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Recreation

Trails webpages and information will not be available until May 2025. Thank you for your patience while we work through getting the most updated, accurate information for you during this time.

From canyons to prairies, peaks to plateaus, the Kaibab National Forest, which is nestled on the Colorado Plateau, offers layers of opportunity for discovery. The Mogollon Rim forms the southern boundary while extending to the north almost to the Utah border. Meanwhile, the majestic Grand Canyon National Park bisects the center of the forest.

Elevations range from about 3,000 feet to 10,418 feet at the top of Kendrick Mountain. Beginning in low elevation grasslands and sagebrush, the forest steps up through forests of pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine to fir, spruce and aspen. Summer temperatures range from 50° F at night to 80-90° F during the day. Summer thunderstorms, known as the monsoon, can build up quickly, especially during July and August. Snow is common from December through March.

In all, the entire Kaibab National Forest is approximately 1.6 million acres. This includes four designated wilderness areas totaling about 114,845 acres that are managed for challenge and solitude. The Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Scenic Byway winds through meadows and forest ending at Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim. Opportunities for recreation including developed facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas and viewpoints are plentiful.

Not all trail information may be present below - click here for a comprehensive list of Kaibab NF trails 

Showing: 1 - 10 of 34 results

Big Springs Cabins

Site Closed
The Big Springs cabin site is located approximately 30 miles from Fredonia, Ariz., on Forest Service Road 22, about an hour drive from the north rim of the Grand Canyon.The cabins are about a…

Buck Farm Viewpoint

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
This scenic drive takes you off the east rim into House Rock Valley. As the Kaibab Plateau spreads out to the west, rolling pinyon and juniper woodlands cross the buffalo range. The overlook offers a…

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…

Crazy Jug Viewpoint #142

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Great views of Crazy Jug Canyon, Tapeats Amphitheater, Steamboat Mountain and Great Thumb Mesa.Forest Road 425 is a sparsely traveled, primitive road through a valley of oak, aspen and ponderosa…

DeMotte Campground

Site Closed
DeMotte Campground is located within the North Kaibab Ranger District just 7 miles north of the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim. This is about 25 miles south of the Kaibab…

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.…

East Rim Viewpoint

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
The East Rim Viewpoint overlooks North Canyon and the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. It offers a majestic, panoramic view of the Saddle Mountain Wilderness as well as portions of House Rock Valley,…

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.

Grandview Lookout Tower

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
This steel lookout tower and two-room cabin were built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Lookout towers represent the U.S. Forest Service's long-standing commitment to fire detection and…