Riding to the Most Remote Viewpoint in the Grand Canyon on a Tiny Bike

Riding a tiny Honda Trail 125 motorcycle on a rugged dirt road to the most remote viewpoint of the Grand Canyon - the Toroweap overlook on the north rim.
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[@salpairadice]

When I see a drone shot or a tripod shot with Sterling riding past, I think of his patience, and his craft as he spends so much time to produce these videos. Thank you Sterling, they truly are great.

[@danmcg9981]

I do like this. Touring on a small motorcycle. I have had several motorcycles thru the years. Largest being a Goldwing. Presently I have a 2023 KLR650. And when out on back roads and forest roads I like to just putt along. Often 20-25. I ride down the shoulder of paved roads and just let the vehicles pass on by. I have always enjoyed bicycle riding and touring. And traveling at a slow pace. If I wasn't so big. 250 lbs and 6'3". I would love to get a Honda trail and do some touring. Just putt along on the shoulder like a bicycle does. Taking in the scenery like a bicycle traveler does. Fewer miles per day.

[@johnneubauer9568]

Good morning my friend. I guess when I see you drop the video that I can summarize that you got out alive and are on the bright side of the crystal. I always worry about you when I see you on these trips. Believe it or not, you're not my champion tire changer hero yet. Of course, Eva is only a satellite phone call away and would appear magically if needed. The two of you together are a champion team and I appreciate your videos more than you realize. I have ridden motorcycles most of my life and been in a lot of desolate places as the clock turns 80 years. When I was traveling, I had nowhere near the video equipment that you have today. Just a decent li Leica camera and a good imagination. Stay safe and do the best you can with tires on the little bike. JRN

[@MotoDude1967]

Cinematography, editing, choice of music...really well done, wonderful video, makes me want to go on an adventure.

[@neilurquhart8622]

Thanks Stirling for taking us along on your little Honda (goes to prove you don’t have to have a big BMW for adventure riding!). Yeh, the Grand Canyon is truly AWESOME, superb photography. My wife and I were there a few years back and we took a helicopter trip over the canyon; however partway a red warning light came on the instrument panel and we had to do an emergency landing on a deserted plateau on the north side. After about an hour another ‘copter with a mechanic on board came out and took us back to the airport….My wife refused to fly on another helicopter ever again, even in the Canadian Rockies near Banff!! 🇬🇧Cambridge UK

[@adventuringandy945]

Just did this ride this week. I camped a night at Toroweap then rode to Logandale south of Mesquite for gas and lunch

[@alainmichaud6747]

Love ur traveling on the small bike , Arizona is so rugged and beautiful Alain & Yellow

[@richjones859]

Amen, the north rim is by far the place to be, last 3 winters I’ve camped all around that place. Epic views compared to the south rim in my opinion. Be there again I always allow the winter to push me south to sonoita and then Bisbee lol😂. Great vid sterling as always, that had to be an awesome ride solo adventure

[@Southwest_Trailblazers]

NR’!!!

[@applesbighatranch6906]

Posting just four minutes into this already-superb! presentation, sir. You speak to those of us with an unspeakable affection for the desert southwest; the Sonora and the Mojave to name two. I am embarrassed to admit I do not know the name of the desert in which the area you travel falls. "No water, gas, food, lodging or cell service" is the allure for those of us who like to outfit ourselves for such journeys. Now to continue on! watching your great piece.

[@cvogelvogel5724]

Wow Sterling! You nailed the stills and the narration approaching and experiencing the rim. Tip of the cap.

[@terryrichards8645]

I’ve been to the Grand Canyon three times but never that location. It looked awesome thanks for another great video.😊

[@dankorolyk5917]

Great to see you put out another episode,was missing you mate!

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Great adventures to be had on a small bike. Last year I rode my Honda 110 Trail for 3000km solo & unsupported into the Australian outback. So I totally get what you achieved on this ride! The grand canyon is definately on my must see list, it looks magical.

[@helpfulcommenter]

Would be cool to see you ride some of the dirt roads in Death Valley on that little bike. Like, out to the Racetrack

[@vstromtom2247]

Nothing better than starting a day with an inspiring Sterling video. These are the best. Thank you

[@SterlingNoren]

Glad you like them!

