Sublime Kaibab Loop Mountain Biking Route

160.3 miles

Distance

14,913 ft

Climb

-14,914 ft

Descent

2 miles

High Point

-1 ft

Altitude change

6,146 ft

Altitude min

7,626 ft

Altitude start

7,625 ft

Altitude end

-46.8%

Grade max

84.6%

Grade min

72 miles

Distance climb

71 miles

Distance down

17 miles

Distance flat

Water can be scarce on the North Rim, plan accordingly!! The North Rim facilities at the Canyon are only open from May 15th - October 15th, closed in winter.

Best done as a CCW loop from Jacob Lake over 3 days. The first half of the ride is mostly forest roads, but they are scenic. Look for the petroglyphs in the first canyon, an old cabin near the Rainbow Rim and a few views to the west near Zion.

This route traverses the entire Rainbow Rim trail from west to east along the Canyon's edge. A rare treat for mountain bikers. Take the 5 mile detour down to Point Sublime and enjoy 270º sweeping views of the Grand Canyon, arguably one of the best vantage points in the entire park. Re-supply at the North Rim they enjoy the final 50 miles back to Jacob Lake on the Arizona Trail. The short HAB efforts are rewarded with pristine singletrack through high alpine meadows. A stunning overlook at the East Rim viewpoint will stop you in your tracks. Even an old burn area has some rippin' trail.

Don't forget to grab a great post-ride meal & cookie at the Jacob Lake Inn.

source: Kaibab Ride Report

Detailed Description

Sublime Kaibab Loop is a 160 mile popular expert route located near Jacob Lake Arizona. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 3 trails. This route climbs 14,913 ft with a max elevation of 9,165 ft then descends -14,914 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

Closed: 1 trail (newest: Sep 1, 2025)

Route Supporters

Arizona Trail Association
Maintainer

Local Trail Association

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Stats

Distance

160 miles
Avg time

10 hr 31 min
Altitude min

6,146 ft
Altitude start

7,626 ft
Altitude end

7,625 ft
Climb

3 miles
Descent

-14,914 ft
Grade max

-46.8%
Grade min

84.6%
Distance climb

72 miles
Distance down

71 miles
Distance flat

17 miles

21 Reviews & Comments

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Trails in Route

	AZT/C - Ceballos Trail				1 mile
	Rainbow Rim				21 miles
	AZT - North Rim				50 miles

Route POI

Quaking Aspen Spring

Water Fountain/Source

Details

Riding area

Jacob Lake
Primary Activity

Mountain Bike
Difficulty rating

Black Diamond
Route Type

Loop
Bike type

XC
Direction

One Direction
Physical rating

Hard
Activity Logs

1

trail	date	description
Rainbow Rim	May 30, 2026 @ 7:06am (America/Phoenix) May 30, 2026	Major erosion (major ruts or slumping, large boulders and roots exposed due to erosion)o gfthe river t
AZT - North Rim	Sep 1, 2025 @ 11:09am Sep 1, 2025	Passage 39 is currently CLOSED due to the Dragon Bravo fire. Keep up to date via aztrail.org. https://aztrail.org/arizona-national-scenic-trail-thru-hiker-update-for-autumn-2025/
AZT/C - Ceballos Trail	Oct 5, 2022 @ 10:52am Oct 5, 2022