Reaching the North Bass trailhead at Swamp Point can be a challenge.  The total distance is just over 20 miles and takes about one hour if no trees are down across the road.  We had three downed trees when we drove there in October, 2010.  Presumably, conditions would be much more harsh in the spring time.  To get there from the Kaibab Lodge on Highway 67, do the following:

• From the Kaibab Lodge entrance, go south on Highway 67 approximately 1.0 miles and turn right on Forest Road 422.

• Drive generally west on FR 422 for approximately 2.2 miles and turn left on FR 270.  There should be a sign at the intersection showing the correct route.

• Drive generally south on FR 270 for approximately 2.3 miles and turn right on FR 223.

• Drive generally west on FR 223 for approximately 5.8 miles and turn left on FR 268B.

• FR 268B initially heads to the southeast for a short distance.  In 0.3 miles, there is a fork in the road, so be sure you take the left fork (FR 268B), which will loop around and then generally go west after that.  The road gets a little rougher in a mile or so when you leave the Forest Service maintenance and enter the National Park.  It is approximately 9.3 miles from the point you turned onto FR 268B until you reach Swamp Point.  I had no problem with the road when I went out there again in my family car in October, 2011.

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