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Tour Details
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- 4 days, 3 nights of self-guided trail running
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- 50% singletrack and 50% double-track in northern Arizona
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- This tour is appropriate for runners with very good fitness
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- Includes daily gear transport, Ready Camp Kitchen gear and setup, water and firewood
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- Trip starts and ends in Flagstaff, AZ
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- Total group size limited to (12) per trip
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- Cost: $415 per person
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2022 Dates
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- May 26th – May 29th
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- September 15th – September 18th
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TOUR DESCRIPTION (Passage Map)
Follow the historic stagecoach line from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon during this 100-mile adventure. Over five days you’ll see terrain as diverse as anywhere in northern Arizona, from the big sky country across the Babbitt Ranch to the pinon-juniper forests that lead right up to the South Rim of Grand Canyon – one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Even if you have spent time a lot of time in northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon, this adventure will completely transform what you know about the Colorado Plateau. The elevation of this trip ranges from 6,100 – 7,500 feet, so be prepared for thinner air than you may be accustomed to.
We created this trip for those who don’t want a guide, don’t want to be supported during the week and generally just want their own self-serve adventure with a bit of logistical assistance. Each day we relocate a very deluxe camp setup (provided by Ready Camp) of (2) 10×10 canopies, full kitchen, dry firewood, camp chairs, fresh water, coolers of food and beverages (you purchase prior to trip) and all your personal gear like tents, bags and clothing. You can go as cheap or deluxe as you want on food, beverages and amenities!!
Arrival day
Our meeting point for this trip is Flagstaff, AZ at Bike Revolution. The day before the trip starts you can pick up a cooler (if needed) from us to do your shopping for the week.
Day One
The day begins along remote dirt roads of the CO Bar Ranch, one of the ranches owned by Babbitt Ranches – one of the most respected ranching families in the West that welcomes AZT users to this remote and beautiful corner of Arizona. Today’s route is relatively flat and allows for much contemplation and solitude as you follow in the footsteps of many generations of people that have traveled from Flagstaff toward Grand Canyon. The views in all directions are absolutely unforgettable. The day finishes in the Kaibab National Forest. Run length is about 19 miles.
Day Two
With heavy legs from the previous day’s effort you’ll enjoy today’s moderate distance and varied terrain. Running through the Kaibab National Forest on singletrack and roads, you’ll pass Moqui Stage Station, one of the historic stagecoach stops where visitors would rest their weary bones and probably begin to question if there really was a “grand canyon” out here in the middle of nowhere. Other than an old stone well, there isn’t much left of the station. North of Moqui, the trail begins its gradual ascent up the Coconino Plateau. You’ll gain 800 feet over 8 miles and watch the forest begin to change beneath your feet. The day ends at a lovely campsite near Forest Road 310. Run length is about 16 miles.
Day Three
It’s marathon day! From camp, run along the Coconino Rim along a beautiful path through the forest. You’ll gain elevation very gradually over the first 10 miles, topping out near 7,500 ft. at the Grandview Lookout Tower. If you have the legs for you, climb the metal stairs to the top of the tower and catch one of the most incredible views in this part of the world – looking over the tall pine forest lies the Grand Canyon in the distance. Climb gingerly back down, then continue running toward the canyon. From here the route descends 1,000 feet over 13 miles. You’ll emerge from the forest into the community of Tusayan, the gateway to the South Rim of Grand Canyon where a bed and shower await. No camping tonight – we’ll grab a hotel in Tusayan after a long day on the trail.. Run length is about 26 miles.
Day Four
The final day of this adventure will take you along the Greenway Trail from downtown Tusayan to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. This 7-mile walk/run is a great way to work out the kinks from the previous day’s effort. Once you arrive at the South Rim there are unlimited options for miles along the rim or down into the canyon on the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails. If your legs are whooped and you’d rather see the canyon’s edge by bicycle, rentals are available from Bright Angel Bicycles. After soaking in all of the grandeur the Grand Canyon has to offer, we’ll return to Flagstaff in time for dinner. Run length is about 7 miles.
What’s Included
- Shuttle Van and driver
- Luggage, gear and cooler/food relocation
- Ready Camp kitchen and general gear
Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverages – we can haul and keep them cold though!
- Lodging
- Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
- Weather Control – Mother Nature has a mind of her own
Phoenix International Airport has plenty of flights each day and is 2 hours away from Flagstaff, AZ. Flagstaff, AZ also operates a small regional airport.