Jacob Lake Arizona to Grand Canyon Travel Guide

Jacob Lake to Grand Canyon

Jacob Lake is not much of a town, but it is certainly a beautiful basecamp for travelers headed to Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim. Nearby Grand Canyon National Park is a hiker’s paradise with everything from mellow hikes along the Rim to weeklong off-trail expeditions. Located along the drive to the canyon, Kaibab National Forest borders the rim of the Grand Canyon, where can set up camp and enjoy a fire with a view of one of the world's greatest natural wonders. For 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 their way to this area, who hunt outside the park 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 offers the best and only lodging.

Jacob lake is the only town of any sort near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is an hour 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. There is also a seasonal visitor center and campground run by the forest service in Jacob Lake on the way to the canyon. From Jacob Lake, seasonal (May 15th - First Snow or Dec 1st) 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 nearby parks. Read the guide below to learn more.

Jacob Lake to Grand Canyon Travel

Driving Distance from Jacob Lake, AZ to Grand Canyon

Jacob Lake to Grand Canyon North Rim is 45 miles, a 1 hour drive.
Jacob Lake to Grand Canyon East Rim is 47 miles, a 1 hour drive.
Jacob Lake to Grand Canyon South Rim is 169 miles, a 3 hour drive.
Jacob Lake to Grand Canyon North Rim is 347 miles, a 5 hour 40-minute drive.

Grand Canyon Tours from Jacob Lake

For travelers headed to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon there are not many tour options from Jacob Lake, but there are some great mule rides that start there. Most visitors will need to drive to the North Rim where there are guided hiking tours and mule rides. If you want to find more Grand Canyon Tours, the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is your best bet.

Best Hotels in Jacob Lake near Grand Canyon

Jacob Lake Lodge runs year-round, as does the gas station next door. Jacob Lake Lodge is the only hotel in Jacob Lake. On the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the Kaibab Lodge, as well as the North Rim Lodge right inside the park on the Rim of the Canyon.

Best Restaurants in Jacob Lake and on the drive to Grand Canyon

The best and only restaurant in Jacob Lake is at the Lodge, which offers good food and amazing cookies and ice cream. On the way to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park there’s a small restaurant at the Kaibab Lodge for guests, but North Rim village in the park is the best bet for a meal after you leave Jacob Lake. If you’re headed to the East Rim, there are several good restaurants in Marble Canyon and in Cameron, AZ on the way to the South Rim and Grand Canyon Village where there are numerous Grand Canyon restaurant options.