Kaibab National Forest – Rainbow Rim – August 2018

Eric, Sharon, and I headed for a mountain bike trip in Utah and Colorado. Our first destination was Rainbow Rim trail on the Grand Canyon’s north rim. Since Eric and I had last been here, there was an extension made which adds about 4 miles from Timp Point to the junction on FS271 that goes to North Timp Point. As is usual with going here, we arrived at sunset and had to set up camp.

 

 

Next morning, we were able to see the view, chat with our neighbors, and plan that day’s riding.

Looking south into Grand Canyon
Our campsite at Timp Point
Breakfast!

We decided to explore the new portion of trail first. It was totally different from the section that follows more closely to the rim. In the trees and not as much elevation change.

Eric in the pine trees
Sharon on her initial Rainbow Rim ride

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After exploring the new portion, we headed toward Parissawampitts Point. My memory of this ride is that it was not overly difficult and had killer views. What I failed to remember, is that on all the previous trips here we camped at Locust Point which is in the middle. Rode 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in afternoon. Starting from Timp Point made it seem like a much bigger ride.

Timp Point

 

North Timp Point
North Timp Point

 

 

Locust Point

 

Paraissawampitts Point

 

All together, the ride was about 45 miles and 4,500 ft of climbing (at 7,000 ft)

I parted with Eric and Sharon at North Timp to head on to Paraissawampitts.

Last of the spring bloom
Me at North Timp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I was headed back from Parissawampitts Point, there was a small column of smoke that got larger and larger. A new wildfire had broken out. As I got closer to Timp Point I was hoping to find Eric and Sharon and that there wasn’t an evacuation. Fortunately, they were there and the fire, which was just over the hill, was not blowing toward our area. Next morning a lot of smoke had settled in the Grand Canyon.

Smoke from fire settled in canyon overnight

We were heading onto Cortez from here…chasing wildfire smoke the whole way.

Sharon’s photos are here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/n8DeecUrJQ4xJZ2e7