The Grand Canyon National Park is an awe inspiring place to visit, with wildlife ranging from coyotes to elk to big horn sheep. Biking the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views of the vistas and the wildlife. It is an opportunity to explore the canyon away from the crowds and see impressive sights not seen by most.
When biking the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim cyclists can enjoy a wide range of sites, but cyclists need to be aware of the tremendously different environment when planning to ride the trails in the park as the conditions are challenging.
There are a few things to consider when deciding to bike the Grand Canyon:
The Grand Canyon is 7,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. It is hot and very dry most of the year. Elevation and a dry environment can take its toll quickly in these conditions. Over the last decade more people have died from environmental issues related to heat than in the past.
In Arizona, cyclists must obey all traffic regulations and wear a helmet and bright colors.
There is a good variety of wild animals to see in the park including, coyotes, elk, mule deer, endangered California condors, ravens, squirrels and so on. Remember though, don’t feed, or approach the animals. In recent years, the National Park Service has had to euthanize coyotes, deer, and rock squirrels because some of these animals had become overly aggressive towards people and/or become completely dependent on food handouts.
Never approach or feed a wild animal, even the squirrels’ bite! Each year one of the most treated injuries that occur in the park is a squirrel bite. There is no way to know how a wild animal will act when approached, fight or flight are both possibilities. There are other serious hazards associated with wild animals in the park such as coyotes, fox, squirrels, rodents, bats, and mountain lines. These animals may carry diseases like Hantavirus, rabies or plague. These animals can transmit these diseases through contact such as touching or feeding. In recent years, there has been an overpopulation of coyotes and rabbits.
Biking the Grand Canyon is a great way to see the park. Riding the trails outlined by the bike rental and tour shop at the South Rim Visitor Center takes riders to most of the scenic overlooks. If taking one of the tours bike riders can learn a good deal about the unusual geological aspects of the canyon as well as the interesting plant and animal life in the canyon. There’s a lot to see and do, why not see and do it by bike!
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