Adventure Vacations in Kaibab National Forest

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 has the distinction of being divided by one of Nature's greatest attractions. Headquartered in Williams, Arizona, the South Kaibab covers 1,422 square miles and the North Kaibab stretches over 1,010 square miles. Elevations vary on the forest from 5,500 feet in the southwest corner to 10,418 feet at the summit of Kendrick Peak on the Williams Ranger District. All the way from north-central Arizona into Utah, you'll find enough breathtaking views, outstanding forest scenery, unusual geologic formations, and just plain fun to keep you satisfied for days!

Vegetation on the forest varies by elevation and exposure. Principal tree species are ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, aspen, blue spruce, oak, pinyon pine, and juniper. Among other things, they enhance the beauty of the landscape, hold soil in place, and provide cover and food for wildlife. As elevation decreases, trees give way to bitter brush, Gambel oak, sagebrush, and cliffrose.

Large wild animals commonly seen are elk, mule deer, and antelope. Turkey and coyote are also fairly common. Mountain lion, black bear, and bobcat are seen on rare occasions.

The most commonly encountered small animals on the Kaibab are Abert's squirrels, chipmunks, and ground squirrels. Less easily seen are porcupines, small lizards, and rattlesnakes. Frequently observed birds are bluebirds, robins, nuthatches, flickers and other woodpeckers, various hummingbirds, Steller's jays, crows, ravens, and a variety of hawks. There are over 20 species of bats on the forest!

Like all of our national forests, the Kaibab is a "land of many uses." While logging and grazing are traditional forest activities, hunting and fishing are allowed under the rules and regulations of the Arizona Game & Fish Department. Increasingly, recreational activities such as hiking, trail rides, mountain biking, sightseeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing attract more and more people to the Kaibab National Forest.

This beautiful forest is waiting for you to visit...contact an America Outdoors outfitter for world-class hiking, mountain biking, tours and treks, canoeing, kayaking, camping and horseback riding!