Biking The Grand Canyon

Monday May 29, 2023

Today was the day most looked forward to by Anna on our whole trip. We were renting electric bicycles to ride all around Grand Canyon National Park. 

Once the four of us were up and ready, it was time to head to head to the bike rental center. I particularly liked the rental shop because they sold coffee! While sipping our coffee we walked through the visitor center and looked at some of the exhibits.

After perusing the Visitor Center campus, our bikes were ready to be rented! One of the staff members gave us a quick briefing on the rules and bike paths available.  Following the short briefing, another staff member retrieved the bikes and then proceeded to inform us on the function of the bikes and conducted a safety test, where he made sure we could actually ride a bike. Then, we were off! Our first route, was a six mile ride to a viewpoint. Some parts of the bike ride were more scenic than others but all were interesting. While some points were along the rim or side of the Grand Canyon, some were through the trees and shade where you could hear the Cicadas and smell the fresh air. About halfway through the ride we were able to stop and pet the mules that take people down into the Grand Canyon and they were so cute.

Our next route, took us in the opposite direction of the viewpoint on a short bike path (2 miles) to the El Tovar Lodge, where we stopped to sightsee and eat lunch. Lunch was at a restaurant located a few doors down called Harvey House in Bright Angel Lodge that served American style food. 

The final bike ride of the day took us through the campground, by the library, a general store and finally back to the rental place. This ride however was more interesting than the last for two reasons. The first one, is that we rode right past a huge elk eating leaves off of a tree. The second one is, Anna fell off of her bike… from the back it was somewhat entertaining to watch. She will not forget that moment for a while with the giant scrape on her leg. 

Once the bikes had been returned, Anna and I wanted to do some shopping in the gift shop. Since we did not have any success at our first stop the General Store was the next stop. Anna got a bracelet and I purchased a metal coffee mug. 

Then, some of us were ready for a nap… so, we headed back to the hotel and had some downtime.  

Following our time at the hotel, the four of us freshened up for our next adventure to Hermit’s Rest. The park offers a shuttle bus service to the top where Hermit’s Rest is located.  On the ride to the top the bus makes several stops one of which we decided to stop at. It was a panoramic view of Grand Canyon National Park, you could even see the Colorado river cutting through the red canyon. Hermit’s Rest had a small store where souvenirs and light refreshments were sold. It also provided a breathtaking view of the Canyon, that could be seen as you walked around the historic property and looked at the historical structures. 

By the time our adventure to Hermit’s Rest had concluded, it was time for dinner. The lodge where we stayed Maswik Lodge, had a dining hall with several different dinner options such as Mexican, bbq and pizza. A warm filling meal, was a good way to end a day full of adventure and fun in the Grand Canyon!

The Grand Canyon is truly unique! The scenery is consistent all throughout the park but you never get tired of looking up and seeing such a captivating and character filled view of God’s creation.