Jumpup Point / F.R. 201
On one of our favorite trails in the entire state, drive from Jumpup Divide deep in the Kaibab National Forest to the incredible overlook where Jumpup Canyon meets the Grand Canyon. With numerous rough sections, steep drop-offs, and plenty of isolation, this trail is rewarding for those who go prepared.
Where to go:
This trail begins at Jumpup Divide (36.627358° -112.522270°) deep in the Kaibab National Forest. It will require taking one of three ways listed below to get to the start of the trail:
From Fredonia: Head east on Highway 89A for 1.5 miles. Turn right (south) onto F.R. 22/Ryan Road. Follow for 21 miles until the pavement ends. The dirt road makes several tight turns as it continues to the south and drops. Turn right after 1.7 miles onto F.R. 423 and follow it through a scenic canyon. Make an important left turn at the 3.0 mile mark to stay on F.R. 423 as it rapidly climbs. Make a hard right onto F.R. 235 at 4.9 miles to head west. Follow this for 12 miles as it passes through interesting and unique, bare rolling hills. Arrive at Jumpup Divide at 16.9 miles and 38 miles from Fredonia. The trail to Jumpup Point will be F.R. 201 which heads southwest from the 5-way intersection.
From Jacob Lake: Head south briefly on Highway 67. After 0.3 miles, turn right onto F.R. 461 and head west. After 4.6 miles, continue left to stay on F.R. 461. After an additional 4 miles, turn left onto the paved F.R. 22/Ryan Rd. Pavement ends as you head south. The dirt road makes several tight turns as it continues to the south and drops. Turn right after 1.7 miles onto F.R. 423 and follow it through a scenic canyon. Make an important left turn at the 3.0 mile mark to stay on F.R. 423 as it rapidly climbs. Make a hard right onto F.R. 235 at 4.9 miles to head west. Follow this for 12 miles as it passes through interesting and unique, bare rolling hills. Arrive at Jumpup Divide at 16.9 miles and 26 miles from Jacob Lake. The trail to Jumpup Point will be F.R. 201 which heads southwest from the 5-way intersection.
From North Rim Country Store: Head south briefly on Highway 67. After 0.9 miles, turn right onto F.R. 22 and head west. Follow the road for 20.5 miles. Expect washboards but generally smooth forest roads. Turn left onto F.R. 447 and follow west for 3.8 miles. At 24.3 miles, turn right onto F.R. 427 and briefly follow north. At 24.6 miles, turn left onto F.R. 234 and continue west for 8.5 miles. The road gets narrower and rougher in spots. At the intersection with F.R. 423 continue to the right. Jumpup Cabin is to the left at the end of the road. Continue north on F.R. 423 for 2.7 miles. You will arrive at Jumpup Divide at the 35.7 mile mark from the North Rim Country Store. The trail to Jumpup Point will be F.R. 201 which is a hard left turn going through the 5-way intersection.
Trail Description:
From Jumpup Divide, head southwest on Forest Road 201. The trail climbs briefly as it begins to head south. The trail surface remains fairly smooth at first, but this won’t last. Stay straight at 1.2 miles where F.R. 201A goes right. Shortly after the junction, the trail reaches a high point and begins to drop. The trail gets tighter – two track in some places – and several rocky sections will keep you going slow. Stay straight again at 2.7 miles.
The trail continues meandering across the plateau, up-and-down and back-and-forth across the top. Continue heading south where occasional small to moderate rock ledges will require careful tire placement. We found most of them to be downhill meaning that coming back is more difficult and may require 4-Low in spots. Stay left at a trail split at 7.0 miles. The trail hugs the east side of the plateau and the views continue to improve as you approach Jumpup Point. Things ease up as you approach the final mile where the views are the best. Note the interesting parasail launch platform off to the left at 9.8 miles.
The trail continues south until it deadends at the edge of the plateau, literally at the edge of the Grand Canyon, at 10.2 miles. Park at the small roundabout and be prepared for a jaw-dropping view. Use caution around the edge which of course, is unprotected. Although technically only a side canyon of the Grand Canyon, the view is nothing short of spectacular. The Colorado River is quite a ways south from the viewpoint. Because the road ends at this point, you have to return the way you came to Jumpup Divide. There are numerous other overlooks and forest roads to explore in the area. Consider renting or visiting Jumpup Cabin nearby and combining this trail with Fire Point Loop or Point Sublime to make a several day expedition.
Notes & Trail Ratings:
The trail from Jumpup Divide to Jumpup Point is moderately difficult. We’ve rated it a “6.5” out of “10”. High clearance required and 4WD strongly recommended. You are highly unlikely to see anyone else on the trail so travel with extra food, water, and emergency supplies should something go wrong. The roads leading from Fredonia and Jacob Lake to Jumpup Divide are mostly fast-moving forest roads. If you’re coming from the North Rim, things are slightly rougher and will require high-clearance. Allow 1-3 hours to do JUST the 20 mile roundtrip trail from Jumpup Divide. If you plan on starting and ending your trip on paved roads, you’ll be covering over 70 miles – allow for a full day.