Last Updated on March 25, 2023 by Igor Karni
Grand Canyon National Park is located in the state of Arizona, USA. The most well-known highlight of the park is the Grand Canyon, a gorge/steep rock formation created by the Colorado River. The park covers 1901 square miles (4926 square kilometers) and is ranked number six on the “10 Most Visited National Parks in 2020” in the USA.
If you are thinking of visiting Grand Canyon National Park by electric bike, this article will answer any questions you may have!
Are e-bikes allowed in Grand Canyon National Park?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed in Grand Canyon National Park. Per the USA’s federal e-bike laws, e-bikes are classified as a “low-speed electric bicycle” which must be a two or three-wheeled vehicle that has fully operable pedals. In Arizona, state requirements additionally require an e-bike to have:
- A maximum motor output that must not exceed 750W
- A maximum speed that must not exceed 20 mph (32 km/h)
- A motor that is only used to assist pedal propulsion
According to the National Park Service (NPS), e-bikes in Grand Canyon National Park are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed and similarly are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited.
Read also: Best specialized electric bicycle insurance companies in the USA. And, Rules & regulations for e-bikes and speed e-bikes in the USA.
How is Grand Canyon National Park organized, is it bycicle friendly?
Though there are limited areas within Grand Canyon National Park where cycling is allowed, the park still offers many road and mountain biking routes.
Some of the routes that are open to cyclists include: Greenway – South Rim Residential Sections, Greenway – VC to Entrance, Greenway – VC to SK, Greenway – VC to Village, Hermit Road Greenway, and North Rim Bridle Trail. Additionally, e-bikes are allowed on all roads which are open to general motor vehicle traffic.
However, the NPS notes that all other areas of Grand Canyon National Park are closed to the use of traditional bicycles and e-bikes. For example, the Rim Trail and inner-canyon trails are pedestrian-only, where cycling is prohibited.
Where to stay during the trip?
There are many places to stay when visiting Grand Canyon National Park, ranging from lodges and hotels to campgrounds!
If you’re interested in camping during your trip, there are a few options to choose from: Mather Campground on the South Rim, Desert View Campground, and North Rim Campground. It is recommended to book your spot ahead of time, as spots fill up quickly (reservations can be made up to six months in advance).
If you are looking for an RV Campground, Trailer Village is an RV park located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and offers full hook-ups. If you are interested in backpacking/camping outside of developed campgrounds, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit. For more information on camping in the park, visit the NPS’ “Camping” page for Grand Canyon National Park here!
For hotel options, top-rated spots include Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim, Thunderbird Lodge, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, and Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn. Check out Booking.com, Expedia, Trip Advisor, and Google Travel for more hotel recommendations!
Where can I eat? Or should I take my food with me?
There are a variety of restaurants and food spots to find your daily meals at in Grand Canyon National Park, including cafes, restaurants, and markets!
For quick bites, coffee/tea, and snacks, you can visit Maswik Pizza Pub, Yavapai Tavern, Starbucks, Yavapai Coffee and Ice Cream, Maswik Food Court, Harvey House Café, Deli in the Pines, We Cook Pizza & Pasta, Bright Angel Bicycles and Café, and Desert View Trading Post & Ice Cream.
For restaurants and sit-down dining, options include Phantom Ranch, El Tovar Lodge Dining Room, Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room, Arizona Room, Bright Angel Restaurant, Rough Rider Saloon, Grand Canyon Pizza and Grill, Plaza Bonita, Big E Steakhouse & Saloon, and Coronado Room.
Lastly, you can visit specialty food markets like the North Rim Country Store and Canyon Village Market Place and Deli for readymade meals, fresh produce, and more!
What gear should I take on the trip?
When embarking on an e-bike trip, it’s extremely important you are equipped with the proper safety gear.
Main essentials include a helmet, water, backpack, e-bike charger, extra battery pack, clothing and extra layers (e.g. waterproof and bike appropriate), front and rear lights, sunscreen, sunglasses, a first aid kit, and a bike repair kit and pump.
If you are planning on camping while visiting the park, you should also be sure to bring the necessary essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, food and clothes, dishware, cutlery, a valid ID, and your reservation information.
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
Where can I charge my e-bike?
There are currently no official maps that show where visitors can charge their e-bikes.
However, there are several electric vehicle (EV) charging stations dispersed within the park, where e-cyclists may be able to charge their e-bike.
