About Kaibab
Kaibab is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, located on the Kaibab-Paiute Indian Reservation. With a population of 140 as of the 2020 census, down from 152 in 2010, Kaibab is a small Native American community in the Arizona Strip, 40 miles south of Fredonia and 30 miles north of the Grand Canyon North Rim. Home to the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, it offers a unique cultural experience and serves as a gateway to nearby natural wonders.
History and Origins
The Kaibab-Paiute people have lived in the Arizona Strip for centuries, traditionally relying on hunting, gathering, and seasonal farming. The Kaibab-Paiute Indian Reservation was established in 1913, covering 120,413 acres, to protect their homeland. The community of Kaibab, centered around the tribal headquarters in Pipe Spring, grew as a hub for tribal governance and cultural preservation. The name “Kaibab” comes from a Paiute word meaning “mountain lying down,” referring to the Kaibab Plateau. The tribe has maintained its heritage while developing tourism, including a campground and visitor services, to share their culture.
Geography and Environment
Located at 36°54′59″N 112°40′47″W, Kaibab spans 165.5 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Situated in the Arizona Strip, it is bordered by the Kaibab Plateau to the south and the Vermilion Cliffs to the east, offering dramatic high-desert landscapes. The semi-arid climate features hot summers, cold winters, and minimal precipitation, with clear skies ideal for stargazing. The area has a low earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and occasional flash flood risks along washes, but its remote setting ensures excellent air quality.
Demographics and Economy
Kaibab has a median household income of approximately $32,000 and a median home value of $90,000, among the most affordable in Arizona. Housing consists mainly of tribal housing units, mobile homes, and small dwellings, with most residents renting or living in tribally provided homes. The median age is 34.2, with a population that is 85.7% Native American (Kaibab-Paiute), 10.7% White (Non-Hispanic), and 3.6% Hispanic. The economy is driven by tribal enterprises, including the Pipe Spring Campground and visitor services, with some residents working in Fredonia or Kanab, Utah (35 miles northeast). Tourism and federal grants support tribal programs.
Did You Know? Kaibab is home to Pipe Spring National Monument, a historic site preserving Paiute and Mormon pioneer heritage, featuring a fortified ranch house and cultural exhibits.
Education and Community Services
Kaibab is served by the Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District, with students attending Moccasin Elementary or Fredonia High School, 40 miles north. The tribe also operates educational programs, including cultural workshops. Emergency services are provided by the Kaibab-Paiute Tribal Police and a volunteer fire department, with the nearest medical facilities in St. George, Utah (60 miles northeast). The tribal headquarters offers a community center, clinic, and visitor services, while the Pipe Spring National Monument provides educational resources.
Recreation and Attractions
- Pipe Spring National Monument: Located in Kaibab, this site offers guided tours of a historic ranch, Paiute cultural exhibits, and a half-mile trail with scenic views.
- Grand Canyon North Rim: 30 miles south, accessible via Arizona State Route 389 and U.S. Route 89A, offering hiking, camping, and breathtaking vistas less crowded than the South Rim.
- Kaibab Plateau Trails: Nearby BLM and reservation lands provide hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer and eagles.
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: 50 miles east, featuring iconic rock formations like The Wave (permit required) and Paria Canyon for hiking and photography.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Kaibab offers a rural, culturally rich lifestyle with a population density of less than 1 person per square mile, centered around the Kaibab-Paiute community. The average commute to Fredonia or Kanab is 40–50 minutes, with many residents engaged in tribal activities or remote work. The community is tight-knit, with events like cultural festivals and powwows fostering unity. Its remote location and affordability appeal to those seeking a connection to Native American heritage and nature, though winter snow and limited amenities require self-sufficiency.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Kaibab via Arizona State Route 389 from Fredonia (40 miles north) or U.S. Route 89A from Jacob Lake (25 miles south). Visit Pipe Spring National Monument for history and culture, explore the Grand Canyon North Rim, or hike the Kaibab Plateau. The tribe’s campground offers rustic stays with reservation views. Nearby Fredonia provides basic amenities, while St. George, Utah, offers urban conveniences. For extended trips, Zion National Park is 80 miles northeast. Kaibab is a unique destination for cultural immersion and desert beauty.