Scenic Drive

Locust and Fence Points
Grand Canyon North Rim

When you’re on the many dirt roads of the Kaibab Plateau, the closer you get to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the worse the roads usually become. Thankfully, that’s not the case with this 30-mile back-road adventure, which leads to two of the least-visited overlooks on the Canyon’s least-visited side. For most of the way, the roads to Locust Point and Fence Point are pleasant paths through the forest — and the dual payoffs are more than worth the distance.

The drive begins on State Route 67 just south of Kaibab Lodge and DeMotte Campground. From there, head west on Forest Road 22, a wide, smooth road that rolls into a forest of spruce, aspens and ponderosa pines. As the road winds uphill, it curves to the northwest, but within a couple of miles, the tall trees are replaced by much smaller versions. A Kaibab National Forest sign on the left explains that in 1958, “tornado-like winds” — possibly, one imagines, from a tornado — blew down 550 acres of trees here, necessitating a salvage timber sale to clear the downed trunks.

The giants return a mile or so later, and FR 22 meanders downhill through a thick forest with tall aspens and pines on both sides of the road. That continues until Mile 9.5, when you’ll cross a large meadow, Dry Park, before coming to a “T” intersection and turning left onto Forest Road 206, another easy dirt path. This road continues your mostly downhill course for 5 miles; then, at two successive “Y” intersections, bear right onto Forest Road 271 and immediately right again onto Forest Road 294, which will take you to Locust Point.

This road is a little narrower and rougher, but it’s easily managed in any SUV. Aspens dominate the scenery early on, but thick, orange-brown ponderosas take over later, as you approach the Canyon’s rim, and litter the roadway with pine cones. There are a handful of ruts in the road over the final 3 miles, so take it slow — especially because the pines’ shadows can make it hard to see potholes.

At Mile 22.3, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Canyon on the left; it’s less than a half-mile from there to the parking area for Locust Point, one of five overlooks connected by the Rainbow Rim Trail. You’ll cross that scenic hiking route on the short walk to the point, which offers views of Steamboat Mountain and down into a side canyon. If you can, try to time your arrival for late in the day, when the setting sun bathes the scene in red and orange hues.

You’ll now backtrack from the parking area to Forest Road 250, which is the only part of this route for which four-wheel-drive is recommended. If you have that, you’ll crawl through more spruce, aspens and ponderosas for about a mile on this steep, rocky road before turning left onto Forest Road 293; if you don’t, you can backtrack farther on FR 294 to where it intersects FR 293 itself. Either way, this final road, which leads to Fence Point, is similar in character to what you’ve already experienced: tall pines, no traffic and pleasant driving.

From the Fence Point parking area, you’ll have a slightly longer walk than you did at Locust Point, and while the view from an overlook about halfway down the path is spectacular, make sure you go all the way to the end for another uncommon perspective of the Canyon. The North Rim has plenty of those. But they aren’t all this easy to find.

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Tour Guide
Note: Mileages are approximate.

Length: 30 miles one way (from State Route 67)
Directions: From State Route 67 (the North Rim Parkway) just south of Kaibab Lodge and DeMotte Campground, go west on Forest Road 22 for 10.4 miles to a “T” intersection. Turn left, onto Forest Road 206, and continue 5 miles to a “Y” intersection. Bear right, onto Forest Road 271, then immediately right at another “Y” intersection, onto Forest Road 294, and continue 7.3 miles to the Locust Point parking area. From there, backtrack 2.8 miles on FR 294, turn left onto Forest Road 250 and continue 1.2 miles to Forest Road 293. Turn left onto FR 293 and continue 3.3 miles to the Fence Point parking area.
Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, is required. Four-wheel-drive is recommended for FR 250, but you can bypass that road by backtracking farther on FR 294 and taking FR 293 directly from there.
Warning: Back-road travel can be hazardous, so be aware of weather and road conditions. Carry plenty of water. Don’t travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Information: North Kaibab Ranger District, 928-643-7395 or fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Travelers in Arizona can visit www.az511.gov or dial 511 to get information on road closures, construction, delays, weather and more.