Attractions and Places To See in the Kaibab Plateau - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in the Kaibab Plateau include a high-elevation region largely covered by Kaibab National Forest, serving as the gateway to the Grand Canyon's North Rim. This area features diverse natural landscapes, including dense ponderosa pine and aspen woodlands, alongside significant cultural sites. The plateau offers numerous viewpoints into the Grand Canyon and extensive trail systems for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see in the Kaibab Plateau
- The most popular attractions is Skeleton Point, a viewpoint offering sweeping views of the lower Grand Canyon. It is accessible via the South Kaibab Trail and is known for its challenging descent and ascent.
- Another must-see spot is Cedar Ridge, a viewpoint and a convenient turning point for day hikes into the Grand Canyon. It features basic facilities and offers impressive canyon views.
- Visitors also love Rim Trail (Grand Canyon National Park), a 13-mile trail stretching from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest. This mostly paved trail offers unbeatable Grand Canyon views and is suitable for easy hikes.
- Kaibab Plateau is known for its diverse natural features, including canyon viewpoints, extensive trail networks, and forest areas. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from challenging backcountry routes to accessible scenic overlooks.
- The attractions in the Kaibab Plateau are appreciated by the komoot community, with 96 highlights, 72 photos, and 188 upvotes showcasing the region's appeal.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Cedar Ridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Rim Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Skeleton Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
There is no parking at South Kaibab Trailhead. You will have to take the shuttle (orange line) to get to and off the trail.
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Havasupai Gardens
Highlight • Rest Area
For a long time, this place was known as Indian Garden. It was renamed in May 2023 as Havasupai Gardens.
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Bright Angel Trail
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
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Bright Angel Campground
Highlight • Rest Area
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Phantom Ranch
Highlight • Mountain Hut
You should definitely send a postcard from the Phantom Ranch, because it gets the stamp "Mailed by mule". The mail is still transported from the Grand Canyon by mule like back in the days.
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Mohave Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Powell Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Pipe Creek Beach on the Colorado River
Highlight • Beach
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Tips from the Community
You can only recommend walking a few meters on this path in front of this breathtaking scenery. It's worth it.
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Mohave Point offers incredible views over the Grand Canyon, especially at sunset. You’ll also get a perfect view of the Tonto Trail winding deep into the canyon. The trail to the very tip of the point isn’t paved, so you can stop your bike and take a short hike to check it out.
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Phantom Ranch is the only accommodation in the Grand Canyon and is usually booked out for years. In the evening you can choose between a hiker stew or steak with beans and potatoes. These two dinners are also booked months in advance. But in the Ranch shop you can buy various snacks and drinks. You should definitely send a postcard from the Phantom Ranch, because it gets the stamp "Mailed by mule". The mail is still transported from the Grand Canyon by mule like back in the days.
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Powell Point, and the accompanying memorial, are dedicated to geologist John Wesley Powell, who made not one, but two river runs down the Grand Canyon in the 1800s. The views here are stunning, and there's a shuttle bus stop if you don't want to run a full round trip. The trail is also paved between here and Mather Point; run to the west if you want a narrower, more rugged trail that runs closer to the edge of the canyon.
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We're all here for the incredible panoramic views; the elevation gain to get here also makes this a satisfying turnaround point if you're out for a short run. There is a pit toilet here (no running water). Use with caution and consider noseplugs. Hopefully it goes without saying that heat is a serious consideration here, as is lack of water (there is none available on the ridge).
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Nice small beach along the Colorado River. It is a popular stop for rafters going down the Colorado River. For hikers, it will take an almost 8-mile trek along the Bright Angel Trail to reach the beach.
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Sweeping views of the lower canyon open up before you as you reach the point. You are about halfway down to Bright Angel, and the second major vertical section of the trail switchbacks away beneath you. Skeleton Point is so named for the unexpected discovery of the skeletons of old miners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular hiking trails in the Kaibab Plateau?
The Kaibab Plateau offers a variety of trails for different skill levels. Popular options include the Rim Trail (Grand Canyon National Park), a mostly paved, 13-mile trail offering unbeatable Grand Canyon views. For more challenging hikes into the canyon, consider the route to Skeleton Point or Cedar Ridge via the South Kaibab Trail. The Kaibab Plateau Trail, a section of the Arizona Trail, also provides a challenging experience.