[@markpinnington1723]

Loved it....thanks for sharing Sterling 🙏

[@FrankValiente-ng4mk]

Nothing better to accept the spiral into totalitarian regime system and we keep accepring the rules.

[@davidrochow9382]

I love the diversity of your videos. You've gone from a motorcycle and sidecar to a postie bike. Keep up the great work and the fun posts.

[@simms196]

I'm impressed with the little motorcycle & handled well with absolutely no issues. Nice video & presentation. What an awesome adventure & the Grand Canyon views with little school house time capsule 👍

[@csjmoore]

Good job on this one. I was tense myself on this journey. At least there seemed to be some traffic if the worst had happened.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Adventure riding on a CT 125, that's the real thing despite being on a small bike. Happy days, Günter/Nürnberg

[@leeinwis]

110 mpg

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@leeinwis Quite different from a Aprilia V4, Benelli Tre, Dursoduro... ;-) Happy fuel savings, Günter/Nürnberg

[@elizabethchionchio8337]

I too really appreciate all your work to show us these amazing roads. I will look forward to exploring them on my TW200.

[@greg-vj6qy]

Very interesting. Reminds me of the Honda C90 adventures with Ed Marsh. Spectacular scenery.

[@anthonya7066]

Sterling, the isolation and remoteness of the Australian outback is a test of character and machine as the track conditions, distance and weather out here are brutal.

[@glennsmith1040]

Nice to see you back Sterling. Great adventure.

[@waynefirman882]

Watching this brought me back to 2018 when I stayed at Toroweep Point on a trip down the Cascade and Sierra mountains. I hade the place to myself overnight and will never forget that time. Thank you for sharing this

[@robedmunds7163]

In some ways the still photography was even better. I believe the original CT had a switchable low range for off road, which would solve the gap in the gearing.

[@timhudson1846]

Honda totally missed the boat..by not keeping the hi/lo range tranny.. I had to gear my ct125 way down.. put a 60? Tooth rear sprocket on.. finally it could pull me around.. but it was horrible slow.

[@frfrpr]

Sterling makes me laugh with some of the things he says and does. The commentary and still photos were excellent.

[@Hallnadventure]

Thanks for sharing Sterling! I wandered about 160 miles yesterday on my BMW 850GSA along the Mississippi River here in Minnesota. Finding the locations that are off the country roads, sitting on a log on a sand bar along a river and just soaking in the sounds of the countryside before riding on. Fortunate to be able to do this. Your adventures are my kinda approach also to being on a moto, make an adventure outta the day wherever your location.

[@SterlingNoren]

Fortunate you are!

[@jameshisself7375]

"I haven't seen a single other person on this road..." I WANT TO GO TO THERE

[@sethjones9740]

Love your videos Sterling. Nice job!

[@ruckinehround6965]

Love the slow travel adventures.

[@peaceforchildren4303]

have never seen anything more spectacular than the grand canyon from that point. Wow!

[@helpfulcommenter]

I liked how you switched to still photography as a workaround. Thanks for honoring the NPS regs.

[@clayfarnet970]

I don’t under why there’s a rule only allowing still photography. How is videography harmful? It seems the more historical record of the area at any given time is better. How is taking away our right to video on “public land” honorable? It’s not like he is stealing property. I’m not trying to be combative, I’m trying to understand the logic here. Can you please enlighten me? Thank you.

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@clayfarnet970 You can read about it on some NPS website I'm sure. The rule doesn't exist to take away any specific individual's rights for an abritrary reason. The rule exists because if it didn't then anyone could come in wihtout a filming permit bringing crews, equipment, etc,and that would have damaging environmental impact. Incidentally, video CAN be shot in national parks, but by permitted crews. So like if you were a film production company and wanted to shoot, you'd have to set up a legal contract with NPS and settle on the terms of that contract and it would cost whatever it costs. This is to manage the land for future generations and not have it trashed by any amateur film crew or commerical shoots that would damage landscapes or affect wildlife etc. It's not that hard to understand. If you've never worked on a film set you might not get it but a film crew is like a small city that sets up for a gvien amount of time and it can be very impactful on the landscape. The NPS mission is to PROTECT the natural and cultural resources for future generations, not to provide free video backdrops for people or even, believe it or not, to provide recreation for you. It's never been the mission of National Parks. A lot of people don't understand this and get on their high horse about their "rights" but they don't even understand what they're talking about. NRAs (national recreation areas) and to some extent BLM and FS lands are for recreation. NPS lands are not.

