Kaibab National Forest Guide: Hiking and Backpacking
Kaibab National Forest Highlights
- Although often overlooked by visitors to the Grand Canyon, the Kaibab National Forest also offers hiking trails and spectacular viewpoints on both the South and North Rims. An advantage is that you don't need a backcountry permit to camp on forest lands.
- The 40,610-acre Saddle Mountain Wilderness includes part of the eastern Kaibab Plateau and the sheer cliffs and narrow canyons that drop to House Rock Valley. Unpaved roads lead to trailheads in each of these areas for a variety of hikes.
- East Rim and North Canyon Trails drop into Saddle Mountain Wilderness and form a loop of about six miles. From De Motte Park on AZ 67, turn east 4.2 miles on Forest Road 611 to East Rim Viewpoint and trailheads.
- Kanab Creek Wilderness protects 77,100 acres along the Kanab and its tributaries; it's the largest canyon system on the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Rugged trails descend to the bottom from the western Kaibab Plateau.
- Three trails go to the summit of 9,256-foot Bill Williams Mountain, an old volcano just southwest of Williams. With a car shuttle, you can go up one and down another.
- Nearly the entire forest, including the wilderness areas, is open to dispersed camping. No fees or permits are needed. Water may be available at springs below the rim of the Grand Canyon, but rarely on the plateaus.
By Travel Expert:
Bill Weir
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