Kaibab National Forest

Kaibab (say kye-bob) National Forest covers a million and a half acres of fir pine, spruce and aspen forest outside the Grand Canyon National Park boundaries. It encompasses both the south and the north rims of the Grand Canyon and features two visitors centers. The Visitors Center nearest the North Rim of the Grand Canyon can be found at the intersection of routes 89A and 67 in teh town of Jacob Lake. There are recreational facilities near the North Rim, picnic areas, restrooms, and campgrounds. It also encompasses the town of Williams. The other Visitors Center is located in Williams, and is nearer the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Camping in Kaibab National Forest

If you are camping, you can make reservations for developed and undeveloped campsites within the forest. You can camp almost anywhere in Kaibab National Forest, but stay at least a quarter mile from the highway. If you are driving on Arizona Route 64 or U.S. 180, you'll see dirt roads branching off from the highway. These are pathways that lead to good camping spots, although they are not officially designated. It's basically overflow for car campers who didn't get a spot in the campgrounds. Backpackers will have no problem finding a quiet spot by hiking deeper into the woods just a bit. No need to camp so close to the road if you're backpacking. You can get lots of useful information about Kaibab National Forest by writing to the Tusayan Ranger District, which manages Kaibab National Forest.

Sights in Kaibab National Forest

Sycamore Canyon

Sycamore Canyon is within a drive from the major Grand Canyon area, and is located within Kaibab National Forest. It's in the Verde Valley and Jerome area, and one of the best sights to see in this area. It's near Oak Creek Canyon, so you may pass near the area on your way to the Grand Canyon. The National Forest has designated Sycamore Canyon as a Wilderness Area , which gives it special protection from human interaction. There are no motorized vehicles allowed, and no camping in the lower part. There are some trails, which you can find out about at the Sedona Rangers Station. The Parsons Trail is about four miles long and takes you through the bottom of the canyon, past cliffs and through lush woodsy areas.

Kendrick Mountain

Kendrick Mountain is one of Arizona's highest peaks, and the Forest Service has designated the area surrounding this 10,000+ foot hight peak as the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness. It falls within the Williams Ranger District, and to get there you do pass through the town of Williams. Just take I-40 and get off on the Parks exit. Go north then turn onto 141, then 194, then 171 to Kendrick Mountain. The last mile can be difficult for a vehicle to traverse in wet conditions since it's not paved. The area is alpine landscape, with ponderosa pine and Gambel Oak at the base, then as you go up the mountain, alpine spruce and fir. There is lots of old growth which provides very important habitat for wildlife, including the Mexican spotted owl, bear, and Northern goshawk. Mule deer and elk graze on meadows filled with wildflowers, and make super places to take pictures or have lunch.

Kanab Creek

Kanab Creek Wilderness is part of the North Kaibab Ranger District, and covers over 68,000 acres. Kanab Creek is a major tributary of the Colorado River, and is a very remote area, with harsh conditions for humans in summertime. Temperatures get well over 100 degrees, up to 120 degrees farenheit. Since it's been designated a wilderness area, no motorized vehicles or machines of any type are allowed in. During summer, water sources dry up, so between that and the high temperatures, and the fact that the few existing trails are poorly marked and rarely maintainted, just don't go here in summer! In wintertime, upper parts of the area will see traffic from Kaibab mule deer. Over the years, the Creek and its tributaries have hollowed out a series of steep and deep gorges down in the Kanab Plateau and the Kaibab Plateau.