Are there any easy or family-friendly hikes in the Kaibab Plateau?
Yes, several easy and family-friendly options are available. The Rim Trail (Grand Canyon National Park) is mostly flat and paved, making it suitable for families. Additionally, the Jacob Lake Recreation Area offers easy hikes like the 2-mile Jacob Lake Trail and the 1-mile Kai-Vav-Wi Nature Trail. For more easy hikes, you can explore options in our Easy hikes in the Kaibab Plateau guide.
What are the best viewpoints to experience the Grand Canyon from the Kaibab Plateau?
The Kaibab Plateau, serving as the gateway to the Grand Canyon's North Rim, offers numerous spectacular viewpoints. Key spots include Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal, and Mohave Point, known for stunning sunset views. Yavapai Point and Geology Museum also provides impressive canyon views and educational exhibits.
What cultural or historical sites can I visit in the Kaibab Plateau region?
The Kaibab Plateau is rich in cultural history. You can explore the tribal lands of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians to learn about indigenous heritage. The Red Pueblo Museum & Heritage Park in Fredonia showcases artifacts from native and pioneer inhabitants. Pipe Spring National Monument preserves a historic fort and illustrates Mormon settler life. Archaeological remnants like agave roasting pits and rock shelters are also found throughout the plateau.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Kaibab Plateau?
The diverse habitats of the Kaibab Plateau support a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for the unique Kaibab squirrel, which is endemic to the region. Other common sightings include deer, bison, turkey, cougars, and bobcats, especially within the Kaibab National Forest.
When is the best time to visit the Kaibab Plateau?
The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer offers warm weather ideal for hiking and outdoor recreation. Autumn brings vibrant fall foliage, particularly the aspens, making it a beautiful time for exploration. In winter, heavy snowfall allows for backcountry Nordic skiing and snow camping, though access to some areas, including the Grand Canyon North Rim, may be limited.
Are there any scenic drives in the Kaibab Plateau?
Yes, the Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway (Highway 67) is a highly recommended scenic drive. This 44-mile route connects Jacob Lake to the Grand Canyon's North Rim, traversing through beautiful pine, fir, and aspen forests, often referred to as 'the most pleasant 44 miles in America'.
What facilities are available for hikers within the Grand Canyon section of the Kaibab Plateau?
For hikers venturing into the Grand Canyon, Cedar Ridge offers a pit toilet but no water. Further down, Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Garden) is a popular shaded resting and camping spot with restrooms and a year-round water spigot. Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the canyon, also provides facilities and a restaurant.
Are there any trails suitable for wheelchairs in the Kaibab Plateau?
Yes, the Rim Trail (Grand Canyon National Park) is wheelchair accessible from Lookout Studio to the South Kaibab Trailhead, with some dirt sections west of Bright Angel Lodge. This allows for accessible enjoyment of the Grand Canyon views.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do in the Kaibab Plateau?
Beyond hiking, the Kaibab Plateau offers a range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, and picnicking. In winter, when snowfall is heavy, opportunities for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing become available. The region is also excellent for wildlife viewing.
Where can I find information about the Kaibab Plateau's natural and cultural resources?
The Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center, located at Jacob Lake, provides exhibits on the geology, wildlife, archaeology, and recreation opportunities of the plateau. It's a great starting point to learn more about the area.
Are there any specific regulations for dogs on trails in the Kaibab Plateau?
Within Grand Canyon National Park, leashed pets are generally allowed on the Rim Trail (Grand Canyon National Park) but are not permitted on park shuttle buses. For specific regulations within Kaibab National Forest or other areas, it's always best to check with local ranger stations or visitor centers.
What are some challenging trails for experienced hikers in the Kaibab Plateau?
Experienced hikers can tackle challenging routes like the descent to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail, which involves a significant elevation change. The Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring also offers a moderate to challenging hike into the canyon. For more advanced backpacking, sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail run through the plateau.
Most popular routes in the Kaibab Plateau
Most popular attractions in the Kaibab Plateau
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