Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Kaibab National Forest

Breaking camp in Florida this week and heading off for the Northern Kaibab NF.

Lookin' to check out that north rim country that was suggested in a recent thread.

Probably go to Jacob Lake just to purchase a Forest Service map then head off for some of the dispersed camping options that are offered there.

Anyone know what a guy might expect for backcountry forest service road conditions this year? Any snow or ice still lingering?

Any suggestion for parts less traveled to see within say a few hundred mile radius?

It'll just be me and my dog and of course my dual sport bike.
I not afraid of getting nicks and dings in the RV, I bought to use and abuse.

I'll have a indefinite amount of time to burn, just gotta make NW Montana before it snows this Fall.

WTF is up with these Aberts Squirrels they say inhabit the area?

My Border Collie is gonna go apeschit when he sees them, he loves to chase squirrels. Are they in abundance around the area?

It has been a couple of years since I was there but I've been in Kaibab a bit for climbing. It has a lot of limestone that has eroded from rushing water, so lots of inverts. Solid, great holds and a lot of them, a little loose, but a good place to practice climbing upside down.

As far as the roads go I remember them being pretty good around this time. Not much clay or silt so they drain well and dry out fast. Late April / early May is climbing season there for the few who do it, so I would expect the roads to be pretty easy.

As far as the squirrels go I remember seeing some but they aren't exactly dense. Most of the area is pretty sparse vegetation-wise so wildlife is spread around.

Lol, my uncles ears are like that.........

lolololololol

I would like a live squirrel like that for a pet.

One year in CO my uncle killed an elk in the evening and skinned and quartered it before heading to camp. The next day when he and another uncle returned to pack it out a big Aberts squirrel was up a tree by the gut pile just raising hell at them. Upon closer inspection the squirrel had dragged the elk’s pecker out of the gut pile and up the tree where he was chewing on it. They’ve since been referred to as dick eating squirrels by our hunting party.

Otherwise I don’t have much to add other than to say that the Kiabab is some beautiful country. Hope you enjoy your trip.

Kaibab Squirrels, Black on the north rim and gray on the south. Or is it the other way round.?

Roads up there are always pretty rough but should be passable. It’s some awesome country for sure!

Odd looking tree rat.

Ive got Aberts around my house in the Eastern White mtns of AZ. Drive my dog crazy.

You may want to check on forest restrictions as it is unusually very dry and where I live in the Apache Natl Forest they have already started Stage 1 fire restrictions. As long as youre in a designated campground youll probably be ok but I expect forest closures early this summer due to the drought.

Hey now son, I resemble that remark 🤔

When you are at the Jacob Lake Inn. You can see an old rifle hanging on a rack in the office behind the registration desk. I believe it’s an old savage lever action.

If I remember the story correctly it has a history associated with the place. A guy that worked there years ago owned it. I was told that there was an accidental discharge in the lodge and a new hole was added.

Beautiful country. I’d like to go back soon. Enjoy your summer!

I'll stick my head in the door just to check out the gun.

Thanks for the replies, I'm taking notes....

How about boat rental on Lake Powell?
Anyone here know of a legitimate reasonable source?

I'll warn my dog, he's reading over my shoulder anyway.

Regarding Lake Powell. Yes they have boat rentals.
https://www.lakepowell.com/marinas/powerboat-watercraft-rentals/

If you are going to visit this Lake you must explore some. Lots of side canyons worth seeing. Rainbow bridge may be worth seeing but it generally a magnet for all who visit the lake. With the water low there will be a 1 1/4 mile hike to get to it.

IMO the best way to get the feel for Powell is to camp somewhere near Dangling Rope marina in one of the many side canyons. Stripers and smallmouth bass and the occasional largemouth and walleye can be caught. You can troll and will usually pic up a striper from time to time.

There are some good books on this lake that will tell you where to see cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and even dinosaur tracks. I like the boater's guide to Lake Powell.



Good luck on your adventure going north!

Is there much for camping opportunities near the water without a boat?

expect fire bans as mentioned as with all the west

Big fire went through Jacob's Lake last summer

Have fun, Jeff!

We'll try our best..

Saw the damage going to the north rim. Wasn’t sure when the fire had been.