By Charles Pekow — The nation’s newest national monument may provide new opportunities for mountain biking – eventually. President Joe Biden designated the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona. The land preserves 917,618 non-continuous acres in three segments north and south of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona for public use. Mountain biking is prohibited in most of Grand Canyon National Park.
The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management will manage the lands. In his proclamation, Biden noted that the area provides plenty of recreational opportunities, including biking, which contribute to the Arizona economy. He ordered the agencies to “prepare a transportation plan that designates the roads and trails on which motorized and non-motorized mechanized vehicle use, including mountain biking, will be allowed.”
Biden called for an advisory committee to recommend management of the monument to include state, local and tribal governments, and representatives of recreational and other interests.
See the proclamation at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-08-15/html/2023-17628.htm
Mountain biking near the Grand Canyon is great and one trail already exists, the Rainbow Rim Trail on the North Rim. Technically the national park there is only the canyon and not the land above which is national forest. The trail runs near the rim with awesome views in spots. It’s a fairly mellow trail with moderate climbs and back country camping at the views.