If you’re hunting for Jacob Lake in Utah, prepare for a small surprise: the Jacob Lake you seek is nestled not in Utah but in Arizona. Although modest in size, this unincorporated community pulses with life on the Kaibab Plateau in Coconino County. Jacob Lake, Arizona, delights visitors as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” thanks to its prime positioning at the crossroads of U.S. Route 89A and State Route 67. This is the sole paved pathway leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Jacob Lake’s name honors the Mormon explorer Jacob Hamblin. It presents a compelling mix of breathtaking natural scenery, thrilling outdoor activities, and the inviting warmth of its local community. It is an essential stop for anyone venturing to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
All Roads Lead Here: The Gateway to the North Rim of The Grand Canyon
Strategic Location for Grand Canyon Adventures
Jacob Lake is an indispensable gateway to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Positioned at the crossroads of Highway 89A and Highway 67, it stands as the final significant stop before the North Rim, establishing itself as a pivotal base for adventurers.
Its strategic positioning offers travelers straightforward access to the Grand Canyon National Park, an hour’s drive away. Highway 67, the sole paved route to the North Rim, operates seasonally from May 15th until the arrival of the first snowfall or December 1st, underlining the critical role of Jacob Lake in enabling adventures into the Grand Canyon.
A Brief History of Jacob Lake as a Travel Hub
Jacob Lake’s origins as a travel hub date back to the early 20th century, marking its establishment as an essential stop for those journeying to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. The Jacob Lake Inn, founded in 1923 by Harold and Nina Bowman, initially served as a gas station and inn for Grand Canyon visitors. Following a highway realignment in 1929, the inn was moved to its present location, where it has thrived as a family-operated establishment.
For nearly a century, this historic inn has been a linchpin of Jacob Lake, offering vital services and amenities to travelers. The area’s evolution into a travel hub was further propelled by the creation of the Kaibab National Forest and the construction of additional facilities, such as campgrounds and visitor centers, bolstering its status as a premier gateway to the Grand Canyon.
Why Jacob Lake Is A Must-Visit
Unique Natural Beauty and Serenity
Jacob Lake boasts a unique and serene natural environment, making it an irresistible destination for nature enthusiasts. Nestled on the Kaibab Plateau, it is surrounded by lush Ponderosa and Pinyon Pine forests, offering a peaceful and picturesque backdrop.
At an elevation of over 7,900 feet, Jacob Lake provides a calm and pleasant climate, perfect for escaping the summer heat of the lower deserts. The adjacent Kaibab National Forest, home to diverse wildlife, including the unique Kaibab squirrel and the intermittent presence of a small lake, further enriches the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Gateway to Lesser-Known Grand Canyon Views
As a portal to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Jacob Lake offers access to a distinct and typically less crowded viewing experience. The North Rim, reached via Highway 67 from Jacob Lake, showcases a more colorful and tranquil landscape, where red rocks and green foliage merge to create a stunning vista. Visitors can partake in hiking, mule rides, or relax at the Grand Canyon Lodge, enjoying the awe-inspiring views from the Roughrider Saloon or the lodge’s deck.
The North Rim’s peaceful atmosphere is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon in a more intimate setting.
Experiencing the Great Outdoors
Hiking Trails and Outdoor Activities
Jacob Lake and its surrounding areas are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering various activities for all interests and skill levels. The Ceballos Trail, a highlight for hikers, stretches 5.2 miles through serene forests, providing a tranquil setting for those looking to escape into nature and possibly spot deer along the way. While it may lack dramatic vistas, its peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for a deep forest immersion.
But hiking is just the start. Climbers can challenge themselves by ascending the fire tower for breathtaking panoramic views. The Kaibab National Forest is a treasure trove of wilderness, including the Kanab Creek Wilderness, Saddle Mountain Wilderness, and more, offering countless trails for hiking, horseback riding, and exploration.