[@mrxmrp8795]

Fuck the nps. We own this land. We need a permit that they don’t issue, what kind of bull shit is this?

[@bobmirror7164]

I did that on a XL250R back when Clinton was President. The vertical cliff drop off to the river there is a vertigo and a half experience. As usual for me I made it back to the van way after dark. Little bikes are fun. Thanks for the map.

[@mechcavandy986]

My step son has a 90s model Trail 110. He’s taking 80 mile off-road trips on it lately. I’ve been telling him he can go all over the country on it. I’ll share this with him. Thanks!

[@SterlingNoren]

Hope it inspires him!

[@michaelmcshane6280]

Thankyou another great video. I have enjoyed all of your videos but, i think i like the little bike adventures the best.

[@duanerowland2453]

Fellow CT125 owner here! Loving these video blogs, they show just how much adventure you can have on a small bike. Keep the shiny side up, my friend, and those little wheels turning!

[@SterlingNoren]

Glad you like them!

[@philo5096]

Great vid and music, your never boring. Thanx.

[@ME-tw7fq]

VERY WELL PRESENTED. BEAUTIFUL ARIZONA. THANK YOU.

[@CeeDeeLight]

The remoteness is so peaceful and beautiful. Thanks Sterling!

[@sirfarkles]

Having rode this last year on a BMW F650GS (and also filming it), it’s great to see your take on it Sterling. I had rain, lots of mud and ended up crashing on the high clearance section. I agree it feels uniquely remote out there. And thanks for clarifying the need for a filming permit - didn’t know that applied to un-monetized videos. I re-uploaded the short film I made using the same photo trick just to be safe. Thanks for sharing!

[@SterlingNoren]

Thanks for the comment!

[@zamudiol3389]

This video brings back memories. I took a trip to Toroweap overlook in my jeep. I camped overnight, so I had time to explore the area and hike the trails around the campground. Nice video, I want to go back and explore Mount Trumbull.

[@pzchannel6444]

Just amazing! The ride, the destination and the way you enjoin life! Thank you for sharing brother.

[@SterlingNoren]

You bet!

[@joachimsommer4262]

Hi Sterling, I am so glad that you are back on two Wheels again ! Take Care Brother. Joachim, Greatings from Germany

[@murraehaynes3182]

Always a pleasure and enlightening

[@rupertfb]

Another beautifully executed video - thank you, Sterling!

[@hankz9217]

Hi Sterling, Largely on your influence, I purchased a CT125 Trail as an accessory for my camper van. At 74, I no longer need to worry about muscling a tall heavy bike on rough terrain. Just enjoyed the Last Dollar road in the peak of the fall color, Ridgeway to Telluride Colorado. Thanks, thanks, thanks!

[@samhill3496]

Very much enjoyed Sterling Noren. All good. In 1992 I stood right in your tracks. I caught sundown on the Canyon with my film Minolta. It was beyond great. I tell people all the time you haven't been to the Canyon until you go to the North Rim. The view is about 9000 ft. in elevation a couple thousand more then the South Rim. I could see the lights of the lodge from afar. The roadway out was covered with deer and the relatives of those cows. The road out probably gets over 10,000 feet in elevation. In later years I had properties in St. George to visit. So it was a great trip to work. From East Kentucky USA, take care , safe rides.

[@RomanWoolery]

When you switched to still photography, something changed in my brain. Up until then I was watching your video, but having my own experience through your camera lens. But when the video stopped, suddenly it wasn't my experience anymore, it was yours, and I wanted to hear all about it. Hearing your experience was much more impactful than having my own behind a screen.

[@SterlingNoren]

Interesting, thanks for pointing that out!

[@christurla4464]

Thanks for taking us there!

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Always like (LOVE) your videos.....All the best from Canada!

[@subthousandoaks]

Love this kind of stuff sterling!

[@GerowWemple]

kislux I love you so much and watching your videos makes my day brighter

[@skiphalbakken6499]

Another great video Sterling. I loved the “deer in the headlights” still photo looking at the canyon. It’s sad that you can’t video in such a remote place. The stills with narration were a great and different touch. Ride safe my friend.

