Kaibab National Forest
 

Recreation

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.

Four designated wildernesses 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.

Over 300 miles of trails, some clinging to the rims of the Grand Canyon, allow you to step off the beaten path into uncrowded landscapes. See the North Kaibab Ranger Trails, Tusayan District Trails and Williams District Trails for more information.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Recreation Conditions Report

 Area Name Status Area Conditions
Big Springs Cabins Open to Visitor Generally open May 1 to Nov. 30, depending on weather. For reservations contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777​.
Cataract Lake Open to Visitor The entrance gate will open daily at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. to motorized traffic during April 30 - Sept. 30. Foot travel into the site will not be restricted. No overnight camping available.
DeMotte Campground Open to Visitor Generally open May 15 to Oct. 15 for overnight camping, depending on weather. For reservations contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Dogtown Lake Campground Open to Visitor Generally open April 27 through Sept. 30 for overnight camping, depending on weather. At other times, open for day use only. For campground & group site reservations contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Dogtown Lake Picnic Site Open to Visitor Generally open April 27 through Sept. 30 for overnight camping, depending on weather. At other times, open for day use only.
Hull Cabin Open to Visitor Generally open May 1 through Sept. 30, depending on weather. For reservations contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777​.
Indian Hollow Campground Open to Visitor Open year-round. Indian Hollow is a dispersed camping area with designated fire rings, not a traditional campground.
Jacob Lake Campground Open to Visitor Generally open May 15 to Oct. 15 for overnight camping, depending on weather. For reservations contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Jacob Lake Group Campground & Picnic Site Open to Visitor Generally open May 15 to Oct. 15 for overnight camping, depending on weather. For group campground sites contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Jumpup Cabin Open to Visitor Generally open May 1 to Nov. 30, depending on weather. For reservations contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Kaibab Lake Campground and Group Areas Open to Visitor Generally open April 27 through Sept. 30 for overnight camping, depending on weather. At other times, open for day use only. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center Open to Visitor Generally open May 15 to Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call the visitor center at (928) 643-7298 or (928) 643-7395.
Spring Valley Cabin Open to Visitor Generally open year-round. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Ten-X Campground Open to Visitor Generally open May 18 through Sept. 30 for overnight camping, depending on weather. For reservations contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777​.
White Horse Lake Campground Open to Visitor Generally open April 27 through Sept. 30 for overnight camping, depending on weather. For reservations contact Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777​.
Williams & Forest Service Visitor Center Open to Visitor Open year-round. Generally open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., 7 days per week, during the summer months. During other times of the year, generally open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days per week.