1. Lefevre Overlook
Lefevre Overlook is a scenic site on the very north end of the Kaibab National Forest which looks across at the Grand Staircase. The view is a grand expanse of hundreds of square miles of highly varied stair steps including National Parks, National Monuments, and other geologic wonders.
You are standing on the Kaibab Plateau, the first step on the viewing staircase. Once the bottom of a shallow sea, the remains of prehistoric aquatic life can be found all over the plateau. An undercurrent of geologic forces lifted the entire Colorado Plateau and tilted this section on its edge, providing the panorama you see before you now.
Directions:
The overlook is only a few miles from the north end of the plateau, directly on Scenic Byway 89A.
2. House Rock Valley Overlook
About:
On the northeast corner of the forest via Scenic Byway 89A is the House Rock Valley Overlook. The overlook is more than 1000 feet above the valley floor and provides open views of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and as far away as Marble Canyon, the beginning of the Grand Canyon.
3. Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center
Located at the intersection of Scenic Byway 89A and Scenic Byway 67 is the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center. The center is staffed from May 15th through October 15th every year and through the end of the year on the weekends. During the season our hours of operation are from 8 am to 5 pm
The KPVC has interpretive exhibits, merchandise, restrooms, and should be the first stop for information regarding hiking, biking, horseback riding, scenic viewing, camping and other recreation on the forest.
4. Rainbow Rim
About:
The Rainbow Rim is an almost 20 mile intermediate trail that travels along the rim of the Grand Canyon through the forest edge. It is a mecca for mountain bikers, hikers, campers, and those simply looking for great views of the Grand Canyon, unspoiled by large crowds and merchandise. Timp, North Timp, Fence, Locust, and Parissawampitts points are all part of the trail system and each has a different view of the canyon.
Directions:
Just past the Kaibab Lodge, DeMotte campground and the Country Store on Highway 67, turn west on Forest Road 22. This road is wide and graded routinely, so even passenger cars can safely drive on it. The signs are well placed along the 22 road, and will lead to Forest Road 206. From 206, drivers must choose to which point they wish to travel. Some of these side roads require a high-clearance vehicle. Dispersed camping is highly-sought on these roads, but campers still must stay within 30 feet of the dirt road AND stay at least ΒΌ mile away from the trailhead to stay in compliance.
5. East Rim Viewpoint
Directions:
Follow the signs from Highway 67 as you turn off on Forest Road 611. A few scenic miles through mixed conifer forest interspersed with meadows will bring you to the East Rim parking lot. From there it is a simple accessible walk which will lead you to the expansive views and a diverse geologic panorama. The viewpoint allows distant views of House Rock Valley, Echo Cliffs, Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon. The East Rim Viewpoint overlooks North Canyon and the Saddle Mountain Wilderness.
About:
The summer months are the best time to visit East Rim due to its high elevation, approximately 8800 feet. Please take your time to walk the trail slowly if you are not used to the elevation.
The area is a hot spot for bird watching, so bring your binoculars if you are interested in Southwestern Alpine species.
The viewpoint is the meeting place for three separate trailheads of varying intensity. The East Rim Trail is a difficult, but small length of trail which will take you into the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. The Arizona Trail goes both north and south from the East Rim viewpoint and is relatively easy, depending on how many miles you wish to travel. The Arizona Trail is a total of 800 miles, and is a lifetime accomplishment for many hikers. The North Canyon Trail is a 7 mile trail of extreme difficulty which also travels down into Saddle Mountain Wilderness.
6. Big Springs Rental Cabins
Nestled in a grassy canyon on the main forest road 22, are the Big Springs rental cabins. The rustic cabins are available at an economical price and can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people. Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov. However, the cabin hosts can facilitate reservations on the spot subject to availability. Forest Road 22 is primarily a gravel road, but is wide and regularly graded, so passenger cars should not have a problem getting to the cabins.
The cabins do have small wood stoves for heating, but visitors must bring their own linens. Shared kitchen facilities and shared bathroom facilities with showers are also available to guests.
The Big Springs waterfall tumbles down the canyon to the retention ponds, which allow fish and other wildlife to gather close by to the station.
A nearby trail will take you up the side of the canyon to the Big Springs Lookout Tower, and offer some wonderful overhead views of the forest.
7. Buck Farm Viewpoint
For amazing views of Marble Canyon and the Colorado River any time of the year, check out Buck Farm Viewpoint with your off-road vehicle. The site is rarely visited due to its remote location but provides unsurpassed views of the canyon along with its solitude.
The viewpoint is found with an access point OFF the plateau to the east near BLM road 8910. The road heads due south from Highway 89A and intermittently crosses through BLM and private land as well as the Kaibab National Forest land. At the end of 8910 is a large loop. Turning left will take you to FR 445H. Take 445H 3 miles to the end. Be sure to drive slowly on 445H as this road is not regularly graded and can be tricky in spots. Compact or low-clearance vehicles are not recommended on this road.
8. Sowats Viewpoint
Sowats Viewpoint is a fantastic overview of the Kanab Creek Wilderness close to the Jumpup Nail Trail.
