Basics
- Length:
- 42 miles (67 km)
- Time:
- Allow at least 1 hour to drive this Byway.
- Fees:
- There are some fees associated with the National Park, as well as some area use fees.
Description
Travel across the mountain lying down, or "Kaibab" as the Paiute Indians called it. The Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway, a scenic route beginning at Jacob Lake, will take you through the pine, fir, and aspen trees of the Kaibab National Forest and leave you gazing in wonder on the edge of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Of course, the road does end there, so you will need to retrace the Byway back to Jacob Lake, camp out under the stars, or enjoy a delicious meal and stay at Winchester's Kaibab Lodge. Go further north and stop at Jacob Lake, where you can enjoy wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and many other outdoor adventures.
On your way to and from the Grand Canyon, be sure to experience the wonder and recreational opportunities waiting for you in the Kaibab National Forest. The forest abounds with areas that are perfect for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and picnicking. There are also plenty of developed and primitive campsites for your overnight stay. If you are traveling during the winter, be aware that the Byway will be closed to traditional vehicles; however, you can still enjoy this scenic route on snowmobiles or cross-country skis.
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Bright Angel Point (AZ)
Viewable from the North Rim Lodge, Bright Angel Point gives visitors a bird's eye view of the canyon. This overlook is accessible by a paved trail near the lodge. The 1/2 mile walk is especially worthwhile at sunrise or sunset.
Directions
On the North Rim near the North Rim Lodge.
Cape Royal (AZ)
Located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Cape Royal provides spectacular views of Wonton's Throne, Angel's Window and Wallhalla.
Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
One of the most incredible natural environments in the world, the Grand Canyon stands the test of time as a wonder of the world.
Directions
The southern end of the Byway is contained in the Grand Canyon National Park.
Jacob Lake (AZ)
This small village offers a bit of history and the small pond was named after a Mormon missionary and explorer. Jacob Lake Inn provides dining, lodging, gasoline, gift shop, and miscellaneous supplies year-round.
Kaibab Lodge (AZ)
The Lodge is in the Kaibab National Forest just five miles before reaching the Grand Canyon park entrance. Lodging, meals, and gift shop available.
Directions
In the Kaibab National Forest, one mile south of the Demotte Park Overlook and five miles to the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.
Kaibab National Forest (AZ)
The Kaibab Plateau sits between Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Pipe Spring National Monument, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The Kaibab Plateau and surrounding areas provide a wide diversity of wildlife and spectacular views. This area provides aesthetic value and other rewards for the photographer, bird watcher, hiker, camper, traveler and hunter.
Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center (AZ)
The center offers exhibits explaining the natural and cultural resources on the Kaibab Plateau; geology, wildlife, archaeology and history, and recreation. Information on recreation opportunities within the Forest and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are shared by staff. Learn about the natural and cultural wonders of the Kaibab Plateauhere and ask about interpretive programs at the campgrounds and historic Jacob Lake Ranger Cabin.
Directions
Located at the junction of Hwy 67 and State Hwy 89A in Arizona.
North Rim (AZ)
A scenic overlook of the Grand Canyon
North Rim Lodge (AZ)
The beautiful limestone rockwork of the lodge seems to blend itsmassive form into its natural surroundings, the canyon adding toits mass as it stands as a reclusive castle in the National Park. Acertain mystique developed around the North Rim Lodge during itscreation that still exists today, one of inaccessability. Duringthe winter, the north rim is often closed due to the heavy snowstorms that block the winding roads leading to the grand lodge.
The less-crowded North Rim Lodge is sister to the heavily touredGrand Canyon Lodge on the south rim. The main lodge sits directlyon the north rim next to Bright Angel Point. The lodge offers anencompassing view of the canyon and Bright Angel Point. Largepicture windows from the lounge face the south and west, givingvisitors a dazzling color show in the evening as the sun dancesacross the red canyon cliffs.
Directions
44 miles south on Hwy 67 from Kaibab Lodge.
Pipe Spring National Monument (AZ)
Located on the Arizona Strip (the northern part of Arizonaseparated from the rest of the state by the Grand Canyon), thewater of Pipe Spring has allowed for a concentration of plant andanimal life in this dry, desert region. Humans have taken advantageof this water for at least 1,000 years. Ancestral Puebloans(Anasazi) cultivated crops near the springs. Paiute Indiansgathered seed from abundant grasses, hunted animals whichfrequented the springs, and raised crops in the area.
In 1872, Mormon pioneers built a fort over the main spring andestablished a cattle ranching operation. Pipe Spring was set asideas a National Monument on May 31, 1932. This area commemorateswestern pioneer settlement and is representative of AmericanIndian/pioneer interactions on the western frontier. The historicstructures are open for tours as are the recreated orchards andgarden. During the summer months, when staffing levels allow,demonstrations and ranger talks occur at various times throughoutthe day. There is also a beautiful, half-mile loop trail whichswitchbacks up the cliffs behind the structures and offers awonderful view of the Arizona Strip.
Directions
Near Fredonia on the Kaibab Indian Reservation.
