Region

North Rim Grand Canyon and Kaibab National Forest

Arizona

Offroad Trails in North Rim Grand Canyon and Kaibab National Forest

A Region within Arizona
4.5/5 (159)

Offroading the North Rim: Exploring Kaibab National Forest

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a quieter, wilder experience than its southern counterpart—and for offroaders, it's a hidden gem. Surrounded by the expansive Kaibab National Forest, this region delivers cool high-elevation forests, remote trail access, and breathtaking canyon-edge views, all far from the crowds.

Why Offroaders Love the North Rim

Kaibab National Forest is crisscrossed with a network of forest roads ranging from smooth graded routes to rugged two-tracks. Many of these trails lead to spectacular overlooks, historic fire towers, and secluded campsites perched just steps from the canyon rim. Popular routes include Toroweap, Point Sublime, Crazy Jug Point, and Saddle Mountain Overlook—each offering a blend of scenery, solitude, and just enough challenge to keep it fun.

Most trails are best suited for high-clearance 4x4s, especially after rain or snow. Wildfire closures can impact access, so checking local conditions and updated trail guides is a must.

Camping and Trip Planning

Dispersed camping is widely available throughout the Kaibab Plateau. From pine-covered ridges to meadow-lined roads, there’s no shortage of scenic, peaceful spots to set up camp. Services are limited, so pack in water, supplies, and a sense of adventure. The season typically runs from late spring through early fall, depending on snowmelt and road conditions.

Plan Your North Rim Adventure

  • Best Vehicle Type: High-clearance 4x4
  • Navigation: Trails Offroad GPS trail maps recommended
  • Popular Offroad Trails: Toroweap, Point Sublime, Crazy Jug, Marble Viewpoint, East Side Game Trail
  • Land Management: National Park Service, USFS Kaibab National Forest, North Kaibab Ranger District

For offroaders craving a true backcountry experience with unbeatable views of the Grand Canyon, the North Rim delivers. Load up your rig, grab the GPS, and get ready to explore one of Arizona’s most underrated offroad regions.

Top Reasons to Explore Here

Basemaps
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TRAILS OFFROAD™ TRAIL TYPES
Trail Guide
Full detailed write up with Advanced Rating System, Waypoints, Video, and more.
Scout Route
Lite version with highlights, camping, and hardest part documented. Vetted in person.
TRAIL DIFFICULTY RATINGS
easy (1-2)
Suitable for high clearance 2WD
moderate (3-4)
Best suited for a high clearance 4x4
difficult (5-6)
Best suited for a lightly modified 4x4
severe (7-8)
Best suited for a highly modified 4x4
extreme (9-10)
Best suited for specialized buggy type vehicles
LAYERS

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Arizona: FR 634 Hero Photo
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2/5 (1 reviews)
Updated: 10/15/2024

FR 634

Jacob Lake, Arizona
FR 634 runs between Highway 67 and FR 205. There's no camping. The trail serves as a quick and scenic way to get from Jacob Lake into the pines of the Kaibab National Forest.
Arizona: FR 200A Hero Photo
Scout Route Icon
4/5 (1 reviews)
Updated: 04/30/2026

FR 200A

Jacob Lake, Arizona
FR 200A runs through a pine and aspen forest between FR 624 and FR 200. There are a few limestone steps during a short hill climb, but the trail is easy. Billy Sink is a limestone sink hole common in the area. You can drive into the sink using the very short NF 3126 spur road. Deer are abundant in the area. Camping is not permitted along the trail.
Arizona: Mile Half Access Road South Hero Photo
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4/5 (1 reviews)
Updated: 10/15/2024

Mile Half Access Road South

Jacob Lake, Arizona
Mile Half Access Road South runs between Castle Canyon and Corral Lake. The trail's southern portion goes through an area burned by the 2006 Warm Fire. The northern part of the trail passes through a pristine pine forest with many large dispersed campsites.
Arizona: FR 628 Hero Photo
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4/5 (1 reviews)
Updated: 10/15/2024

FR 628

Jacob Lake, Arizona
FR 628 is a short trail just south of Jacob Lake that runs between Highway 67 and Mile Half Access Road North. The trail offers only one small campsite on spur trail 628E. However, directly across Highway 67 is a camping area with a vault toilet and a forest lookout tower to climb. There's also cell phone service.