GRAND CANYON XP
KAIBAB PLATEAU,ARIZONA
50-50-50-50-50 –250 Miles/Pioneer and 25-25-25-25-25 LD
NEW DATE: August 28 –September 1,2013
NEW FOR 2013:A limited distance ride will be offered each day along with the endurance ride!
All five days of the Grand Canyon XP are out of the same basecamp which is located in Dry Park,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. Annie will prepare meals for a nominal charge if requested in advance.
Base Camp:The Dry Park Camp is located in a large open meadow surrounded by heavy timber and aspen groves. The campsite is large and reasonably flat and we are allowed to camp on the grass. We are fortunate to be able to return to this camp again this year.
Directions:The Dry Park Camp,in the North Kaibab National Forest. You can reach this camp by taking Hwy 67,the Grand Canyon Parkway,about 27 miles south from Jacobs Lake,Arizona. Turn right on Forest Road 22 and go about 10 miles to the bottom of the hill,where you turn left into Dry Park. The camp is about 1 mile south of Hwy 22. Do not turn into the Dry Park Lookout. This is a dead end road with no turn around. Dry Park is further down the road at the bottom of the hill and is a large dry meadow.
There is a shorter route to camp that involves more dirt road and a steep hill but is shorter overall. We use this route to bring all of our rigs to camp. To access this route,go east out of Fredonia Arizona on US Hwy 89A. Turn south on Forest Road 22,which is just east of town. This road is paved for about 22 miles,and then turns to improved gravel. After a little more than 18 miles the good road will fork and the left fork heads towards Hwy 67. Take this left fork for 0.8 mile and turn right into the park. Should we be forced to move the camp because of weather issues we will have XP signs posted at the each end of Forest Road 22. The alternate camps are in the general vicinity of Dry Park and will still be reached from FR 22.
Trail:The North Kaibab trails were originally used by both Native Americans and pioneers. The present trail system is part of a single track recreational trail that crosses the entire state of Arizona,including the Grand Canyon. Many of our trails are old logging roads that have been closed to vehicles for many years.
Awards:Individual daily awards are available for the first to finish and the horse in the best condition. An overall best conditioned horse and first to finish awards will be presented. Daily participation awards will be given to all riders. Riders who complete all five days will receive jackets,crew bags or plaques.