A bit further afield, the stunning Vermillion Cliffs are within reach. These cliffside drives and hikes offer dramatic views of an extraordinary landscape. This area is also known for sightings of the majestic California Condors, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Viewing Wildlife: The Kaibab Squirrel and Beyond
The Kaibab Plateau surrounding Jacob Lake is a hotspot for wildlife, boasting a diversity of species. Among its most famous residents is the Kaibab squirrel, unique to this area with its distinctive black belly, white tail, and tufted ears. The squirrel plays a vital role in the local ponderosa pine forest ecosystem.
The broader Kaibab National Forest is home to an impressive array of wildlife, from Coues white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and wild turkey to the more elusive cougars, bobcats, and black bears. The forest is also a sanctuary for bison, introduced in the early 20th century, and a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting species like bluebirds, robins, Steller’s jays, nuthatches, and various hummingbirds, hawks, and ravens.
For the best wildlife viewing opportunities, venture out in the early morning or late afternoon, when many of these animals are most active.
Lodging Options at Jacob Lake
Convenient and Affordable RV Camping
For those who prefer the comfort of their mobile accommodations, the vicinity of Jacob Lake provides convenient and cost-effective RV camping choices. While the main RV camping facilities are located not in Jacob Lake but in Fredonia, Arizona, they offer a perfect launching point for those exploring the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Among these, Country Rose RV Park in Fredonia is a favored spot for RV camping enthusiasts.
Positioned strategically on Highway 89A, Country Rose RV Park offers easy access and a central hub for the myriad attractions within the Grand Circle of National Parks. The park has various amenities to enhance the camping experience, including full hookups, pull-through sites, Wi-Fi, laundry services, and a dump station. Campers can also enjoy clean, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, hot showers, a dog park, and communal areas featuring grass, BBQ grills, and picnic tables.
With the capacity to host everything from tents to class A motorhomes, Country Rose RV Park ensures a comfortable and convenient stay for all campers. Its proximity to Jacob Lake and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, about a 47-mile journey, positions it as an excellent base for adventurers eager to delve into the region’s natural beauty without forgoing the comforts and amenities of home.
This arrangement allows visitors to bask in the serenity of the Kaibab National Forest and the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon while having a dependable and well-appointed home base to return to after a day of exploration.
Dining and Local Delights
The Famous Jacob Lake Inn: Shakes and Cookies
The Jacob Lake Inn stands out as a culinary beacon in the region. It is famous for its irresistible treats, which have become essential for visitors en route to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. A highlight of the inn is its selection of homemade cookies, including the celebrated Chocolate Parfait Cookies.
These cookies are delightfully thick, dense, and loaded with premium milk chocolate, making them an unmissable treat for anyone nearby. The magic in these cookies comes from the clever inclusion of yellow cake mix powder in the dough, imparting a distinctive texture and flavor. In addition to the cookies, the Jacob Lake Inn is also known for its exceptionally thick milkshakes.
These milkshakes, the perfect complement to the cookies, are so generously sized that sharing is often recommended. The blend of a creamy milkshake with a warm, freshly baked cookie creates a memorable experience eagerly anticipated by many visitors, establishing the inn as a must-visit stop on the way to the Grand Canyon.
Other Local Culinary Offers
Apart from its renowned cookies and shakes, the Jacob Lake Inn also presents a variety of other culinary pleasures. Despite being the sole dining establishment in Jacob Lake, the inn’s restaurant offers an assortment of dishes to satisfy diverse palates. The cranberry cream cheese chicken sandwich and the salad with the house dressing stand out as favorites, frequently praised by patrons.
While the restaurant might not garner the same fame as the Inn’s Cookies and Shakes, it offers a convenient and dependable dining choice for those in the area. Nearby campgrounds provide the necessary facilities for visitors who prefer cooking their own meals.
A Navajo Taco food truck sometimes sets up outside the gas station, presenting a tasty and distinctive alternative to the inn’s offerings. The local food scene, though modest, prides itself on its homegrown appeal and the use of fresh ingredients, mirroring the rustic, natural backdrop of Jacob Lake.
Unforgettable Attractions Near Jacob Lake
Visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, accessible via Highway 67 from Jacob Lake, is an essential visit for anyone nearby. This area, less crowded and more serene than the South Rim, offers a distinct experience of the Grand Canyon.
