National park · United States
Kaibab Plateau
Base at Jacob Lake on AZ-67 and drive 45 mi south to the North Rim before 9:00 in May–Oct; the plateau itself is free national forest, and the North Rim's US$35-per-vehicle entry is the only fee you pay.Base at Jacob Lake on AZ-67 and drive 45 mi south to the North Rim before 9:00 AM in May–Oct; the plateau itself is free national forest, and the North Rim's US$35-per-vehicle entry is the only fee you pay.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
6,200 km² (2,394 sq mi)2,394 sq mi (6,200 km²)
approximate
Established
1906
Best months
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 16Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Southwest ↗Most national parks here charge an entrance fee per vehicle; the nationwide annual pass pays off at three or more parks — check current prices.
- Southwest ↗Alcohol is banned on the Navajo Nation and in many pueblos; some Utah restaurants do not serve alcohol or coffee.
- Arizona ↗Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time (UTC−7) year-round and does not observe daylight saving; the Navajo Nation does.
- Arizona ↗The 22 reservations are sovereign; each sets its own visitor rules. Ask before photographing people, dances or ceremonies.
- Arizona ↗Front-seat belts are required by law; children under five must be in a proper restraint.
- Northern Arizona ↗A car is effectively required; distances run 60–200 km between sights and public transport between them is thin.
- Northern Arizona ↗Alcohol is prohibited on Navajo Nation land, including the roads and towns inside it.
- Northern Arizona ↗Flagstaff sits near 2,100 m; expect cooler nights and slower first-day hiking.
- Northern Arizona ↗Carry water; on the Mojave stretch west of Kingman, fuel and water stops can be 50 km apart.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 6,200 km² (2,394 sq mi)2,394 sq mi (6,200 km²)
- Rough figure for the North Kaibab Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest, which covers most of the plateau; boundaries and acreage figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1906
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
The Kaibab Plateau is a high island of ponderosa pine and aspen above the Arizona Strip, ringed by the Grand Canyon on the south and by side canyons of the Colorado on the east and west. Most of it is Kaibab National Forest — free to enter, open year-round, with dispersed camping and forest roads. The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park sits at the plateau's southern edge, about 45 mi from Jacob Lake on AZ-67, and is the paid, seasonal part. Come for the cool air, the North Rim overlooks and the forest roads; the plateau is not a single gated attraction.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1906.
Size and age
6,200 km² (2,394 sq mi)2,394 sq mi (6,200 km²) · national park since 1906
Rough figure for the North Kaibab Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest, which covers most of the plateau; boundaries and acreage figures vary by source (check).
Why go
- Cool pine forest at 2,400–2,800 m (8,000–9,200 ft) when the desert below is over 38°C (100°F).Cool pine forest at 8,000–9,200 ft (2,400–2,800 m) when the desert below is over 100°F (38°C).
- The North Rim overlooks, 45 mi south on AZ-67, with a fraction of the South Rim crowds.
- Free forest roads and dispersed camping across Kaibab National Forest.
- Jacob Lake is a genuine crossroads stop: cabins, a campground and a diner at the AZ-67/US-89A junction.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanAZ-67 closed by snow; forest roads unplowed
- FebDeep snow; North Rim closed
- MarSnow lingers; check AZ-67 status
- AprMud season; some roads soft
- MayNorth Rim opens mid-May; cool and clear
- JunDry, mild; fire restrictions possible
- JulMonsoon storms most afternoons
- AugWettest month; lightning risk
- SepStable weather; aspen starting
- OctAspen colour; North Rim closes mid-Oct
- NovNorth Rim closed; snow possible
- DecAZ-67 closed; winter access only from the east
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule deer and Kaibab squirrels in the forestMay–Oct · The Kaibab squirrel is found only on this plateau. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Aspen colourSep–Oct | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Monsoon thunderstormsJul–Sep · Afternoon lightning on exposed rims. | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Snow and closed roadsNov–Apr · AZ-67 south of Jacob Lake typically closes in winter. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Fredonia / Kanab, Utah
US-89A southeast to Jacob Lake, then AZ-67 south.
45 min from Fredonia; 1.5 h from Kanab
Open the page →
From Page / Lees Ferry
US-89A west and north up the plateau to Jacob Lake.
1.5–2 h
From Grand Canyon South Rim
Drive around via Cameron and Marble Canyon, or walk rim-to-rim with a permit.
4–5 h by road
From St George, Utah
I-15 to Hurricane, then AZ-389/US-89A via Fredonia.
