I guess I could bike out there again...but for now, I never want to be on that road again.

I pulled three nymph-stage deer ticks from my legs on this trip. That makes over 7 for the season.

The North Rim was tranquil, as always. We ate lunch at the East Rim viewpoint before heading home on Monday. About a year ago, I found out that there's a perennial stream in the upper portion of North Canyon. I want to hike the loop down East Rim Trail down to North Canyon, then return on the AZT. Next time.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Quaking Aspen Spring

	Quaking Aspen Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	The spring box took a minute to locate. It's above the road, on the hillside on the north side of the canyon. The box was full of clear water that was trickling out over the walls and down into the meadow for a few meteres before infiltrating underground.

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- there's nothing like finding Water in the Desert -

2 archives

Jul 24 2015

Oregon_Hiker

Guides 9
Routes 473
Photos 8,433
Triplogs 626

79 male

Joined Dec 07 2010
Phoenix, AZ

Rainbow Rim Trail

Northwest, AZ

Rainbow Rim Trail

Northwest, AZ

4x4 Trip		Jul 24 2015
		Oregon_Hiker • Triplogs 626

4x4 Trip	47.00 Miles	4,144 AEG

4x4 Trip	47.00 Miles	9 Hrs	5.22 mph
	4,144 ft AEG

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The Rainbow Rim Trail connects 5 of the major view points along the North Rim Grand Canyon in the Kaibab National Forest. It is a fairly well groomed hiking trail probably more popular with mountain bikers than hikers. I chose to drive to four of these points on this day as I moved south along the rim from my campsite of the previous four nights near Crazy Jug Point. I used FR250 as the north-to-south connecting road to connect with the roads running out to each point. I took photos at the first three points, Parissawampitts, Fence, and Locust Points, but was more focused on looking for a campsite for the night by the time I got to North Timp Point. Haze from a couple of fires interfered with taking good long distance photos of the views but I've gone ahead and posted pics to give an idea of the views from these points.

I hoped to find a campsite that Friday evening which was remote enough to get away from the hoards which would be visiting the area over the weekend. As it turned out, this area did not get that many people but prime campsites with rim views were mostly filled up by 4pm Friday. I decided to camp back in the forest away from the rim. An area without the scenic canyon views but still a beautiful area with tall Ponderosa Pines, lush green meadows and scattered groves of Aspen. A quick check of the North Kaibab Motor Vehicle Use Map showed just the spot, an old logging spur road that followed the top of a ridge for about 1.3 miles to its end between Timp Point and Stina Point. I found the road despite someone having absconded with the road marker and started driving down it. It quickly disappeared in a sea of knee high grass. The road had so little use that the forest was reclaiming it but I was able to follow it using the MVUM loaded on to my gps. I continued down the road for a half mile finally stopping where the forest reclamation of the road changed from grass to small pine trees and set up camp. I ended up staying there for two nights without seeing anyone until early Sunday morning when I had to make an unplanned 3.5 mile hike to Timp Point, but that's a story for another triplog.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Lesser Nighthawk

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Crazy Jug Canyon Parissawampitts Point Saddle Canyon

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1 archive

Jul 23 2015

Oregon_Hiker

Guides 9
Routes 473
Photos 8,433
Triplogs 626

79 male

Joined Dec 07 2010
Phoenix, AZ

Rim Trail #10 North End, AZ

Hiking		Jul 23 2015
		Oregon_Hiker • Triplogs 626

Hiking	6.70 Miles	1,032 AEG

Hiking	6.70 Miles	6 Hrs 58 Mns		0.96 mph
	1,032 ft AEG		15 LBS Pack

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Rainbow Rim Trail

Crazy Jug Canyon

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This was my third day car camped above the end of Crazy Jug Canyon on the North Rim Grand Canyon. I decided to do some exploring in the rim area near camp instead of descending into the canyon as I had done the previous two days. My Garmin Topo US 24k Southwest map showed an unnamed trail passing near my camp. My hard copy North Kaibob Ranger District map also shows this trail with it labeled as Rim Trail #10. This trail is shown on that map extending from a TH on FR206 about 3.7 miles east of Timp Point all the way north to another TH at the intersection of FR292 and FR272 about a half mile north of my camp. So off I went to find the north end of this trail and follow it hopefully all the way south to Parissawampitts Point. Not sure where the name for that point came from but it sounds like a derogatory description of Paris Hilton (there, that might help me remember how to pronounce it). This was the beginning of an off and on search for the remnants of this old trail over the next week as I worked my way south along the rim visiting some of the major view points I had not been too on my previous trip three years ago.

