Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
2,087.00 ft (636.12 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
20.70 mi (33.31 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

AZT Passage 40: Kaibab Plateau South is a 20.7-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This section provides easy to moderate travel and runs from the Kaibab National Forest boundary to the Telephone Hill Trailhead. Located south of Jacob Lake, Arizona, this passage is accessible for hikers, trail runners, long-distance backpackers, equestrians and mountain bikers. 

Passage 40 begins at the Kaibab National Forest boundary and traverses through an idyllic forest of spruce, pine and aspen. Located in a much-overlooked area of northern Arizona, this section offers easy and pleasant travel along a singletrack trail through gently rolling terrain. 

As the trail winds along the East Rim of the Grand Canyon, it dips into tranquil meadows and passes by the East Rim Viewpoint. It features scenic views, Dog Lake Pond, and the peaceful valley of Tater Canyon.

With panoramic views of Saddle Mountain Wilderness, Marble Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and Navajo Mountain in the distance, the East Rim Viewpoint is a highlight of this section. During fall, the views are even more spectacular with the vibrant colors of autumn.

WEATHER
This section occurs at high elevation (8,000-9,000) and snow may be present into the spring season.

DIRECTIONS
The Arizona National Scenic Trail follows Trail #101 for this passage, however, Arizona National Scenic Trail signs/trail markers will also help guide the way.

WATER
Check the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATION

 

 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Singletrack trail. East Rim Viewpoint.

Cons

Flat terrain.

Trailhead Elevation

8,997.00 ft (2,742.29 m)

Highest point

9,015.00 ft (2,747.77 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

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