Trail Overview
FS 628 starts just south of the Jacob Lake Lodge off Highway 67 and serves as a point-to-point connector to several other trails in the area. This well-maintained dirt road runs through a mix of pine forest and natural grass, offering a smooth and easy drive. The trail connects to multiple routes on the east end, running parallel to Highway 89A, and intersects with NF205 and NF258. Dispersed camping is available throughout the area, making it a great base for exploring nearby trails.
History
This region sits on the Kaibab Plateau and has long been used as a travel corridor between northern Arizona and southern Utah. Routes like Highway 67 and nearby forest roads (including FS 628) developed from early access paths used for logging, grazing, and forest management throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. The surrounding Kaibab National Forest was heavily utilized for timber and cattle operations, which is why you’ll still see things like water tanks and wide, practical road layouts. Jacob Lake itself became an important waypoint for travelers heading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, especially after Highway 67 was established. Today, NF628 and similar roads mainly serve recreation—camping, off-roading, and access to the broader trail network—but they follow the same functional routes originally built for working the land.
You’re essentially driving a piece of old utility infrastructure that’s transitioned into modern-day adventure access.