[@chuckerpower2841]

You're one tough guy to do that in such a small motorcycle and by yourself. I envy your strength and determination to conquer all

[@SterlingNoren]

There was nothing too challenging about that ride, except for the fact that it was pretty remote.

[@klh3244]

Sterling, you always have great videos and awesome content! Keep up the good work and ride safe!

[@terrybuccambuso7917]

We drove out there during the early pandemic, but it was closed…we drove west 20-30 miles and then south…were able to access the Whitmore point overlook…!

[@kinglear4859]

Did this ride in July 2018 on my R1200 GS. I was to overnight at the overlook campground, but Stewart the ranger, talked me out of it. He pointed north at the dark clouds in the distance. He said monsoonal rains were headed this way and if I stayed the night there were no guarantees that I would make it out the next day. I took his advice and headed to Kanab. Got a hotel and unloaded the bike when the downpour started. It lasted two hours with gusty winds and lightening. Glad I took the rangers advice. Great trip and it was cool to hear the rapids 3,000 feet below the overlook.

[@leeinwis]

If you had a smaller bike making it out would not have been in question 😏.

[@rodrice1495]

Another great video! Look forward to more in this series.. Thx

[@jonathanrudd684]

Enjoyed this 👍 Your films have inspired me to get a CT 125 of my own which I’m now enjoying around the small roads and trails of mid Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SterlingNoren]

Great to hear! What is your experience with the bike so far?

[@bmurray7248]

Your thoughts on solo adventuring totally resonates with me. I did the same trip solo last October on my Husky 450. Great video. Keep them coming Sterling.

[@victorbanerjee266]

Awesome Content.....Got exactly what I wanted....best of luck

[@chuckwalters2413]

Absolutely amazing!

[@Porsche996driver]

I loved the slide show! 🏜️ Thank you for respecting rules which help maintain the pristine beauty. Look at the charming school house and I loved your “swinging video!” 😅😂

[@waynewilliams839]

I've been there from 5different roads and 3different states, thanks 4 your work!

[@chuckbayman]

Thanks for bringing me along,nice video 😂

[@garysbackroadadventures]

Been to the North Rim twice and will now be going again thanks to your awesome video

[@mediocremichael]

Love this. Thinking the next BDR film should be done with stills and narration! Hilarious and awesome.

[@jrodriguez8216]

Oh my! Just a wonderful video and adventure. I recall being in the same place when staying at the Bar 10 Ranch in the Parashant, but went in my air conditioned 4x4 rig. Love this region, but going on this wonderful little motorcycle makes me smile and loved that I have that same little red bike and more reason to enjoy it. Thank you Sterling for such a great adventure!!

[@SterlingNoren]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@onourwayeverywhere]

LOL -- my wife said to tell you there is nothing wrong with an air-conditioned 4X4.

[@danielcarroll5667]

Thank you for sharing this , I'm glad you will be making more...

[@davechavis4275]

good stuff sterling.

[@RobVespa]

What a fantastic adventure. Stunning! Thank you for sharing.

[@GaryBarnes-l9x]

Truly enjoyed as always, you do such an amazing job.

[@rms--ryder71]

Hello Sterling, I would really appreciate a video covering the accessories /modifications and your opinions regarding them, you have done to your Honda Trail. Having just purchased one I would like to make purposeful improvements to mine. Cheers

[@StevenKingMarch051961]

Thank you so much for your Adventures I see it's lot of hard fun work be safe.

[@aBluegrassPicker]

Outstanding look at this area. Great video.

[@TimmyCramer]

This channel absolutely kicks ass!! Timmy C Arizona

[@Theophilus1968]

No flat tires! Yay!!

[@onourwayeverywhere]

I hope you will do a follow up to the Honda Trail flat tire episode. I am considering buying one but would like to know why changing the tube was so difficult.

[@SterlingNoren]

Two reasons, mostly.... (1) they are a lot smaller and have smaller clearances for working on them like putting everything back together without pinching the tube (2) I pinched the tube at least a couple/few times, and I also had at least one patch fail on me. Maybe better patches out there?

[@thisorthat7626]

Use slime in the tubes as it will seal leaks up to 1/2 inch. I had a rock puncture the tire on my SUV on a dirt road in Arizona, used slime and never had the puncture "repaired" after that. I also use it on my motorcycles and bicycles.

