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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.
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.
Note: A short list of campgrounds, cabins, overlooks, etc... is briefly listed below in the "Conditions Report", however, for a full list of trails on the forest please either search by using "Select an Activity" or "Find An Area" that is listed by district under Recreation Areas.
Recreation Conditions Report
| Area Name | Status | Area Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Trail #101 ~ North Kaibab | Open | For public safety, a 3.5 mile portion of the AZ Trail (North Kaibab) is currently closed due to the impact of the Mangum Fire. For details on where that section is located along with a map please go to www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices/?aid=62762. |
| Arizona Trail #101 ~ Tusayan | Open | |
| Big Springs Cabins | Closed | 2022: Closed to public use until further notice. |
| Cataract Lake | Open | The entrance gate is open to motorized traffic daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Foot travel into the site is not restricted. No overnight camping available. This is a day-use only recreation site. |
| DeMotte Campground | Open | Generally open mid-May to mid-October for overnight camping, depending on weather. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. |
| Dogtown Lake Campground | Open | Generally open May through September for overnight camping, depending on weather. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Day use is available year round, but when the overnight camping season is over the entry gates are closed. Thus, if it is "off season" for reservations, visitors may park outside of the gates and walk in and fish or picnic. Note: it could be up to 1/4 mile from the gate to the lake. The water system is currently turned off and unavailable. A temporary filling station has been brought in, but supplies are limited. Please plan to bring your own water. |
| Dogtown Lake Picnic Site | Open | Day use is available year round, but when the overnight camping season is over the entry gates are closed. Thus, if it is "off season" for reservations, visitors may park outside of the gates and walk in and fish or picnic. Note: it could be up to 1/4 mile from the gate to the lake. The water system is currently turned off and unavailable. A temporary filling station has been brought in, but supplies are limited. Please plan to bring your own water. |
| Hull Cabin | Open | Generally open May to September. Available every day except Wednesdays. For reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. |
| Indian Hollow Campground | Open | |
| JD Dam | Open | |
| Jacob Lake Campground | Open | Generally open May through September for overnight camping, depending on weather. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. |
| Jacob Lake Group Campground & Picnic Site | Open | Generally open May through September for overnight camping, depending on weather. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. |
| Jumpup Cabin | Open | Generally open end of May through October. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. |
| Kaibab Lake Campground and Group Areas | Open | Generally open May through September for overnight camping, depending on weather. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Day use is available year round, but when the overnight camping with the reservation system is over some of the gates are closed. However, with Kaibab Lake a visitor can easily park close to the main portion of the lake and fish or picnic. |
| Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center - North Kaibab | Open | Open Fridays from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. (starting May 20) and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Keyhole Sink Trail #114 | Open | |
| Le Fevre Overlook | Open | |
| Spring Valley Cabin | Open | |
| Stone to Steel Dam Trail | Open | |
| Ten-X Campground | Open | This campground is currently being renovated and expanded. Most construction activities are taking place well away from occupied sites and only during the day. Due to renovation activities, potable water will be available but limited. We ask that you help us conserve water by bringing extra drinking water with you. Generally open May through September for overnight camping, depending on weather. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Day use is available year round, but when the overnight camping season is over the entry gate is closed. Thus, if it is "off season" for reservations, visitors may park outside of the gate at Highway 64 and walk in to access the nature trail, however, there is no water like a lake in this area. |
| White Horse Lake Campground | Open | Generally open May through September for overnight camping, depending on weather. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Day use is available year round, but when the overnight camping season is over the entry gates are closed. Thus, if it is "off season" for reservations, visitors may park outside of the gates and walk in and fish or picnic. Note: it could be up to 1/4 mile from the gate to the lake. The water system is currently turned off and unavailable. A temporary filling station has been brought in, but supplies are limited. Please plan to bring your own water. |
| Williams & Forest Service Visitor Center | Open | Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Open 7 days a week except for Easter Sunday, 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. For more information call 928-635-4061. |