A significant highlight is the Cape Royal Scenic Drive, a 23-mile journey across the Walhalla Plateau that showcases breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. The drive peaks at Cape Royal, providing one of the most comprehensive and stunning views available, surpassing many viewpoints on the North and South Rims.
The North Rim offers various hiking trails. The Bright Angel Point Trail offers a manageable 0.5-mile round-trip on a paved path and is famous for its dramatic canyon views at sunrise and sunset. More adventurous hikers can explore deeper into the canyon via trails like the North Kaibab Trail and the Thunder River Trail to Deer Creek Falls.
Mule rides present a unique perspective of the North Rim, ranging from a three-hour journey to Uncle Jim’s Point to a more challenging descent to Supai Tunnel. These guided tours offer a historical and immersive exploration of the Grand Canyon.
Other Nearby Natural and Historical Sites
Besides the Grand Canyon, several other natural and historical attractions near Jacob Lake are worth exploring. The Vermillion Cliffs, along Highway 89A, dazzle with their colorful rock formations and serve as a habitat for the California Condors, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center is a must-visit for insights into the area’s geology, history, and wildlife. It’s a hub for learning about the region’s cultural and natural heritage, including hiking trails, wildlife viewing spots, and historical landmarks.
For history and culture enthusiasts, the Jacob Lake Ranger Station, established in 1910, offers a peek into the area’s past. The surrounding forest is dotted with archaeological and historic sites, such as prehistoric rock art at Keyhole Sink and Laws Spring, accessible through guided hikes. Exploring historical trails like the Overland Trail and Beale Wagon Road provides a deeper appreciation of the region’s historical significance and its contribution to the development of the West.
Planning Your Trip to Jacob Lake
Best Times to Visit
When planning your trip to Jacob Lake, consider the best times to visit, as the area’s accessibility and activities are seasonal. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Jacob Lake, is typically open from May 15th to the first snow or December 1st. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with mild temperatures and clear roads.
During the summer months, Jacob Lake provides a calm and pleasant escape from the heat of the lower deserts, thanks to its elevation of over 7,900 feet above sea level. Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit, with the Aspen Groves scattered throughout the area displaying vibrant colors. In the winter, if there is sufficient snow, the area transforms into a winter wonderland, offering excellent opportunities for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
However, due to snow, some facilities and roads may be closed during this time, so it’s essential to check the current conditions before planning your trip.
Tips for First-time Visitors
Several tips can enhance the experience of first-time visitors to Jacob Lake. First, it is advisable to book accommodations and campsite reservations well in advance, especially during the peak summer months. The Jacob Lake Inn and the Jacob Lake Campground are popular choices and tend to fill up quickly.
Another important tip is to plan your itinerary according to various attractions’ opening hours and availability. For instance, the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center may have limited hours or be closed during certain times of the year. Checking the official websites or contacting the local park service can help you stay informed.
Additionally, be prepared for high elevations and potential weather changes. Bring layers of clothing, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, even during the summer. Packing essentials like sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during outdoor activities is also wise.
Finally, take advantage of the local resources and guides available. The Jacob Lake Inn and the visitor center often provide valuable information and tips from locals familiar with the area.
This can help you discover hidden gems and make the most of your visit to Jacob Lake and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Conclusion
The Unbeatable Combination of Nature, History, and Comfort
Jacob Lake in Arizona is the perfect entry point to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, boasting an unparalleled blend of scenic beauty, historical richness, and welcoming amenities. Situated in the stunning Kaibab Plateau, this enchanting town offers direct access to the Grand Canyon and various outdoor activities, including hiking, observing wildlife, and camping. Key attractions such as the Jacob Lake Inn, renowned for its delightful shakes and cookies, and the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center, known for its informative exhibits, are essential visits for any traveler.
Whether you’re captivated by the striking Vermillion Cliffs, the historical significance of the Jacob Lake Ranger Station, or the peaceful Ponderosa pine forests, Jacob Lake guarantees a memorable journey. Embark on your trip, delve into the natural and historical marvels of the region, and find out why Jacob Lake is a pivotal stop on the Grand Canyon exploration route.
