Unveiling the Grand Canyon’s Hidden Majesty
UTV Adventures Beyond Imagination at the North Rim
Words: Debbie Gibson
Photos: Kyle Krause & Justin Hughes
The scent of towering pine trees filled my nostrils. A refreshing breeze kissed my cheeks. A panorama of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon stretched as far as the eye can see. If adventure is your middle name, then join us on a journey that defies imagination.
The North Rim UTV Fun Run was a fun, scenic way to explore the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. UTV Offroad Adventures provided guided trail rides, meals, quick-draw poker, a corn hole tournament, raffles, and lots of fun, laughs and good times.
The Kaibab Lodge: Where Dreams Take Flight
Just 5 miles from the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, The Kaibab Lodge has been providing Grand Canyon experiences since 1927. UTV adventurers took over all 38 cabins.
Nestled amidst lush green pastures and the embrace of the Kaibab National Forest, the lodge welcomed us with open arms to the North Rim. The views from its deck alone are enough to steal your breath away, offering a refreshing escape from the desert’s scorching embrace. Over 70 UTVs and 125 spirited adventurers united to conquer the majestic canyon. The camaraderie, like the vistas, knew no bounds.
Bright Angel Point: Where Heaven Touches Earth
One of our rides took us to Bright Angel Point, a vantage point perched at an elevation of around 8,148 feet (2,484 meters) above sea level, 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim of the canyon to the west, providing a different perspective of the canyon compared to the more popular South Rim. It provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. This viewpoint offers stunning views of the rugged landscape, including the deep canyon itself, the Colorado River, and the surrounding cliffs and rock formations.
It’s a great spot for photography and taking in the natural beauty of the area. While at Bright Angel Point, visitors may also have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including mule deer, squirrels, and various bird species. It’s a slice of heaven on Earth, known for its spellbinding sunrises and sunsets, illuminating the canyon’s multicolored marvels. On serene days, you can even hear the distant roar of Roaring Springs gushing from a cliff a staggering 3,100 feet below the rim.
Along the way, we stumbled upon an old cabin, a sanctuary for courageous Hot Shots (firefighters). Inside, an Army ammo box hid a treasure trove of tales and emotions, contributed by those who ventured here. Some tales brought smiles, while others evoked tears, but all were etched into the heart of this incredible journey.
Point Sublime Trail: Where Tranquility Meets Adventure
Our other ride led us to the Point Sublime Trail, where majesty met solitude. Point Sublime is a remote and less-visited overlook on the North Rim. Point Sublime is in a more secluded area of the North Rim, making it less crowded than some of the more popular viewpoints. Point Sublime offers spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. From this vantage point, you can see deep into the canyon, the winding Colorado River, and the striking rock formations that make the Grand Canyon famous. The remote location means you can often enjoy the views in relative solitude.
Access to Point Sublime can be challenging. The road is unpaved and rough, suitable for high-clearance vehicles, and it is often closed during the winter due to snow. The trail, a mix of hard-packed terrain and challenging stretches, beckons the few who dare to tread it. Silence reigns supreme, allowing you to savor every twist and turn. Nature played its part, too, as we encountered a coiled snake basking in the serenity, a gentle reminder of the wild beauty that surrounds us.
The Future of Adventure Awaits
Our next rendezvous at this incredible location is set for July 5-7, 2024. Clear your calendars and click your way to utvoffroadadventures.com for all the details about upcoming events, or simply drop an email to kyle@utvoffroadadventures.com. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the adventure!
The North Rim UTV Fun Run owes its triumph to the unwavering support of our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to Nash Powersports, Realty Providers, Rugged Radios, Shock Therapy, DRT Motorsports, Dirt Warriors Accessories, Kemi Moto, MRT Tires, McDermit Designs, Campfire Sports, Bob Moses Ceramic Coating, Gorilla Whips, Gorilla Offroad, Aftermarket Assassins, Rowley White RV, Memphis Audio, Factory UTV, Arizona Color Wraps, AJE Powersports, Macs Tie downs, and a special nod to Shred 3D for being an event sponsor.
