Kaibab National Forest

Plus a quick jaunt through the Grand Canyon National Park.

Getting Here

The road here took me through Grand Canyon. The weather wasn't great — a bit drizzly — so we only made a quick stop at a lookout. We kept driving so we could find a spot before dark. Once we had exited the park through the south, we entered into Kaibab National Forest. The forest roads are not well marked and when the main road is 55mph, a trail of cars behind you, and a heavy vehicle it's easy to miss the planned turn. We went further south than intended but it was probably for the best because there was less snow and therefore less mud. We finally turned onto the last road, drove past 5 or so other campers into a spot. We couldn't see or hear anyone else.

The Dog's Joy

Camping with no one else around (particularly no other dogs) is the best because my dog's get a bit more freedom to explore. They don't have the best recall so they are still leashed but on long 20' lines and I clip the ends of their leashes together so one can't venture off (looking at you Cookie!). Despite the shady spot I set up with my chair and dog beds, both of them only wanted to lay in the sun on the dirt.

Poor planning

I had only planned to sleep here for one night and was going to go back to the Grand Canyon in the morning with better weather. I enjoyed the solitude and the dogs were enjoying their sunbathing so we stayed a second night. We only left that second morning because we were going to need more water for the day. I also thought that heading to the park on a Monday would be less crowded than on a Sunday. Boy was I wrong. The line to the park was several miles long. While sitting here, I got a call from what would turn out to be my future boss to discuss the offer they would be extending to me. I pulled into a parking lot to take the call and when it was over, I drove south, away from the entrance and continued on our journey. This is definitely a place I will come back to.