Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway

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Quick Facts

Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway

Arizona

(520) 643-7395

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Travel through the Kaibab Plateau's meadows and forests of dense ponderosa pine and mixed conifer to the brink of the spectacular north rim of the Grand Canyon, 1,000 feet higher than the south rim. Watch for the abundant wildlife and experience breathtaking views of the canyon.

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, where you can enjoy wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and many other outdoor adventures.

Map of Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway

Latitude, Longitude: 36.686248, -112.219162

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Activities

  • Bicycling

    Cycle the smooth surface of the Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway through fir, pine, and aspen forests and meadows graced with wildflowers to the discover the awesome majesty of the Grand Canyon. No matter how experienced a cyclist you are, it will be an adventure you'll never forget.

  • Auto/Motorcycle

    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.

  • Camping

    Camping is available in the North Kaibab Ranger District in Kaibab National Forest.

  • Historic Sites

    A visitor center is located at each end of the Byway, and a visitor center at Jacob Lake (at the intersection of highways US 89A and AZ 67) is open from May 1 to October 15. You can get information, books, and maps here.

Seasonality/Weather

The cooler weather in the fall provides a wide variety of color in vegetation, just before winter snows closes the passes. Summer temperatures (May - October) on the South Rim are relatively pleasant. Inner canyon temperatures are extreme, however. Daytime highs at the river often exceed 100 F/38 C. North Rim summer temperatures are cooler than the South Rim.

Winter conditions at the South Rim can be extreme. Expect snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road closures. In such cases entrance fees are not refundable. The North Rim is closed during the winter. Spring and fall weather is extremely unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at those times of year.

Directions

Driving

From Flagstaff: take US Highway 89 north to the Marble Canyon and Echo Canyon area where the road splits into US 89 and US 89A. Travel west on US 89A to Jacob Lake where the byway starts.

From Phoenix: Take I-17 (Black Canyon Highway) north to Flagstaff. In Flagstaff, turn east on I-40 for 3 miles, then turn north on US 89. Take US Highway 89 north to the Marble Canyon and Echo Canyon area where the road splits into US 89 and US 89A. Travel west on US 89A to Jacob Lake where the byway starts.

To avoid long lines at the Grand Canyon entrance gate, enter the park before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. to avoid the park's busiest time

Flying

Closest airports are Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(520) 643-7395

Links