Page: Rim Trail CCW

 The calendar flipped to October and I really needed to head north for a ride. A few friends had been planning a bikepacking ride in Southern Utah through the Bears Ears NM, a place I've been wanting to ride for years now. I did my best to get myself ready, but this year has been nothing short of a struggle fitness wise and I thought it was best to sit this one out. It hurt. I wanted to be there, but the mileage per day was just too much at the moment. I've been much better lately at knowing what my limits actually are and not trying to prove anything to anyone.

I had a solid Plan B locked and loaded though, so I wasn't bummed for too long. My plan would be to head to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, solo, to see how bad the Arizona Trail, AZT, fared after two major fires swept across miles of it. I learned that on October 1st, the Grand Canyon would be opening two of the popular overlooks to the public: Point Imperial and Cape Royal. The AZT through the park would still be closed as they assess the damage from the Dragon Bravo fire.

I would stage my ride near Jacob Lake, ride the northern loop without bikepacking gear and camp a second night where I started from. The next two days I'd bikepack south to the park, then ride the AZT back to the car. That was the plan.

On my way north I figured it would be wise to go slightly off my driving route to Page to top off on gas, that would allow me to do all my North Rim stuff and get back to Flagstaff on one tank. Page happens to have some good riding if you're passing through the area. So, I figured while I was there, I'd knock out a loop on the Rim Trail. This time I'd go CCW as the first time I rode this trail I went in the CW direction. I had stopped here back in 2017 after finishing a huge SW Utah Blitz.

I staged at the Page Public Library, which sits next to the trail.

Instantly on the goods.

It didn't take long to miss a turn and go off-route, downhill a bit. Oops. The trail blends in to the natural surrounding quite well and there were a few spider web trails on top of a disc golf course that made navigation a little tricky. That was all soon forgotten, but perhaps having a track loaded would be recommended.

High above a Roam America site.

Making the turn north and away from the city. PeakFinder app.

Flowy trail following the contour of the plateau.

Metal bridge over a small chasm.

Occasional signage guiding the way.

The Page Airport is up to the left, but you'd never know it.

Tower Butte cast in a full shadow in front of Navajo Mtn.

Wide version of Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River.

Great afternoon for a spin.

I spotted an alt. line across the slickrock too late, next time I'm riding it.

Azure blue waters of the Colorado River.

Overall, this loop rides fast, when you don't constantly stop for photos.

The only real glimpse of Lake Powell.

Bleached waterline on the sandstone.

Town comes back into view.

US89 Bridge by Glen Canyon Dam.

Geology is cool.

Nice kiosk at a road crossing.

Creative routing, tucking the trail between a golf course and homes.

Green grass really jumps out in this landscape.

Another ripping fast section.

Talk about a surprise tree canopy!!

Public Library comes into view.

My goal was to ride the loop in one and a half hours, I think I came in at 1:32. Not bad at all considering all the photo stops. It's a really fun trail with great views and little user traffic. I think I saw two other hikers. Add it to your list if you're driving through the area and need to stretch your legs.

I made it to the Jacob Lake Inn a bit before closing and grabbed some cookies for the next days rides.

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