Author Topic: Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter  (Read 5610 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Caladventura

Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter
« on: November 06, 2017, 09:19:55 pm »
Greetings,

I have been wanting to do this ride for a few years now.  Currently, I have the time to do such an event coming off of a contract job. Also, I'm hoping to go on a journey of personal growth as well.

So i've done a lot of cold weather hiking and biking in the past. I'm not a pro but im confident.

Anyways, I am wanting to bike the Weatern Express trail from Sacramento to Cedar City, UT. Camp a night or 2.
Then head down toward the Grand Canyon Connector and camp another night or 2.

Next I'll be following West on Route 66 and finally back up north towards Sacramento.

I'm planning to camp the entire time. I've got cold weather gear and bags, etc. if anyone can give me tips on campsites (preferably free) and planning my route you would be a huge help to me.

Any tips at all, as I'm still planning and wondering if this is indeed possible during the winter season. This will be my first week+ bike trip. I'm thinking of bringing mostly raw fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts, dried meat, and a small pan for cooking eggs. I've got water filtration and all covered.

Thanks so much for any feedback or guidance.

Online jamawani

Re: Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter
« Reply #1 on: November 06, 2017, 11:37:24 pm »
You are joking.

Offline John Nelson

Re: Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter
« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2017, 08:59:52 am »
Camping in snow is certainly feasible, although heavy, especially up those Utah hills. Cycling in snow is a bit more problematic. What kind of bike are you taking?

Offline Pat Lamb

Re: Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter
« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2017, 09:42:06 am »
Look up the fate of the Donner party.

Do you feel lucky?

Online jamawani

Re: Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter
« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2017, 10:20:53 am »
First tour?
Seriously bad idea.
Not to mention that the North Rim has no services after Nov 1 and closes Dec 1.

Suggest taking Amtrak to Ventura and riding east via Santa Clarita, Palmdale, and Victorville,
Then Route 66 to Flagstaff and the South Rim. Still good chance of snow/cold east of Kingman.
Amtrak back from Flagstaff.



Offline Caladventura

Re: Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter
« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2017, 12:44:33 pm »
Hello,

Thanks for your suggestion.
This is not my first tour, just my first tour over a week. Also I've done long term hiking in Alaska.

Anyways, so starting at Ventura and making my way across highway 66 up to the south rim of the Grand Canyon shouldn't give many weather issues this time of year ?

Offline Caladventura

Re: Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter
« Reply #6 on: November 07, 2017, 12:53:30 pm »
Also I'm using a hard tail mountain bike, probably switching to hybrid tyres 27.5 inch.

I'm really just looking to do some touring while I've got time off at the moment. I am open to any other winter tour suggestions near Northern California with less harsh environments. I was considering Yosemite as well.

Thanks for your input everyone!

Online jamawani

Re: Western Express Trail/Grand Canyon Connector in winter
« Reply #7 on: November 07, 2017, 02:18:44 pm »
Average Temps Hi/Lo November

Ventura - 71/48
Barstow - 68/41
Needles - 74/50
Kingman - 64/39
Williams - 55/26
South Rim - 52/24

You are likely to encounter snow east of Kingman.
This route includes the three best remaining stretches of Historic Route 66
1. Barstow-Amboy-Goff
2. Needles-Oatman-Kingman
3. Kingman-Peach Springs-Seligman

December is about 10 degrees colder and more variable.

Hard to pull off in a week, esp. if bad weather hits.
But this route also parallels Amtrak with easy bailout & return.