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Arizona Trail on Kaibab Plateau

Kaibab National Forest, Arizona · 4 min read

Distance
12 mi
Elevation Gain
1,400 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Section of the 800-mile Arizona Trail long-distance system
  • Full Kaibab Plateau traverse from the Utah border approach to Grand Canyon country
  • Diverse forest types including ponderosa pine and mixed conifer
  • Connection to Arizona Trail through-hike routes

Overview

The Kaibab Plateau section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail is considered one of the finest stretches of the 800-mile statewide trail system. It traverses the forested plateau from its northern edge near the Utah border through the heart of the North Kaibab ponderosa pine forest, ending near Jacob Lake at the junction with AZ-67. The 12-mile point-to-point covers the full character of the plateau: open meadows, dense old-growth ponderosa, mixed conifer transition zones, and the high-ridge terrain that defines the Kaibab National Forest.

Point-to-point logistics require advance planning. A two-car shuttle (one vehicle at each trailhead) is the standard approach for day hikers. The trailheads are approximately 20 minutes apart by road. Alternatively, this section can be done as an out-and-back of 6 miles each way from either end, though the full traverse captures the progression of terrain that makes it the recommended approach.

The trail is part of the same system that connects Mexico to Utah, so the signage and trail quality reflect the investment the Arizona Trail Association has made in maintaining this corridor. Navigation is relatively straightforward compared to less-developed trails in the Kaibab backcountry. Many hikers carry 2-3 liters of water; springs exist along the route but require treatment and should be verified with current conditions information; individual needs vary.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3.0: Starting from the north trailhead, the Arizona Trail heads south through a mix of ponderosa pine and Gambel oak at the edge of the plateau. The terrain is rolling rather than dramatically hilly, and the forest is open enough for good wildlife viewing. Mule deer are particularly common in the meadow edges.

Miles 3.0 to 7.0: The middle section crosses the core of the plateau, transitioning from the edge country into the densest ponderosa pine stands on the North Kaibab. Several meadow openings provide long views across the plateau. The grade is gentle with gradual undulation rather than sustained climbs.

Miles 7.0 to 12.0: The final section moves toward Jacob Lake, encountering the highway junction area and the transition to more accessible terrain. The forest here shows more human influence near the developed recreation areas but remains characteristically Kaibab.

When to Visit

Mid-May through October. The plateau holds snow into May and becomes accessible with the opening of AZ-67 to the North Rim. June through October is the primary season. July through September requires early starts due to afternoon thunderstorms.

October is an excellent time for this traverse: fall color in the aspens, active wildlife, reduced crowds, and cool temperatures before the November road closure. The combination of fall hiking on the Arizona Trail with a drive to the North Rim for sunset viewing is a natural pairing.

What to Bring

  • Water: many hikers carry 2-3 liters; treat any water from natural sources; individual needs vary
  • Shuttle logistics handled before departure
  • Rain gear essential from July through September
  • Good trail shoes for the diverse surfaces on a 12-mile route
  • Offline trail maps: the ATA corridor is marked but cell service is absent on the plateau

For Arizona Trail through-hiker resources and current trail conditions, check the Arizona Trail Association website. Review Leave No Trace 7 principles for guidelines on dispersed camping and waste disposal along long-distance trails.

Practical Details

No permit or fee is required for this national forest section as of 2026. The Arizona Trail is a National Scenic Trail and national forest regulations apply throughout.

Dispersed camping is permitted along the trail corridor in the national forest. Maximum 14-night stay at any single location. Campfire restrictions apply seasonally.

The America the Beautiful Pass covers day-use fees at applicable recreation areas near the trailheads. Veterans should review veteran benefits in national forests for pass eligibility.

Getting There

North trailhead: From Fredonia, AZ, head south on US-89A toward Jacob Lake. Look for the signed Arizona Trail trailhead on the right (west) side of the highway south of the Utah border. Approximately 10 miles south of Kanab, UT.

South trailhead: Jacob Lake area on AZ-67. The ATA trailhead is signed near the Jacob Lake Inn junction.

Verify current access and road conditions with the North Kaibab Ranger District. See checking conditions before you go for pre-trip resources.

Trailhead Parking

North trailhead: ATA trailhead near US-89A south of Utah border. South trailhead: near Jacob Lake junction on AZ-67. Shuttle required for point-to-point; limited parking at both ends.

← Back to Kaibab National Forest

More Trails in Kaibab National Forest

easy-moderateout-and-back

Coconino Rim Trail

6 mi600 ft gain
April through November

An easy-moderate walk along the southern escarpment of the Kaibab Plateau on the South Kaibab unit, with views south across the Coconino Plateau and ponderosa pine forest terrain.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Deer Lake Trail

3 mi300 ft gain
May through October

A short, easy hike to a secluded high-elevation lake on the Kaibab Plateau, passing through spruce-fir forest to a quiet fishing destination popular with North Rim visitors.

3 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Dog Point Trail

7 mi800 ft gain
May through October

A moderate forest hike to a canyon viewpoint on the eastern edge of the Kaibab Plateau, passing through ponderosa pine and meadow terrain with good wildlife visibility.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Indian Hollow Trail

8 mi1,500 ft gain
May through October

A moderate hike into the remote drainage country north of the Grand Canyon's North Rim, descending through ponderosa pine forest toward canyon terrain with creek crossings and good wildlife habitat.

4 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Kaibab Plateau Trail

8 mi600 ft gain
May through October

A gentle traverse through the heart of the Kaibab Plateau's ponderosa pine forest, crossing meadow openings with good wildlife viewing and connecting to the Arizona Trail system.

4 min read

easyout-and-back

Point Imperial Area Trail

4 mi400 ft gain
May through October

An easy forest walk near the highest point on the Grand Canyon's North Rim, through old-growth ponderosa pine and spruce-fir forest with meadow openings and canyon views.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Saddle Mountain Wilderness Trail

10 mi2,000 ft gain
June through October

A demanding climb into the Saddle Mountain Wilderness on the North Kaibab Plateau, reaching remote canyon rim country with expansive views into the Grand Canyon drainage system.

4 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a shuttle for this trail?
Yes. This section is described as a point-to-point hike requiring either a two-car shuttle or a return on the same trail. The full 12-mile distance is too long for most hikers to comfortably do as an out-and-back in a single day.
Is this a section of the full 800-mile Arizona Trail?
Yes. The Kaibab Plateau section is one of the most celebrated segments of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, which runs from Mexico to Utah. The section here connects southern ATA segments to the Grand Canyon crossing.
Are there water sources along this section?
Water sources are limited and seasonal. Many hikers carry 2-3 liters. Cattle tanks and seasonal springs exist but should not be relied upon without current conditions confirmation. Always treat water from natural sources.
How do I arrange the shuttle for this point-to-point?
Two vehicles are the simplest approach. Leave one car at the south trailhead near Jacob Lake, then drive the second to the north trailhead to start. The shuttle drive between trailheads is approximately 20 minutes.