
The Kaibab National Forest encompasses 1.6 million acres bordering both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon in Coconino and Mohave counties, northern Arizona, the high-plateau ponderosa pine forest country that flanks the canyon on both sides and provides the most accessible high-elevation OHV riding near one of the most visited destinations in the American West. The forest is divided into two non-contiguous units: the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim (8,000 to 9,200 feet elevation, accessed from Jacob Lake on US-89A) and the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts south of the canyon (6,500 to 7,500 feet, accessed from Williams and Flagstaff on I-40). The South Rim units provide the OHV access most relevant to the major visitor market, riders based in the Williams/Flagstaff area can access designated forest OHV routes in ponderosa pine and pinyon-juniper terrain just minutes from the Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim corridor. The North Rim Kaibab Plateau unit provides more remote riding on the high plateau between the canyon and the Vermilion Cliffs, with dense forest of ponderosa, aspen, and Engelmann spruce and the meadow openings of the plateau's grassland parks. Arizona OHV registration is required for all machines on designated routes. The Williams Ranger District office (928-635-8200) serves as the primary contact for South Rim-adjacent OHV route information and seasonal closure updates for both the North and South Rim districts.
The Kaibab National Forest encompasses 1.6 million acres bordering both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon in Coconino and Mohave counties, northern Arizona, the high-plateau ponderosa pine forest country that flanks the canyon on both sides and provides the most accessible high-elevation OHV riding near one of the most visited destinations in the American West. The forest is divided into two non-contiguous units: the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim (8,000 to 9,200 feet elevation, accessed from Jacob Lake on US-89A) and the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts south of the canyon (6,500 to 7,500 feet, accessed from Williams and Flagstaff on I-40). The South Rim units provide the OHV access most relevant to the major visitor market, riders based in the Williams/Flagstaff area can access designated forest OHV routes in ponderosa pine and pinyon-juniper terrain just minutes from the Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim corridor. The North Rim Kaibab Plateau unit provides more remote riding on the high plateau between the canyon and the Vermilion Cliffs, with dense forest of ponderosa, aspen, and Engelmann spruce and the meadow openings of the plateau's grassland parks. Arizona OHV registration is required for all machines on designated routes. The Williams Ranger District office (928-635-8200) serves as the primary contact for South Rim-adjacent OHV route information and seasonal closure updates for both the North and South Rim districts.
Hours
Open year-round on designated routes at lower elevations; Kaibab Plateau routes (7,000–9,000 ft) may close under snow November through April. No day-use fee. Arizona OHV registration required.
Phone
928-635-8200Trip openings, seasonal updates, and the occasional deal, straight to your inbox.
FAQ
Everything you need to know before you get started.
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