Rainbow Rim Extension, North Rim Grand Canyon, Kaibab National Forest, AZ
DatesSep 30th - Oct 6th 2012 Service ProjectTrail construction Free DaysDay hiking to vistas or into deep canyons, photography, relaxing AccommodationsCar & tent camping Trip RatingStrenuous : Car camping. Digging new trail, shoveling, bending, and moving rock. LeadersDon Meaders Equipment |
The Kaibab National Forest is part of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forests in the United States. Bordering both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon, the 1.6 million acres of the Kaibab has the distinction of being divided by one of the most amazing attractions anywhere. The Kaibab Plateau is an island of forested land surrounded by a sea of sage and grasslands. Kaibab is a Paiute Indian word that translates to mountain lying down. Most of the plateau was set aside in 1893 as part of the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve. In 1908, the Forest Reserve north of the Grand Canyon was renamed the Kaibab National Forest. The North Kaibab is atop a monocline and rises to 8800 feet with excellent views of the Grand Canyon. The Kaibab Plateau is rich in colorful rock formations, water and wind carved features, and from it springs deeply incised canyons. Numerous springs and the variety of plants they support provide an interesting contrast to the generally arid terrain. The canyon cliffs are home to bands of desert bighorn sheep as well as the endangered peregrine falcon. Our service project is making new multi-use trail that extends the existing Rainbow Rim Trail along the rim of the plateau, looking down into the Grand Canyon. The work will be moving rock, smoothing tread, and creating proper water drainage. This trail is a high priority for the Forest Service, as it is a main corridor to access breathtaking vistas into the Grand Canyon on the north side by foot, horse or mountain bike. This project is for folks who are comfortable with heights as there is significant exposure along the rim trail. We will camp either in or beside our vehicles, and the Forest Service will support our group with all the necessary tools and water. Bring your mountain bike, the Rainbow Rim trail is spectacular riding! On our free day, you can hike or mountain bike along the rim and possibly hike into the steep-walled, winding canyon system. Check out more photos from last year Kaibab project in our gallery.
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