Segment 7 Description
Traversing northern Arizona, Segment 7 takes riders through a landscape of colorful sedimentary rocks, tall cliffs, deep canyons, and high-elevation grasslands. This segment also winds across 100+ dry miles of stunning Navajo Nation land in Marble Canyon and Little Colorado River Gorge Tribal Parks before reaching Grand Canyon National Park. For southbound riders, the route initially crosses a broad, treeless valley before climbing over the northern end of the Kaibab Plateau through juniper woodlands. The more challenging Kaibab Plateau Alternate dips farther south over the highest part of the Kaibab Plateau and through cool forests and meadows. East of the Kaibab Plateau, the dirt roads through House Rock Valley lead to a relatively quiet paved road that runs beneath the Vermillion Cliffs to Navajo Bridge and the Western Wildlands Route’s crossing of the mighty Colorado River.

South of the Colorado River, pavement continues onto Navajo Nation, and at the small community of Bitter Springs, the route turns west onto rougher 4x4 tracks and dirt roads amid grasslands, badlands, and canyon rims. This section of the route requires a Navajo Nation backcountry permit, water is absent, shade is scarce, and camping is permitted only in a few specific locations. Reaching the Navajo community of Cameron, riders cross the Little Colorado River before climbing toward Grand Canyon National Park. This gradual ascent is a mix of pavement, trail through Little Colorado River Gorge Tribal Park, and abandoned road grades. Segment 7 ends at Desert View Overlook with an overwhelming view into the depths of Grand Canyon. Water and resupply options are infrequent along this segment, so careful planning may be required. Long stretches of this segment are also impassible when wet, necessitating paying close attention to weather forecasts.
 
IMPORTANT: Navajo Nation backcountry permit absolutely required - see permit information and regulations below. Camping is only allowed in 4 specific locations on Navajo Nation, none of which are market on the ground; a GPS and the segment’s waypoints are required to locate these camping areas.  Ample tire sealant also strongly recommended for this segment. An Arizona State Land Trust permit is also required.
 
Segment length: 209 miles
Total climbing: 10,000 feet
Recommended number of days: 3-5

% Paved (approx.): 35%
% Dirt road (approx.): 45%
% 4x4 road/2-track (approx.): 20%
% Singletrack (approx.): <1%
% Rideable (approx.): 99%
 
Average physical difficulty* (1-10): 3
Average technical difficulty** (1-10): 4
Bikepacking challenges: Very limited water, limited resupply options, very remote, summer heat, long sections impassible when wet
Longest stretch between resupply (miles/days): 95 miles / 1-2 days (across Navajo Nation between the Marble Canyon (SoBo mile 80) and Cameron (mile 175)
Longest stretch between water sources (miles/days): 95 miles / 1-2 days (across Navajo Nation between the Marble Canyon (SoBo mile 80) and Cameron (mile 175)

Alternate route options:

• Kaibab Plateau Alternate: This option climbs over the tall, cool, forested Kaibab Plateau, reaching 9,000 feet at its high point. This alternate also serves as a link to the Arizona Trail and takes riders to within 13 miles of Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim facilities (open May 15 to October 15). This alternate is 20% paved, 35% dirt road, and 45% 4x4 track. Atop the plateau, the quiet 2-tracks hop between coniferous forest, aspen groves, and meadows. For NoBo riders, the climb up onto the plateau is remarkably steep, loose, exposed, and waterless – there will be hike-a-bike. For SoBo riders, the climb is much more gradual. Water options are limited (reliable water at SoBo miles 29 and 56), and resupply options are available just off route at Jacob Lake (limited; mile 29) and at mile 56 (lodge and store open between May 15 and October 15). This alternate is virtually entirely on public lands – BLM and Kaibab National Forest. Private and USFS Campgrounds with potable water are found at miles 29 and 56. This alternate is generally snow-free in the Spring by mid-May and is rideable until sometime in October in most years.
• Arizona Trail Link Alternate: This 14-mile rougher and steep forest road link directly connects Segment 7 to the Arizona Trail (AZT) at Grandview Lookout Tower. For AZT riders looking to detour around Grand Canyon without actually visiting Grand Canyon, this link connects more directly to Segment 7. The Kaibab Alternate offers an option to return to the AZT on the Kaibab Plateau north of Grand Canyon.

Western Wildlands Route GPS data, guidebook, and mobile app:
Visit the download page!

Bikepacking Permit and Regulations for Navajo Nation
 
As you pedal across the Navajo Nation on Segment 7 of the Western Wildlands Route, you will be primarily in Marble Canyon and Little Colorado River Gorge Tribal Parks. Within these large parks, Navajo families live on home sites and graze livestock, often in very remote areas. The roads through this area range from regularly-graded to rough and rarely maintained. Virtually all unpaved roads in the area are impassable when wet (and subject to flash flooding), and surface water is non-existent. Plan your travel carefully, carrying sufficient water and avoiding travel on these roads when rain is in the forecast. Please be respectful of the Navajo people and their land as you ride through this beautiful country. 
 
