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Williams Ranger District

The Williams Ranger District is on the Coconino Plateau and encircles the City of Williams, Arizona. It is one of three districts within the Kaibab National Forest.

The Williams Ranger District is 550,411 acres in size. It contains headwater tributaries of two main watersheds:  the Verde and Colorado Rivers. It has no perennial streams and only a few reliable springs.

The district is cut east and west by Interstate Highway 40. State Highway 64 to the south rim of the Grand Canyon extends to the north. US Highway 180 from Flagstaff to state Highway 64 passes through the northern edge of the district, providing a second route to the Grand Canyon.

Elevations on the district range from 5,500 feet in the southwest to 10,418 feet on Kendrick Mountain near the northeast boundary. Much of the terrain is relatively level except for numerous small knolls, a few mountains, and the escarpment (Mogollon Rim) that cuts diagonally across the southwest section of the forest. The average elevation is approximately 7,000 feet.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 13 results

Cataract Lake

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
This popular fishing lake is located on the Williams Ranger District about one mile northwest of Williams on Cataract Lake Road. Cataract Lake is open seasonally for day-use only. Overnight camping…

Dogtown Lake Campground

Site Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Dogtown Lake got its name from the extensive prairie dog towns that once covered open areas near the lake. In spite of the name, this medium-sized body of water is actually surrounded by trees.…

Dogtown Lake Picnic Site

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Dogtown Lake got its name from the extensive prairie dog towns that once covered open areas near the lake. In spite of the name, this medium-sized body of water is actually surrounded by trees.…

Elk Ridge Ski Area

Site Closed
A new special use permit for the operation and maintenance of the ski area was issued in 2019. New information will be updated when available.

Historic Route 66 Auto Tour-Williams to Flagstaff

Site Open
Scenic Drives
The Route 66 Auto Tour is part of an ongoing effort to make places of historic interest available for you to enjoy on your national forest, truly a land of many uses. While you're enjoying this ride…

Historic Route 66 Mountain Bike Tour

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Biking
These abandoned sections of America's most famous highway are ideal for sturdy all-terrain bicycles. There are two loop sections, one at the bottom and one at the top of one of the steepest stretches…

JD Dam

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning
JD Dam lies 7 miles from Whitehorse Lake and nearby the Sycamore Point turnoff. Fishing is allowed but there is a strict catch-and-release policy. Facilities are limited to parking, and an outhouse…

Kaibab Lake Campground and Group Areas

Site Closed
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
Kaibab Lake sits among the diverse landscape of Kaibab National Forest of northern Arizona. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking, as well as for RV and motorhome campers. With Grand…

Kendrick Mountain Wilderness

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Kendrick Mountain Wilderness is located on the eastern edge of the Williams Ranger District, straddling a boundary with the Coconino National Forest. Ranging from just over 7,000 feet to 10,418 feet.…

Spring Valley Cabin

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Winter Sports
The Kaibab National Forest is pleased to offer historic Spring Valley Cabin to you through the Arizona Cabin Rental Program. Enjoy spectacular views, cross-country ski trails, and time "away from it…

Last updated April 3rd, 2025