Forest Road 500 — Kaibab Plateau North to Jacob Lake via East Rim Viewpoint
Grand Canyon's North Rim without the tour buses.
FR 500 is the main artery threading through Kaibab National Forest’s North Kaibab Ranger District, running roughly east-west across the plateau above 8,000 feet. Most visitors blast down AZ-67 to the North Rim and never look sideways — those who turn onto FR 500 find a completely different Grand Canyon experience. The road cuts through dense ponderosa pine and mixed conifer, opens onto East Rim Viewpoint where the canyon drops 5,000 feet in front of you without a guardrail, and then rolls back into aspen stands and meadow flats toward Jacob Lake. Mule deer are everywhere. In August, the monsoon storms hit fast and turn the clay sections greasy in minutes.
The route runs about 17 miles on maintained forest road that’s generally passable for high-clearance 2WD when dry, but the clay soils make a muddy mess that’ll stop even capable 4x4s if you catch it wrong after rain. A dedicated overlander will want 4WD, aired-down tires, and a shovel in the monsoon season. The North Kaibab Ranger District keeps FR 500 open roughly May through November — snow closes it hard in winter. No permit needed for the drive itself. Dispersed camping allowed throughout the national forest. Fuel and supplies at Jacob Lake Inn, nothing else for miles.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 17 mi / 27.4 km |
| Duration | Half day to full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8803 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD dry / 4WD recommended wet |
| Nearest town | Jacob Lake, Arizona |
| Land manager | Kaibab National Forest — North Kaibab Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Kaibab National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle FR 500 without a lift?
Yes. A stock high-clearance truck or SUV handles this fine in dry conditions. The road is dirt and gravel with no serious rock obstacles — the main concern is ruts and soft shoulders after rain, where 4WD becomes useful.
When does FR 500 on the Kaibab Plateau open after winter?
Typically late May, but the Kaibab sits above 8,800 feet and holds snow deep into spring. Snow or mud can close the road through June in heavy years — call the North Kaibab Ranger District directly before you go: (928) 643-7395.
Do you need a permit or pay a fee to drive FR 500?
No permit and no fee to drive the road itself. Dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest is free but limited to designated areas and existing sites — check current fire restrictions with the ranger district, as this plateau sees seasonal fire bans.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
Nothing on this route is technically gnarly — it's rated moderate for remoteness and surface condition, not obstacles. Soft clay sections after rain can get slick and rutted fast; that's where people get stuck. Aired-down tires and 4WD low sort it out.
Is there any gas or water near this trail, and how far is the nearest fuel?
Jacob Lake, at the western end, has a gas station and small inn store — fill up there. There is zero cell service on the entire route and no reliable water sources on trail, so carry all the water you need before you leave pavement.
Trail track
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