Hike the Rainbow rim trail in Grand Canyon National park, Arizona.
The Rainbow rim trail is designed to be a mountain biking trail that links five different viewpoints along a remote section of the North rim of the Grand Canyon. Doing the entire trail probably isn't feasible (or even necessary) so pick a section and start hiking. We did this entire length as a one way mountain bike ride and it was a blast! The trails between each of the points has the same pattern. The trail starts with great views of the Grand Canyon, heads away from the rim through an easy to follow trail through a Ponderosa pine and Aspen forest, before heading back to the rim for more great Grand Canyon views. The map is very helpful and the distances between each of the points are provided below. This way you can pick a section to hike based on your ability and desire.
Key Milestones:
Between Temp point and North Temp point 3.0 miles
Between North Timp point and Locust point 6.5 miles
Between Locust point and Fence point 3.0 miles
Between Fence point and Parissawampitts point 5.5 miles
All of the viewpoints are well signed and have maps of the area. From any of the viewpoints, you can see the Esplanade, along with Powell Plateau, Tapeats Amphitheater, Surprise valley, and even Mount Trumbull on a clear day.
Enjoy!