2.5–3 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob Lake crossroads | AZ-67/US-89A junction with the visitor centre, inn, campground and camper village. | Open year-round; AZ-67 south may close in winter. |
| North Kaibab forest | Ponderosa and aspen, meadows, forest roads and dispersed campsites. | Free; some roads unplowed in winter. |
| North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park | Overlooks, lodge, campground and trailheads at the plateau's south edge. | Paid entry; open roughly mid-May to mid-October. |
| Kanab Creek and House Rock Valley edges | Side canyons and lower benches on the plateau's west and east flanks. | Rough roads; check conditions locally. |
Sketch map
- 1Jacob Lake junction · Town≈36.713, -112.217Map ↗
- 2Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center · Headquarters≈36.713, -112.217At the AZ-67/US-89A corner; approximate.Map ↗
- 3North Rim entrance station · Gate≈36.740, -112.130On AZ-67; approximate.Map ↗
- 4Bright Angel Point · Viewpoint≈36.199, -112.051Map ↗
- 5Point Imperial · Viewpoint≈36.278, -111.978Map ↗
- 6Cape Royal · Viewpoint≈36.119, -111.947Map ↗
- 7North Rim campground · Sleep≈36.210, -112.061Map ↗
Take the points offline
7 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions from Jacob Lake south to the North Rim, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaibab National Forest (plateau, forest roads, dispersed camping) | Free | vehicle | No general entry fee; some developed sites charge separately. |
| Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim (private vehicle) | US$35 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; valid 7 days, covers both rims. |
| Grand Canyon National Park, per person on foot or bike | US$20 | person | 2026 estimate; valid 7 days. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | pass | 2026 estimate; covers Grand Canyon and other federal fee areas. |
| Jacob Lake Campground (Kaibab National Forest) | US$20–30 | night | 2026 estimate; check season dates and reservation rules. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
North Rim entry permit or guide
Overnight backcountry in Grand Canyon National Park permit or guide
Dispersed camping on Kaibab National Forest no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$35
- US$20
- US$80
- US$20–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on National Park Service — Grand Canyon fees and passes before you go.
Park rules
- North Rim season
- The rim road and services open roughly mid-May to mid-October; outside that, access is by foot, ski or snowshoe from the Jacob Lake side (check exact dates).check
- Fire restrictions
- Stage 1 or 2 restrictions are common in June; campfires and charcoal may be banned on forest land.
- Dispersed camping
- Allowed on most Kaibab National Forest land away from water and developed sites; no camping inside Grand Canyon National Park without a permit.
- Drones
- Not allowed in Grand Canyon National Park; check forest rules before flying anywhere on the plateau.
- Water
- Treat or carry all water; there is little reliable surface water on the plateau.
Where to stay
Near the park
Jacob Lake Inn
Cabins and rooms at the AZ-67/US-89A junction, the main base for the plateau.
Near the park
Jacob Lake Campground
Forest Service campground at Jacob Lake; seasonal.
Near the park
Kaibab Camper Village
Private RV and tent sites just off the junction.
In the park
North Rim campground and lodge
Inside Grand Canyon National Park at the rim; seasonal, books out early.
In the park
Dispersed forest sites
Free camping on North Kaibab forest roads; no services.
Safety
Altitude medium
Afternoon lightning high
Winter road closures high
Remote forest roads medium
Wildlife on the road medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Bright Angel Point and the North Rim lodge area have paved, mostly level paths; the final section is narrow.
- Cape Royal and Point Imperial are reached by car with short walks from the car parks.
- Forest roads and the long trails are not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on established campsites and roads; meadow soils scar for years.
- Pack out all rubbish — there is little bin service away from Jacob Lake and the North Rim.
- Follow fire restrictions; most plateau wildfires start with campfires.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Kaibab Plateau?
Nothing for the plateau itself: most of it is Kaibab National Forest, with no general entry fee. The paid part is Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim at the south end of AZ-67, about US$35 per private vehicle (2026 estimate) for 7 days, or US$20 per person on foot or bike. An America the Beautiful annual pass at about US$80 covers it.
What are the best hikes in Kaibab Plateau?
For short walks, Bright Angel Point (30–45 min) and the Transept Trail (1.5–2 h) from the North Rim lodge area. For a half day, drive the Cape Royal road and walk to Angels Window. For something longer, the Ken Patrick Trail runs about 10 mi through forest between Point Imperial and the lodge area, and the Arizona Trail crosses the whole plateau with no reliable water.
When is the best time to visit Kaibab Plateau?
Late May to mid-October, when AZ-67 and the North Rim are open. May, June, September and October are the most reliable for dry weather and clear views; July and August bring afternoon monsoon storms. From about November to April the rim road is normally closed by snow and the North Rim has no services.
Do I need a permit for the Kaibab Plateau?
No permit for Kaibab National Forest, including dispersed camping, though fire restrictions apply. You need a Grand Canyon backcountry permit to sleep below the rim, and rim-to-rim hikes need planning and a shuttle.
Can I camp for free on the Kaibab Plateau?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed on most North Kaibab forest land away from water and developed sites, with no fee and no services. Developed campgrounds at Jacob Lake and the North Rim charge and may need reservations.
How do I get to the Kaibab Plateau?
Drive. From the north, US-89A runs southeast from Fredonia and Kanab, Utah to Jacob Lake. From the east, US-89A climbs the plateau from Bitter Springs and Lees Ferry. From Jacob Lake, AZ-67 runs about 45 mi south to the North Rim.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialUS Forest Service — Kaibab National Forest, North Kaibab Ranger District
- officialUS Forest Service — Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center
- officialNational Park Service — Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim
- officialNational Park Service — Grand Canyon fees and passes
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kaibab Plateau, revision 4511285 (CC BY-SA 4.0)