This started out as a pleasant walk through a green meadow sprinkled with blue Lupine and a red flower with tiny trumpet shaped blossoms beneath towering Ponderosa Pines. But then my route started up a small drainage towards a hilltop labeled South Big Saddle Point on the map. The drainage soon got choked with New Mexico Locust which appears to be taking over much of the forest areas on the north rim. So far there had been no sign of the trail. I started weaving back and forth trying to find clearings through the clumps of locust. Where the terrain started to level out on the hilltop I spotted a small red flag marker on the end of a wire stuck in the ground. There appeared to be a faint trail through the grass which I back tracked on and soon came upon a white reflective plastic diamond tacked on the trunk of a tree and another red flag. I had found the trail. I then followed this faint trail as it more or less followed the trail marked on my GPS map heading east through patches of open meadow. More red flags, rock cairns, two more diamond markers, and an old wood Trail #10 sign nailed to a tree, and an occasional "North Rim Trail" marker confirmed I was on track.

As the trail approached to within 50 yds west of FR272 it began to show signs of recent maintenance. The ground had been scrapped just deep enough to show the dirt and gravel in the soil below creating a narrow path no more than 1 foot wide. At this point I took a detour on an old logging road bed that was almost completely hidden by grass along the top of a ridge that extended towards the GC. The only clue to the existence of this road was a small sign indicating the number 3672 where this road crossed Trail #10. I would find a number of these road number identification signs at seemingly random locations in the forest marking roads that had long ago been reclaimed by the forest. One was even shown as a road approved for All Motor Vehicle Use on my Garmin GPS Kaibob NF MVUM overlay. The north Kaibob Nat. Forest was logged long ago resulting in a maze of old logging roads, many of which have been abandoned and are grown over. I'm not sure why the Forest Service found it necessary to go to the expense of posting signs on all these unused roads, especially when many of the signs are not within view of roads currently in use.

I continued to follow what appeared to be the beginning of restoration of the old Rim Trail #10 but it soon deviated from the route shown on my map and connected with the end of FR3637 (not on the map). From there I assumed it followed FR3637 to where that road branches off of FR272C. At this point the trail appeared to end and did not proceed on towards Parissawampitts Point as the old Trail #10 had. From here it was a long way by road to P. Point so I dropped that destination from my itinerary, stopped for lunch, and then headed back for camp the way I had come. On the way back to camp I found more trail markers at the other end of the trail and followed what I think is the old route of Trail #10 all the way to where it ended at the intersection of FR292 and FR272. Although a TH is shown here on my hardcopy map of the North Kaibob NF, there is no sign for the trail and it is obviously out of use at this location. I'm not sure if the Forest Service plans to restore this north end of the Rim Trail beyond the small amount that I observed. It appears that the only section of old Trail #10 which is regularly maintained is now called the Rainbow Rim Trail starting at Timp Point in the south and ending at Parissawampitts Point.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sunset

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1 archive

Sep 02 2013

tibber

Guides 21
Routes 1,182
Photos 36,858
Triplogs 1,570

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Rainbow Rim Trail

Northwest, AZ

Rainbow Rim Trail

Northwest, AZ

Scenic Drive		Sep 02 2013
		tibber • Triplogs 1,570

Scenic Drive	16.00 Miles	270 AEG

Scenic Drive	16.00 Miles
	270 ft AEG

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East Rim Trail #7

Rainbow Rim 4 - Fence to Parissawampitts

Rainbow Rim 2 - N. Timp to Locust

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desertgirl

For our last day, since we got such a late start, we ended up driving to the East Rim with Clyde and some of the other ABCers to take a look-see around that area. We left the others at Hwy 67 and went accross the road to the Rainbow Rim area to check out some of the Lookouts. So we headed west on Hwy 22 to the far viewpoint via 506 and 214. It had been raining on the North Rim off and on for the last several days so we did encounter some mud puddles but never had to engage the 4WD. For the most part, the roads were in good condition; some were in excellent condition. We encountered more traffic than we thot we would whether it be other cars at the THs or campers with trailers and such.

