THE GRAND CANYON XP
Base Camp: The new camp is across the street from the old Nicholson Barn that we have used for the past few years. The old entrance we used previously is CLOSED. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PULL INTO THE NORTH ENTRANCE THAT WE HAVE USED IN THE PAST. The new entrance is on the south end of the park off of 4225 South State Street. That is a paved road between the RV park pond and the metal building with the mural on it. Go past the pond to the road on the left between the pond and the river. Follow the pink and yellow ribbons into camp. Earlybirds arriving before Wednesday morning can go over the bridge and camp in any of the cleared areas. Detailed instructions will be sent to those who have entered online.
BE SURE TO CHECK THE HOME PAGE XPRIDES.COM FOR LATEST UPDATES AND CHANGES DUE TO GRAND CANYON FIRES.
September 3-4-5-6, 2026
Labor Day Weekend
Grand Canyon is an XP Jacket Ride. Any rider who completes four days on the same horse is eligible for an XP Jacket.
KAIBAB PLATEAU, ARIZONA
All four days of the Grand Canyon XP are out of the basecamp located in the Snowmobile Play Area, on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. We ride through beautiful aspen and conifer forests and across wide open meadows through the North Kaibab Plateau on the Arizona Trail and the Rainbow Rim trails. Both of these trails offer spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. The trails course along the rim of the canyon but are far enough back from the cliffs that one does not have to a worry about a fear of heights. The beautiful foliage, set against a backdrop of heavy green forests and the colors of the Grand Canyon offers a riding experience of a lifetime. The Kaibab Plateau is quite flat on top and the horses will have few, if any, climbs of significance. Although many of the trails are what you would expect in an alpine forest, there are some sections that can be somewhat rocky. We expect cool, mild days but be prepared for chilly nights. As with all XP rides, free lunches are provide to everyone including the crews.
DIRECTIONS:
The directions to camp are now the same for everyone regardless of which way you are coming from. Take Hwy 89A to Jacob Lake, Arizona. Go south on Hwy 67 approximately 27 miles to Forest Road 22. This turn off is about 1 mile past the Kaibab Lodge and North Rim Store. Slow down as you see the pond on your right and turn right on FR22. Go about 2 miles to the top of the hill where there is a main cross road. You will turn left at this intersection and go 1 mile on FR 270, another major well-maintained Forest Service road. You will see a large sign on the right directing you to the Snowmobile Play area.
The coordinates for the campsite are:
Intersection of FR22 and Hwy 67: 36° 24.069’N x 112° 7.767’W
Intersection of FR22 and FR270: 36° 24.659’N x 112° 8.976’W
XP Campsite in Snowmobile Play Area: 36° 23.880’N x 112° 9.164’W
Cell and internet service is poor to non existent at the ride site. Some Verizon coverage can be found with a booster. There is great Verizon service at the Kaibab Lodge on the North Rim. Emails and text work best but don’t be frustrated by no response as we may have to travel some distance from camp to make contact.
HEALTH CERTIFICATES
Basecamp address that you can use for health certificates: Forest Roads 270 and 22, Fredonia, AZ 86022
Weed free certified hay is required on all public lands in the United States. Weed free pellets are usually available at feed stores in the area.
AWARDS
Individual awards are available for the fastest time and best condition each day. An overall award will be given to the horse and rider finishing in the fastest time for all four days. An overall best condition award for the horse that completes all four days in the best condition will also be awarded. Completion awards will be given to all successful horse and rider teams.
Entry Fees:
AERC per day $135.00 check or $140 PayPal for members. $155.00 per day check or $160.00 per day for non members. Please make sure your membership is current as we will be charged an extra $20.00 per day for the AERC daily non member fee. THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO PAY FOR THE AERC NON MEMBER FEES ARE THOSE WHO ARE RIDING THE AERC ENDURANCE OR LIMITED DISTANCE RIDES. INTRO RIDERS, FUN RIDERS OR XP CLUB RIDERS DO NOT PAY THE AERC NON MEMBER FEE.
XP per day $110.00 check or $115 PayPal
Payment can be sent to 19898 Road V, Lewis, CO 81327 or entry@xprides.com via Paypal.
All riders will automatically become members of XP Riders when they participate in an XP Ride. The $25.00 annual dues are a voluntary donation and can be made via paypal or check.
We appreciate the online pre-entries as it helps us plan and reduces the last minute bookkeeping, but we welcome last minute entries on site as well.
Phone 907 209 8881 or 970 880 0150 for Dave
email duck@xprides.com
Phone 907 821 1819 for Annie e-mail annie@xprides.com
If you find something confusing or in error in this message please contact me personally and I will clear it up.
If you are not a paid up AERC member we will assume you are riding the XP Club ride and the results will not be turned into AERC.
For more information contact Ride Manager:
Cell and internet service is poor at the ride site. Emails and text work best but don’t be frustrated by no response as we may have to travel some distance from camp to make contact.
Ann Nicholson, 907-821-1819
Dave Nicholson, 970 880 0150
Phone 907 209 8881 or 970 880 0150 for Dave
email duck@xprides.com
Phone 907 821 1819 for Annie e-mail annie@xprides.com
If you find something confusing or in error in this message please contact me personally and I will clear it up.
If you are not a paid up AERC member we will assume you are riding the XP Club ride and the results will not be turned into AERC.
You can pay at the ride after determining how many days you end up riding. Juniors are half price. AERC charges an additional $15.00 day member fee for non members if participating in the AERC ride.