The Kaibab National Forest is part of the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in the United States. Bordering both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon, the 1.6 million acres of the Kaibab National Forest has the distinction of being divided by one of nature’s greatest attractions. Elevations vary in the Kaibab National Forest from 5,500 feet in the southwest corner to 10,418 feet at the summit of Kendrick Peak on the Williams Ranger District. Points of interest in the Kaibab National Forest are the North Kaibab high country where pine, spruce and aspen forests with open meadows are particularly striking in fall; Bill Williams and Sitgreaves Mountains, Cataract Lake, White Horse Lake, Dogtown Lake, Kaibab Lake and four designated Wilderness Areas Kendrick Mountain, Saddle Mountain, Kanab Creek and Sycamore Canyon.
Other attractions in the Kaibab National Forest are Grand Canyon National Game Preserve’s famous North Kaibab deer herd, a wild buffalo herd and the unique Kaibab squirrel. Wildlife is frequently seen, as are vivid geologic formations. From the Kaibab National Forest, you can access the Grand Canyon’s north and south rims.
Recreational opportunities in the Kaibab National Forest include scenic drives, viewing vistas, lake fishing, riding and hiking trails, cross-country skiing and hunting for big game, upland birds and waterfowl. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity in the Kaibab National Forest; elk, mule deer, antelope, turkey, coyote, mountain lion, black bear, bobcat and many more animals can be seen in the forest.
Recreation
The Kaibab National Forest offers a variety of rewarding and challenging trails for day hikes or extended backpacking trips. Hikers and riders will find solitude, wildlife viewing and scenic views aplenty throughout all three districts on the forest. The terrain on the South Kaibab is mostly gentle with a few scattered mountains and hills. Much of the terrain is in the 7,000 foot elevation range and ponderosa pine is the dominant cover. Poisonous snakes are occasionally encountered among the pines and pinyon-junipers and black bears are occasionally seen at higher elevations around Bill Williams, Kendrick and Sitgreaves Mountains. Although one should always be careful in the backcountry, the environment on the Tusayan District poses few hazards to hikers.
The terrain is gentle and rolling, for the most part and the vegetation is open and park-like with very little underbrush to hinder travel or get in your way when you get a chance to see some of the abundant wildlife. Short day trips are the most popular way to hike this district, since opportunities for overnight backpack trips are limited by the lack of an extensive trail system and the scarcity of sources of potable water; still, this is an excellent place to enjoy quiet, secluded cross-country travel or hiking on old roads that are seldom traveled.
Challenges on the North Kaibab include steep, rugged terrain, primitive trails and lack of water; however, among the rewards are spectacular views of towering cliffs and magnificent canyons. Several trails lead into the Grand Canyon National Park. Overnight hiking or camping in the Park requires a permit from the National Park Service: for information, call or write Back Country Reservations at the Grand Canyon National Park.
Some of the trails on the Kaibab are best suited for the experienced hiker but there are trails for the novices too. Difficulty is a function of trail condition, alignment, steepness of grades, gain or loss of elevation, the type and number of natural barriers that must be crossed – and, of course, the physical condition of the hiker. A few of the trails rise high enough that the hiker may encounter sudden changes in the weather.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Kaibab National Forest
800 South 6th Street
Williams, AZ 86046
Phone: 928-635-8200
Weather/Climate
During the summer, the thermometer may reach 90 degrees during the day but dip to the 50′s at night. The rainy season brings brief but often violent thunderstorms across the forest. Such conditions make wildfires a serious threat to the Kaibab: there is an average of 100 fires each year, with 25% caused by people. At times, campfires may be restricted to certain designated areas and parts of the forest may be closed to public entry. The sunny climate can be deceptive, be it summer or winter and visitors who hike, bike, or ride the forest roads should always have appropriate clothes with them for inclement weather.
Winter-like snowstorms may occur as early as September and as late as May with a corresponding drop in temperature. Summer temperatures may be quite warm and afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in July and August, especially in the vicinity of mountain peaks. It is best to avoid mountaintops or ridges, open areas, or shallow caves during storms. Take shelter in a boulder field, in forested areas away from tall trees, or in your car.
Popularity: 1% [?]
|
|
