The Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line is a true backcountry Arizona adventure, starting in Tusayan just outside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Choose between a 60-mile or 94-mile route, combining remote Forest Service roads, doubletrack and miles of the Arizona Trail through the high-country forests surrounding the Grand Canyon.

The 60-mile loop follows fun doubletrack to the historic Moqui Stage Stop before picking up the Arizona Trail for the ride back to Tusayan. It’s an epic route without requiring an epic-race résumé.

Want the bigger day? The 94-mile route includes roughly 40 miles of nearly traffic-free Forest Service roads before returning on the Arizona Trail. Near the end, riders reach Grandview Lookout, where those willing to climb the tower earn spectacular views and a time bonus. Take a selfie at the top for proof. Afraid of heights? The climb is optional.

Like other Arizona Endurance Series (AES) events, this is a fully self-supported ride. Riders need to carry what they need and be prepared to filter water if necessary. This isn’t an organized tour with aid stations every few miles. Self-sufficiency is part of the adventure.

Remote dirt roads, the Arizona Trail, high-country forest, virtually no traffic and the Grand Canyon just down the road. If your idea of a good ride involves a little adventure and a lot of Arizona, this belongs on the list.

August 29, 2026 | Tusayan, Arizona
60 Miles: 7:00 a.m.
94 Miles: 6:00 a.m.

Route:

The Tussle will be a loop rather than the out and back. The route will be ridden in a counterclockwise fashion with the route consisting of 25 miles of scenic remote forest service roads, 35 miles on the Arizona Trail and 1 mile of asphalt/concrete riding through Tusayan back to the finish.

****Grandview Lookout will be on the route approximately 16 miles from the finish with a requirement to climb it. The views are worth the climb up. If you fear heights, you don’t have to climb it. ******* Time bonus for the ones that climb it. Selfie pic for proof******

Fully self-supported ride. Russell tank has water and can be filtered if needed. There will be NO water drop unless we have a volunteer drop and pick up at Russell Tank. Russell tank should have plenty of water for filtering with all the monsoon activity.

Tusayan_tussle_short_route

Tusayan_tussle_long_route

Please sign-up below with the link as well as commenting if you are interested in camping a 1-2 nights.

The Tusayan Tussle

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Where: The start/ finish will be on Forest Road 302 located on the south end of Tusayan, half a mile east from the roundabout on Hwy 64.

Lots of parking and lots of camping options right at the start/finish area on both sides of FR302.

Route:

The Tussle will be a loop rather than the out and back. The route will be ridden in a counterclockwise fashion with the route consisting of 25 miles of scenic remote forest service roads, 35 miles on the Arizona Trail and 1 mile of asphalt/concrete riding through Tusayan back to the finish.

****Grandview Lookout will be on the route approximately 16 miles from the finish with a requirement to climb it. The views are worth the climb up. If you fear heights, you don’t have to climb it. ******* Time bonus for the ones that climb it. Selfie pic for proof******

Fully self-supported ride. Russell tank has water and can be filtered if needed. There will be NO water drop unless we have a volunteer drop and pick up at Russell Tank. Russell tank should have plenty of water for filtering with all the monsoon activity.

Tusayan_tussle_short_route

Tusayan_tussle_long_route

Please sign-up below with the link as well as commenting if you are interested in camping a 1-2 nights.