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Kaibab National Forest: Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Explore the vast landscapes and outdoor adventures surrounding the Grand Canyon in Kaibab National Forest.

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Encompassing 1.6 million acres, the Kaibab National Forest surrounds both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. It's a diverse landscape of ponderosa pine forests, prairies, and canyonlands, offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

A brief summary to Kaibab National Forest

Local tips

  • Check the Kaibab National Forest website for current conditions, fire restrictions, and alerts before you go.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially when hiking, as the climate can be dry and the elevation high.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during monsoon season (July-August) when thunderstorms can develop quickly.
  • Purchase a day-use pass if you plan to use the amenities at the concession-run recreation sites.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Flagstaff, take Highway 180 north towards the Grand Canyon. This scenic drive winds through the Kaibab National Forest. Continue onto Highway 64 to reach the South Rim entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. Note that a vehicle permit to enter the park is $35. Alternatively, for the North Rim, take Highway 89A north to Jacob Lake, then Highway 67 south into the park (open seasonally, mid-May to mid-October). Expect to pay the park entrance fee upon arrival.

  • Public Transport

    From Flagstaff, Groome Transportation (formerly Arizona Shuttle) offers bus services to the Grand Canyon. These buses will drop you off at the South Rim. From there, utilize the free shuttle system within the park to access various viewpoints and trailheads. A one-way bus ticket from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon South Rim costs approximately $40. Once inside the park, the shuttle service is free.

Unlock the Best of Kaibab National Forest

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Discover more about Kaibab National Forest

The Kaibab National Forest, named from a Paiute term meaning 'mountain lying down,' serves as a stunning gateway to the Grand Canyon. Divided into three districts—North Kaibab, Tusayan, and Williams—the forest's 1.6 million acres showcase the beauty of northern Arizona. Elevations range dramatically from 3,000 to over 10,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems. Ponderosa pine forests dominate the landscape, interspersed with grasslands, juniper woodlands, and pockets of aspen and spruce at higher elevations. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, and is the only National Forest designated as a Game Preserve. Kaibab National Forest has a rich history, with evidence of human presence dating back thousands of years. The Cohonina people inhabited the area from 700 to 1100 AD, leaving behind remnants of their settlements. In more recent history, the forest was initially protected as the Grand Cañon Forest Reserve in 1893. Over time, portions of the reserve were designated as Grand Canyon National Park, while the remaining lands became the Kaibab National Forest. Today, the forest offers a wide array of recreational activities. Hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the diverse terrain, offering stunning views and opportunities for exploration. Camping is popular, with both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping options available. The Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway, a National Scenic Byway, provides a breathtaking drive through the forest, leading to the Grand Canyon's North Rim.

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