Living & Working in Great Places
North Rim Observations
I'll try to post an occasional update of condidtions in the area, from the AZ Strip right now, but at the Rim when I get there (web access permitting).
In general, the road up to Jacobn Lake (SR 89a) is cear and dry. AZ DOT restriped the surface this past week, so they obviously think most of the weather is over for the season.
As I mentioned in my travel blog, if you have never been in this area, the road (89a) is long and straight coming from either direction until you reach the Kaibab Forest Plateau when it turns windy for the final few miles to Jacob Lake. At Jacob Lake SR67 heads south to the North Rim. This is the road that is closed until DOT gets out to clear it. I have not been down it, but the last I heard there were several trees blocking it about 7 miles down. These, and the snow filled cuts are what AZDOT will clear to get the road open.
Approaching Jacob Lake from either side on 89a there are scenic pullouts as you ascend up into the forest. There are soe great views from here, and I recommend a brief stop whichever way you approach. On the west side is a long view across the AZ Strip and Vermillion Cliffs (red and white rock layers) and south to Mt Trumball and the Grand Canyon. On the East is a view across House rock Valley and the Vermillion cliffs, and Marble Canyon and the Echo Cliffs to the south.
The road rises from around 5000'at the base of the ascent up into the forest to almost 8000' at Jacob Lake, then SR 67 rises almost another 1000' on the southbound drive to the Rim, and drops back to just about 8200 at North Rim. There is a gas station and convenience store at Jacob Lake. Gas is about 10 - 15 c higher there than in the other towns you will pass through on the approach though.
In general, the road up to Jacobn Lake (SR 89a) is cear and dry. AZ DOT restriped the surface this past week, so they obviously think most of the weather is over for the season.
As I mentioned in my travel blog, if you have never been in this area, the road (89a) is long and straight coming from either direction until you reach the Kaibab Forest Plateau when it turns windy for the final few miles to Jacob Lake. At Jacob Lake SR67 heads south to the North Rim. This is the road that is closed until DOT gets out to clear it. I have not been down it, but the last I heard there were several trees blocking it about 7 miles down. These, and the snow filled cuts are what AZDOT will clear to get the road open.
Approaching Jacob Lake from either side on 89a there are scenic pullouts as you ascend up into the forest. There are soe great views from here, and I recommend a brief stop whichever way you approach. On the west side is a long view across the AZ Strip and Vermillion Cliffs (red and white rock layers) and south to Mt Trumball and the Grand Canyon. On the East is a view across House rock Valley and the Vermillion cliffs, and Marble Canyon and the Echo Cliffs to the south.
The road rises from around 5000'at the base of the ascent up into the forest to almost 8000' at Jacob Lake, then SR 67 rises almost another 1000' on the southbound drive to the Rim, and drops back to just about 8200 at North Rim. There is a gas station and convenience store at Jacob Lake. Gas is about 10 - 15 c higher there than in the other towns you will pass through on the approach though.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Janette on -
4/4/09
Two weeks ago the western side of the plateau was snow free, in the past week, and again yesterday we have had fresh snowfalls. The snow on the west facing slopes mainly disappears within a day. Yesterday's snow had almost vanished this evening, but on the north facing slopes there is still evidence of snow. The road south from Jacob Lake, as it ascends to the high point at 8800' is predominantly north facing and assumably this is where the main accumulations that have to be cleared by DOT are.
Right now it is bright and clear, but only marginally above freezing at 4900' (my elevation). I would guess that it is around freezing, even during the warmest part of the day at the 8000'+ mark.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Thomason on -
Hi Janette. Thank you for posting these notes on the conditions. I am planning to leave Minnesota no later than 4/11. I will be talking to Daisy on 4/8 to detemine an arrival date for me. I am excited to start at the NR and to meet all of you in person after passing notes back and forth.
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Permalink Reply by Janette on
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A quick update. We've had a couple of warm days, and the snow seems to be melting on the north side of Mt Trumball, which is about the same height as North Rim, so maybe good news. The recent snow appears to be gone from the west side of the Kaibab plateau also (haven't been up there this week, but can't see any white from here).
Gas prices appear to have gone up 20-25c in Kanab, so assumably elsewhere also. Current price in Kanab is $2.10 - $2.15.
I heard the other day from a Ranger that he had driven the road to the NPS gate, but didn't get a chance to question him further.
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