This includes Maswik Lodge, Grand Canyon Auto Services, and Yavapai Lodge (located in Grand Canyon Village); Grand Hotel (located in Tusayan); North Rim Country Store (located in North Rim); and the towns of Williams, Flagstaff, Tuba City, Page, and Kanab (located in Grand Canyon Gateway Towns).
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in Grand Canyon National Park?
There are a number of road biking and mountain biking route options in Grand Canyon National Park. As such, if you are primarily planning to take paved road cycling routes while in Grand Canyon National Park, a commuter or city cruiser e-bike will suffice.
However, if you are planning to take mountain biking routes or any combination of road cycling routes and mountain biking routes, we recommend using a hybrid e-bike or an electric mountain bike (eMTB).
Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?
Where can I rent an e-bike in Grand Canyon National Park, or should I take one with me?
Yes, there are a couple of e-bike rental options available in Grand Canyon National Park, which we will highlight at the end of the article!
It is also an option to take your e-bike with you, but first, be sure that it meets the requirements and specifications of the USA and Arizona’s e-bike laws.
Read also: Best known electric bicycle brands in the USA. And, Best e-bike financing options in the USA.
What else can I do while on an e-bike trip in Grand Canyon National Park?
Grand Canyon National Park is an area that is abundant with historical formations, geology, and natural landscapes. There is plenty to see and do while visiting!
Some of the park’s most popular natural sights include Grand Canyon Village, Havasu Falls, Bright Angel Trail, South Rim Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Desert View Watchtower, Rim Trail, Mather Point, Grandview Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Point, Havasu Canyon, Black Bridge, Ribbon Falls.
For museums, arts and culture, educational experiences, and historical monuments, visit Grand Canyon Visitor Center, the Trail of Time, Historic Navajo Bridge, Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio, Grand Canyon Skywalk, Grand Canyon Railway, Tusayan Ruin, Buddha Temple, Walhalla Ruins, and the Yavapai Geology Museum.
Other than cycling, there are plenty of other recreational activities to do in the park, including hiking, guided learning tours, rafting, and even trips where you can ride on mules!
What is the best time of year to visit Grand Canyon National Park on an e-bike?
According to experts, the best times of year to visit Grand Canyon National Park are between March through May, and September through November. This is because these are off-peak seasons, and the weather is still pleasant during these times.
One thing visitors should be aware of is that the North Rim area closes after the first snowfall, and stays closed throughout the winter months. The South Rim is open all year.
Between March-May, average temperatures range between the low 50s and 70s Fahrenheit (11 to 21 degrees Celsius). Temperatures may still fluctuate vastly and drop as low as the 20s (-4 degrees Celsius), though, so be sure to bring lots of extra layers with you during this time. While the North Rim may still be closed at this time if there is lasting snow, this is also a time when there are fewer tourists around and more lodging options are available.
June – August is peak visitor season, where temperatures range anywhere between the 40s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (5 to 28 degrees Celsius). If visiting during this time, be sure to bring plenty of sun protection (e.g. sunscreen, sunglasses, hats). Heavy rainstorms are also common in the month of July. All of the park’s facilities are open during this time, but be aware that most lodging and campgrounds book up quickly, and most trails are very crowded during the days.
In September – November, most facilities and trails are still open. Tourism slows down at this time, making it another optimal time of year to avoid crowds and find more lodging options. Temperatures range from the mid-20s to mid-70s (-3 to 23 degrees Celsius), so be sure to keep an eye out on daily weather and to pack extra clothing to stay warm.
Read also: Check out USA best travel destinations by electric bike.
Lastly, December – February is the least busy time in Grand Canyon National Park but is also the coldest and most limited in terms of trail and facility options. We recommend that cyclists avoid visiting during this time of year to avoid snowy and icy conditions.
Resources to help plan your trip
For more resources and information on Grand Canyon National Park, visit the NPS’ park webpage here!
If you are looking to rent an e-bike while visiting this region, there are two main options to choose from.
First is Bright Angel Bicycles, which offers e-bike rentals in increments of half days and full days. The company also offers guided bike tours between March and October, as well as a free map of Grand Canyon National Park’s bike routes on their website (which can be found here).
The second option is GC Bikes, which offers rentals in 5-hour, full-day, 24-hour, and 2-day increments.
For more recommendations on places to eat in Grand Canyon National Park, view Trip Advisor’s list here!
And lastly, for more ideas on things to do while visiting the park, visit Google Travel’s list for further suggestions!
Take a 10-minute video tour to Grand Canyon National Park:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