The following rules and regulations apply to all bikepackers when riding the West Route across Navajo Nation – our permission to cross these lands are contingent upon bikepackers strictly following these rules, purchasing the appropriate permit, and leaving behind no sign of your presence aside from tire tracks.

• Pay the appropriate backcountry permit fee ($12/person/per day - 3 days is recommended) to the Little Colorado River Tribal Park before beginning your trip. Pending the development of an online payment system, follow these instructions:
  • Print out the permit form available at https://navajonationparks.org/permits/backcountry-hiking-camping/
  • Fill out the permit form. Include dates when you estimate you will be reaching this section of the route, and your email address. Also write on the form that you will be cycling on the Western Wildlands Bikepacking Route. Mail this form with a cashier’s check or money order made out to Navajo Parks to the address on the form for the Little Colorado River Tribal Park; electronic payment is not currently possible.
    
  • Once the payment and permit form are received, an original hard copy of your permit will be mailed to you, and a copy of the permit will be sent to you via email. Carry either the paper permit or an electronic copy of the permit with you while on the Navajo Nation. You may be asked by local residents to show this permit.
• Remain on the designated route and existing roads. Straying onto untraveled areas damages fragile soil and vegetation.
• Camping is allowed only in the following designated areas along the route. Please use the provided GPS data or mobile app to locate these campsites – they are not marked in any way on the ground. Mileage refers to southbound distance along Segment 7 of the Western Wildlands Route:
  • Mile 156.6: At Rock Point, overlooking Marble Canyon – 3 miles northwest off route. This campsite offers an absolutely stunning view into Marble Canyon.
  • Mile 175.2: 0.9 miles west of the route above Bekihatso Wash
  • Mile 185.5: 0.5 miles southwest of the route on a point above Big Canyon
  • Mile 195.2: 0.3 miles north of the route at mile 195.2 amid the Painted Desert
  • Lodging and camping is also available in the community of Cameron (see list of options at the end of this document)
  • Prior to entering Navajo Nation from the north, dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land on the south side of Highway 89A, and lodging is available at the Marble Canyon Lodge. Reservations available at (928) 355-2225
  • Immediately after leaving Navajo Nation west of Cameron (for southbound riders), dispersed camping is permitted on USFS land east of the Grand Canyon National Park boundary.
• Respect the privacy and customs of the Navajo people. Do not wander across residential areas or disturb property. Obtain permission before taking pictures of the Navajo people.
• Whatever you pack in, you must carry out – do not burn or bury any trash or food scraps. Do not leave behind any litter. Bury all human waste, and take any used toilet paper with you.
• Fires, firearms, alcoholic beverages, and illegal drugs are not permitted. Pets are allowed ONLY if on a leash at all times.
• Photographs or video taken for commercial use is prohibited unless accompanied by a valid permit issued by Navajo Parks & Recreation or Navajo Office of Broadcasting Services.
• Do not disturb or remove animals, plants, rocks, or artifacts. Tribal Antiquity and federal laws are in effect. Special permits are required from the Navajo Minerals Department and Natural Heritage Program to collect rocks or plants.
• The Navajo Nation is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or thefts of personal property during your visit.
• The local Department of Parks and Recreation Office is in Cameron and is open from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday (the Navajo Nation observes Daylight Savings Time, unlike the rest of Arizona). They are also open on Saturdays during summer months. Their office is on the southwest corner of the Highways 89 and 64 intersection, and they can be reached by phone at (928) 698-2303
• Do not attempt to ride the dirt sections of Segment 7 in wet weather. In case of wet weather, riders can follow Highways 89A, 89, and 64 to bypass all unpaved roads in the region, but long stretches of 89A and 89 are narrow and heavily traveled. Avoid riding these roads in the dark, and exercise caution during daylight hours.

 
Lodging options available in Cameron, Arizona:

• Cameron Trading Post Lodge (at the north end of town) – (800) 338-7385
• Cameron Trading Post RV Park (at the north end of town) – (800) 338-7385
• Traditional male hogan rental just north of town (no electricity or running water, but water and an outhouse are provided). See https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18476808 for details and to make a reservation, or contact Shanna Yazzie at ExperiencehoganbytheRiver@gmail.com or (480) 818-0516 This hogan is located approximately 3 miles east of town on Navajo Route 6730 (turn east off Hwy 89 immediately north of the bridge over the Little Colorado River).

 
Questions? Please call the Little Colorado River Tribal Park Office – (928) 698-2303.