May 27, 2003

I first discovered the Jacob Lake area, up on the Kaibab Plateau, when I was doing field work in Central Nevada in 1980. I had volunteered to drive a company truck down to Tucson (where I lived at the time) and cut across Utah and northern Arizona to view some new territory. I had dinner at the cafe and stayed a night in the Inn there, at the junction of Alt 89 and 67, the road to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. As you might expect, during certain parts of the year, the area is a hub for tourists. I came through in the fall, so there wasn't much congestion. It was at that time that I noticed the attractive Forest Service campground on the other side of Alt 89. It is in the Kaibab National Forest.

I have camped there several times since, in several different spots. My experiences there have always been positive and comfortable. I believe 1996 was the last time I spent the night there. Anne and I, and her sister Janine, threw up a late camp just for one night. We had backpacked across the Grand Canyon with the original intent of hiking back. But an injury to one member of our larger party, and a scorpion sting to my left leg (on the first night of the trip) left us tired and mentally drained and so we canned the return hike in favor of a shuttle ride around. Of course we were not able to rearrange our cabin reservations on the north side, the park campground was full (as is usually the case), and so we drove the 60 some miles back north to Jacob Lake.

We were fortunate that the campground was mostly empty. We pitched our tents and completed setting up our meager camp at about 9:00 p.m. and hightailed it across the road to get some dinner, only to find that the cafe closes at 9:00. We ate trail food and drank Gatorade for our evening meal and called it a day.

The campground, sitting at about 7,900 feet above sea-level, is mostly shady, beneath tall Ponderosa pine. I remember the wonderful pine scent, especially in the damp morning air. We have also heard and seen hummingbirds in the area, as well as the normal variety of jays, ravens, and other smaller birds.

There are modern flush toilets, fresh drinking water, a Campground Host (for at least part of the year), paved roads, and mostly level sites. The campground is mostly flat, but there are some hilly areas with camp sites along the slopes.

We have always had a campfire in the fire pits, and wood was available for purchase from the Campground Host, but I suspect that, with the recent dry years and the number of forest fires here in the west, campfires are probably prohibited at this time.

I don't recollect what the overnight fees have been, but I don't remember them as being exceptionally high. I would imagine they reflect the current rate charged at most Forest Service campgrounds.

A fairly new and very attractive Forest Service office, with exhibits, is right near the junction of the two roads. There are maps and books available, and the Forest Service personnel are always helpful and willing to answer your questions and give advice on good hiking trails and other activities in the forest.

Sunday, September 5, 2004

We stopped in Jacob Lake to buy ice at the Chevron gas station. We also looked for boot laces, since I’d busted both of mine the day before, but no luck. From there we took Alternate 89A north.

9:00 a.m.
We stopped at the LaFevre Overlook, just a few miles to the north of Jacob Lake, to view the Grand Staircase of northern Arizona and southern Utah. The color, expanses, and dome of the sky are quite impressive there. We drove on through Fredonia and entered Utah once again.