Buffalo Ranch to Grand Canyon North Rim

Buffalo Ranch to Grand Canyon North Rim is an approachable 20.6-mile offroad route perfect for drivers seeking a scenic desert journey ending at a remote canyon viewpoint. Starting off US Highway 89A near Emmett Hill, the trail begins as a mostly maintained dirt road that winds south through open desert terrain, with elevations ranging from 4,910 to 5,570 feet. While the initial sections are straightforward and easy, drivers will encounter a patch of deep sand that can easily bog down lower-clearance vehicles, a high-clearance 4x4 is recommended. The route offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding Kaibab National Forest area and the distant cliffs of the Arizona Strip as it gently climbs and descends across the high-desert plateau. As the trail transitions onto BLM Road 237, the track narrows to a single-vehicle width. This segment becomes increasingly rocky, though it remains non-technical with a low technical rating of 2 under dry conditions. Drivers should be highly aware of weather forecasts, as multiple sections along the wash crossings are highly susceptible to flash flooding, which can render the route completely impassable. Dispersed camping options are available along the route on BLM land, providing excellent opportunities to extend the trip and experience the remote solitude of this scenic overlook.