Spanning 1.6 million acres across north-central Arizona, Kaibab National Forest holds a distinction few forests can claim: it borders both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. Established in 1909, this vast wilderness wraps around one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, offering a quieter alternative to the crowds at the national park while providing equally dramatic high-country scenery.
The forest divides into three distinct ranger districts—North Kaibab near Fredonia, Tusayan at the Grand Canyon, and Williams—each with its own character. Ponderosa pine forests give way to mixed conifer stands at higher elevations, while meadows and aspen groves punctuate the landscape. Wildlife thrives here, including the rare Kaibab squirrel, found only on the North Rim plateau.
Eleven developed campgrounds serve as base camps for exploration. White Horse Lake Campground draws anglers to its stocked waters, while Hull Cabin and Spring Valley Cabin offer rustic overnight stays. Demotte Campground positions visitors near the North Rim’s solitude, and Tusayan campgrounds provide convenient Grand Canyon access.
Hiking trails thread through the forest, and fishing lakes dot the Williams District. Summer and early fall deliver ideal conditions, with temperatures cooler than the desert below. Winter brings snow to higher elevations, closing some roads but opening cross-country skiing opportunities.
Williams, Arizona—the nearest city—sits along historic Route 66, making Kaibab an easy addition to Southwest road trips. Forest roads provide multiple entry points, though high-clearance vehicles serve best on backcountry routes.
Explore Nearby
- Kaibab Plateau–North Rim Parkway — Scenic Byway in Arizona
- Grand Canyon National Park Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Arizona
- Wupatki National Monument — Dark Sky Site in Arizona
- the Table Top Wilderness within the Sonoran Desert National Monument — Public Land in Arizona
- Riordan Mansion State Historic Park — State Park in Arizona
