Grand Canyon trip planning Enlightened
Jacob Lake is not much of a town, but it is certainly a beautiful basecamp. Jacob Lake Lodge runs year round, as does the gas station next door. There is also a seasonal visitor center and campground run by the forest service. On the way to the North Rim is the Kaibab Lodge, as well as the North Rim Lodge right inside the park on the Rim of the Canyon.
Jacob lake is the only town of any sort near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is an hours drive away. Along with the lodge there is also a restaurant, but what this old building is really know for is its whole made cookies, and extra thick shakes. From Jacob Lake seasonal (May 15th -First Snow) Highway 67 is the road to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. You can also continue on Highway 89 year-round to Fredonia, AZ or Kanab, UT as well as all of Southern Utah's amazing destinations.
This is also the jumping off point of many great outdoor activities. Nearby Grand Canyon National Park is a hikers paradise with everything from mellow hikes along the Rim to weeklong off-trail expeditions. The National Forest also has land right along the rim of the canyon where can set up camp and enjoy a fire with a view of one of the world's greatest natural wonders. For mountain biking there is the Rainbow Rim trail, some great single track along the Rim of the Canyon in Kaibab National Forest. Elk, Mule Deer, and Turkey are plentiful for hunters who make there way to this area, and you will see many in the Fall of the year. Autumn is also an amazing time to appreciate the many Aspen Groves scattered throughout the area. During a good winter there is also some great snowmobiling and cross country skiing available, and Jacob Lake is the only real base camp.