Figuring out where the best viewpoint was a little tricky at Parissawampitts as we walked down and down straight out from the TH. I told Ambika I really didn't want to go down anymore so we headed back up. We saw that the trail went to the SE so we headed that way and finally came upon THE view. This was my first ever view into this part of the Canyon so it was a lot to absorb and comprehend. It was totally cool though :DANCE:

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We had a snack break in the car before proceeding to the next viewpoint. We thot we would take a short cut on the 250 but after going down and in, it looked a bit precarious so Ambika thot we better not since no one new we were up here. So, if anyone goes up in that area and takes the 250, a road report would be nice as each of the viewpoints is below the 250. If you could use the 250, it saves the trouble of having to get back to the 206 each time.

We decided to skip Fence Point and headed to Locust Point. Our next stop would be the Timps. At the intersection you had a choice and we went with Timp first and then headed for North Timp. All of the viewpoints had their own beauty and magnificence to offer. Unfortunately, shooting good pics was hard due to poor light at this time of day.

This trail looks like it would be fun to hike as it goes in and out of the ponderosa and aspen with occasional walks along the rim. There are several drainages you have to walk/drive around to get to the next viewpoint. The entire trail is 18 miles. I know there are several of you out there that could knock this out in no time and still have time for a couple brews, dinner and cookies

at Jacob Lake before heading home. Altho, I think camping over nite would be the best option as it looks like there are some great camp spots up there.

During our drive we did see lots of deer and a bushy coyote. The drive itself is beautiful as well as you drive through the shade of ponderosas and aspens.... LOTS of them.

Here are some movies of the East Rim and 4 Lookout Points from the Rainbow Rim: http://youtu.be/_yiHYI3tRHY

Here are driving directions per the Kaibab Natl Forest. Please note the starting point for these lookout points is FR 206:
Go 26.5 miles south of Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center on AZ 67, turn right on FR 22 for 10.5 miles to FR 206.
Turn left and continue on FR 206 for 3.5 miles and turn right on FR 214 and follow it for 8 miles to Parissawampitts Viewpoint.
Fence: Continue on FR 206 for an additional 1.5 miles to the FR 271, turn right for .1 mile to FR 294, continue on FR 294 for .1 to FR 293 and follow it to the trailhead in about 8 miles.
Locust: Follow FR 294 for about 8 miles to the trailhead.
North Timp: From the junction of FR 206 and 271, follow FR 271 for 5 miles to FR 271A, turn right and follow FR 271A for 3 miles. When you come back to 271, it's only 3 miles to Timp from there.
Timp: From the junction of FR 206 and 271, follow FR 271 for 8 miles to the trailhead. When you come back to 271, it's only 3 miles to North Timp from there.

From any of the viewpoints, you can see the Esplanade, along with Powell Plateau, Tapeats Amphitheater, Surprise Valley. And don't forget, the AZT is around here someplace :-k

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Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mule Deer Plateau Fence Lizard

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cogswell Butte Fishtail Mesa Great Thumb Mesa Steamboat Mountain

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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

Jun 13 2008

agmtb

Triplogs 5

72 male

Joined Jun 03 2008
Tucson, AZ

Rainbow Rim Trail

Northwest, AZ

Rainbow Rim Trail

Northwest, AZ

Mtn Biking		Jun 13 2008
		agmtb • Triplogs 5

Mtn Biking	19.00 Miles	61 AEG

Mtn Biking	19.00 Miles	7 Hrs	2.71 mph
	61 ft AEG

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noelg90

Camp at Locust Point in the trail's middle and ride 2 out and backs. Views are world class and you can drive right to the edge and camp. Cool air drains away so doesn't get cold here at night but stays mild during day. Trail is not technical as it climbs and descends thru a pine forest.

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Jun 13 2003

noelg90

Photos 15
Triplogs 3

male

Joined Mar 01 2002
Tempe, AZ

Rainbow Rim Trail

Northwest, AZ

Rainbow Rim Trail

Northwest, AZ

Mtn Biking		Jun 13 2003
		noelg90 • Triplogs 3

Mtn Biking	37.00 Miles	61 AEG

Mtn Biking	37.00 Miles	7 Hrs	5.29 mph
	61 ft AEG

no routes

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My wife and I did this ride and we were all smiles. The singletrack is tight and the "points" provide some great views. Our actual ride time was 4:51. The additional 2+ hours was taken up by all the pictures we took plus lunch. You can't ride this trail and NOT take pictures. We camped at Timp point and rode it out and back (hence the 37 miles instead of 18+). We would recommend you start at Locust or Fence point so that you can break it up into two rides (and not have to carry the extra weight of lunch etc.) We were happy to see our campsite when we finished (exhausted) and we were glad to be staying the extra night. What a great place to watch a sunrise/sunset and an even better escape from the valley heat. Enjoy!

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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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