The North Rim section features views across the canyon, rather than into its depths. There are three main viewpoints on this rim, including Point Imperial, Cape Royal and Point Sublime. The last is inaccessible on a motorcycle, as it requires four-wheel-drive vehicles. Both Point Imperial and Cape Royal are accessible via a scenic, winding road. Each point features short walks and several stops, and the trip in this section will take at least a half a day.
The South Rim is the most visited area of the Grand Canyon National Park and it has the Canyon View Information Plaza, the park's visitor facility. This facility offers ample restrooms, a short walk from Mather Point---the nearest place to park. The South Rim does not provide many independent driving opportunities for motorcycles or cars, but it is a good destination for travelers who want to hike down to the river and camp in the park (a two-day trip). Most motorcyclists use Desert View Drive (Highway 64) to reach the South Rim. This highway follows the canyon rim for 26 miles (42 km) and leads to the east entrance of the park.
This section of the Grand Canyon National Park is accessible year-round and provides motorcyclists solitude, exploration, camping and hiking opportunities. The Tuweep area may be reached via Arizona Highway 389 (near Colorado City) or from St. George, Utah. There are three main routes, including the Sunshine Route (BLM Road 109), Main Street Route (BLM Roads 1069 and 5) and Clayhole Route (BLM Road 5). The Sunshine Route is the primary access route and the most reliable road. It is 61 miles (100 km) long and is sometimes hindered by dust and washboarding. The Main Street Route is 90 miles (145 km) and the most scenic route, but it is sometimes impassable in the winter. The Clayhole Route is 60 miles (100 km), but motorcycles should avoid it when it is wet.
The temperatures change throughout the altitudes of the Grand Canyon, so wear layered clothing. There is not a mechanic on North Rim or in the Tuweep area, but there is on the South Rim. Most of the park's lodging and camping facilities are located in the South Rim area, and reservations for both are essential. There is no charge for standard campground use in the Tuweep area. The summer is the busiest season at the park, and thereare often traffic congestion and parking problems. It is least crowded in the winter, but many roads are inaccessible then.
The best light for photographs is early or late in the day. The North Rim features several photo locations, such as Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Point Imperial is the highest point on the North Rim (8,803 feet) and it overlooks the Painted Desert. Cape Royal offers panoramic views (up, down and across) and is a popular sunrise/sunset location. The South Rim features the Desert View Watchtower and the Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point for photographs and panoramic views.
