THE GRAND CANYON XP
August 31-September 1-2-3, 2023
KAIBAB PLATEAU, ARIZONA
All four days of the Grand Canyon XP are out of the new basecamp which is 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. Annie will prepare meals for a nominal charge if requested in advance.
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.
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. Crockett Dumas may bring certified weed free hay by request. He may be contacted by email at otdumas@gmail.com.
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 six days. An overall best condition award for the horse that completes all six days in the best condition will also be awarded. Completion awards will be given to all successful horse and rider teams.
Entry Fees:
AERC One Day $135.00 check or $140 PayPal
XP One Day $110.00 check or $115 PayPal
AERC Two Day $260 check or $265 PayPal
XP Two Day $230 check or $235 PayPal
AERC Three Day $375.00 or $ 380 PayPal
XP Three Day $330.00 or $335 PayPal
AERC Four Day $480.00 or $485 PayPal
XP Four Day $440.00 or $445 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.