North Canyon Trail #4
North Canyon is a Wilderness trail. This 7 mile trail is the entrance to the northern part of the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. Beginning from FR 611, the trail descends through mixed conifer and oak thickets into North Canyon. The trail leads back and forth across a small stream as it follows the canyon down to the lower trailhead at FR 631.
There is a perennial stream in the upper reaches of the canyon with protected, native trout inhabiting some of the larger pools. Birds, flowers and plants exist here that are seen nowhere else on the Kaibab Plateau.
While horses are allowed, visitors should be aware that sections of the trail are steep and narrow. Horse riders should use caution and exercise judgment while traveling. In general, North Canyon Trail is rideable from the eastern trailhead up the canyon. However, the trail up and out of North Canyon to the rim (East Rim Viewpoint area) is quite steep and has very narrow switchbacks.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
None.
None. Bring everything that you will need.
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
West - Forest Road 611
East - Forest Road 631
Directions
From Jacob Lake to west trailhead (approximately 29 miles):
- Follow US Highway 67 south from Jacob Lake for approximately 26.3 miles (0.6 miles beyond DeMotte Campground),
- Turn left onto Forest Road 611 and follow for 2.6 miles (trailhead on right side of road)
- OR
- Continue on Forest Road 611 to East Rim Trail #7 access point - hike 1.6 mile East Rim Trail to North Canyon Trail junction.
From Jacob Lake to east trailhead (approximately 40.3 miles):
- Follow US Highway 89A east from Jacob Lake for approximately 19.5 miles,
- Turn right onto Forest Road 8910 towards House Rock Wildlife Area and follow for approximately 17.2 miles,
- Turn right onto Forest Road 631 and follow for approximately 3.5 miles to trailhead.
Recreation Groups
The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles across the entire length of the state connecting deserts, mountains, forests, canyons, wilderness, history, communities and people.