Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway
State: Arizona
Length: 42 miles / 67.2 km
Time to Allow: Allow at least 1 hour.
Take the 42 mile Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway through dense ponderosa pine forests and meadows around the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The north rim sits up 1,000 feet above the south rim and offers an abundance of wildlife along with views of the mountain. As the byway sits near the Grand Canyon, it’s just below Utah and a short drive from Las Vegas as well. To the east sits the Hopi Reservation and to the left is the Hualapai Indian Reservation. North next to the border is the Kaibab Indian Reservation and the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, making for several day trips veering off from the byway.
The byway starts in the north part of the Kaibab National Forest, a hot spot for nature and camping. In the area, you can find canyons, prairies, peaks, plateaus, and much more. Find several trails and campgrounds or cabins. The Spring Valley Cabin Bunkhouse offers enough room for 14 people. Take an RV to the Demotte Campground or try one of the many other options as there are so very many options. Keep in mind parts of the byway close during the winter, so plan accordingly and avoid planning trips between November and May.
Jacob Lake offers access to some water, and it’s the start of the byway. With its own byway, the area makes a great starting point with two loops of camping in either tents or RVs. For more sophisticated lodging, check out the Jacob Lake in with cozy cabins, motel rooms, and rustic cabins. The Inn also offers an old country store with general amenities and groceries. Dine in the Inn, too, with a couple of uniquely decorated restaurants and a great place to get ice cream or shake.
Check out a few fun stops in the forest, including the Ceballos Trailhead or the Jacob Lake Lookout Tower. The Kabab Lodge also helps you to explore the Grand Canyon National Park properly. Rent a cabin or shop at the lodge, then grab a meal before taking a shuttle to your favorite location. Nearby you can visit the North Rim and Bryce Canyon for incredible landmarks unlike any others in the world. This area has the largest concentration of Hoodoo formations. It’s also home to many outdoor activities around red rocks with options for hiking, biking, and camping.
The Saddle Mountain Wilderness sits to the right, with the Colorado River running through for even more impressive landscape. On the other side check out the Kaibab Plateau to enjoy some outdoor learning. End your trip in North Rim at the Grand Canyon Lodge near the Roosevelt Point Overlook. Take a mule ride through the canyon while enjoying the incredible views and explore everything the canyon has to offer.
Stop at the North Rim Visitor Center for park information and maps. Try some hiking on a variety of trails or take a tour with lectures and activities along the way for adults and kids. Spend a week or more at the Grand Canyon exploring the entire park and taking full advantage of the epic scenery.
More Arizona Byways
You can check out additional Byways in Arizona by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Arizona Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.