[@rds99]

Don’t know if you know this. Put a little air in the tube before installing it in the tire, it makes it much harder to pinch while levering on the second side. Don’t try to lever on the tire with no air in the tube, almost guarantees a pinch.

[@Uts9000]

have been a subscriber for a long time and this is one of the best videos to date. Thank You so much for taking the time to share....Good Luck on all the future adventures!

[@oldoldpilgrim7898]

I was typing out a request that you describe your bike when you told us it's a Trail 125.. LOL Thank you!

[@barry55kh]

Nice work Sterling! Love the Stills at the lookout. I would like to see more stills incorporated into your films! Best regards, Barry Mercer Twin Falls

[@SterlingNoren]

Thanks for the suggestion, it’s surprising how many people really like the stills even though that was just a workaround for me. Something to consider?

[@mikemills5144]

I really liked the addition of the stills, was pretty neat. Maybe add some black and whites too, I know it takes away from the colours but they might add to it as well.

[@tombstone2826]

Dude you need a 4x4 vehicle ! Those Honda motorcycles are so dependable ! Looks like fun !

[@mfranquemont1884]

Well done! Always enjoy your videos. More please😃

[@BTimmer]

Very nice video, Sterling. The remoteness reminds me of riding the Magruder Corridor with its 140 miles of remoteness.

[@brucegerken1063]

Great video thank you very well done.

[@twowheeledgator1364]

So here I am laying in the bed watching a video about a motorcycle adventure. And I thought WTH!?! Sorry Sterling, I will have to finish the video after I go ride my motorcycle…. Edit: returned from my own trip and finished the video. Wow!! What an amazing place.

[@Richard-ej4zi]

What a wonderful video! It is on my to do list now. I have a 2024 CT 125. I really like your saddle bags setup. Is it possible you can tell me how to set it up and its components? Thanks again.

[@SterlingNoren]

I think that I put links in the video description, but it is basically a set of tour tech, Zega panniers and a frame, which was ordered from TT Japan off eBay.

[@Richard-ej4zi]

Thank you so much

[@Dondular]

The way I handled the NPS rule was to keep my Big Bend videos un-monetized. YT does not like un-monetized videos so it was the same as taking 5 weeks off from posting. Your way with the still pics is smarter and very well done.

[@SterlingNoren]

Just so you know, I have heard that even a non-monetized channel is breaking the rules. That’s because KZbin can still make a profit off of it. Just my two cents from what I know.

[@Dondular]

@@SterlingNoren Understood and thanks. I am depending on my good faith effort having weight in front of a jury if it comes down to it.

[@billroberts9182]

Enjoyed!

[@obaloluwaasabi5514]

Well done

[@stephenjacques554]

The little bikes are fun to ride and easy to pick up. Another great video Sterling your a lucky man to see and enjoy the beauty. SJ

[@johnlenart597]

I really enjoyed todays video. Having just finished an 11 day trip from Ohio to Iowa and back, I experienced corn and bean desolation. Lol. Being close to Halloween, I've seen many old motos with skeletons 💀 riding them. That would be my fear if I traveled that road. As the candle burns down it's nice to experience such roads safely by video. Thanks for the ride a long. 👍👍

[@wolf1066]

I get vertigo just looking at your still pics of the canyon.

[@flynbike]

Nice on the tiny bike trek - Toroweap is a long, long way out there for sure! NPS closed what would be my vote for the most remote viewpoint - Cape Solitude, above the confluence with the Little Colorado. Super dramatic!

[@SterlingNoren]

Good to know.

[@teamground0229]

Enjoyed the video, subscribed. Minor request - can you put gps points for a couple points on the routes. Then google maps geeks can see where you are talking about. Thanks!

[@markordway9577]

Good one, Sterling! I experienced a bit of vertigo just watching the video! I'm headed up to Flag October 11th for some riding - its been too long and I'm excited and a bit nervous to get back on a bigger bike. Cheers!

[@SterlingNoren]

I should have some Flagstaff and Sedona videos coming up very soon. Have fun ride and be safe out there!

[@davidskaggs9914]

You meet the nicest people on a Honda 😎🍻

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

I love your videography, never a boring moment, never want it to end. Thanks Sterling!