Last updated: February 19, 2025
Place
Jones Hole Trail
NPS Photo/Dan Johnson
Quick Facts
Amenities
3 listed
Primitive Campsites, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead
Jones Hole Trail is a pleasant hike along a babbling brook in the bottom of a wide canyon with some shade. The trail is relatively level with a few ups and downs. The trail terminates at the Green River. Approximately 1½ miles down the trail from the fish hatchery are several panels of petroglyphs and pictographs known as Deluge Shelter. After two miles, the Island Park Trail intersects with the Jones Hole Trail at Ely Creek. A short walk up Island Park Trail takes you to a small waterfall.
Distance: 4¼ miles one-way / 8½ miles roundtrip. Not a loop. This does not include the side trip to Ely Creek Falls.
Elevation Change: Approximately 400 feet
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Trail: Out and back
Trailheads: US Fish & Wildlife Service Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, 47-mile drive on paved roads north of the Quarry Visitor Center. River users can access the trail north of Jones Hole #2 Camp
Good trout fishing is available in Jones Hole Creek. A Utah fishing license is required.
A designated backcountry camping site is available near the confluence of Ely Creek and Jones Hole Creek and requires advanced reservations and a permit. The Jones Hole River campsites are reserved for boaters during the high-use season. They can be used by backcountry campers during low-use season with a backcountry permit.
Distance: 4¼ miles one-way / 8½ miles roundtrip. Not a loop. This does not include the side trip to Ely Creek Falls.
Elevation Change: Approximately 400 feet
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Trail: Out and back
Trailheads: US Fish & Wildlife Service Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, 47-mile drive on paved roads north of the Quarry Visitor Center. River users can access the trail north of Jones Hole #2 Camp
Good trout fishing is available in Jones Hole Creek. A Utah fishing license is required.
A designated backcountry camping site is available near the confluence of Ely Creek and Jones Hole Creek and requires advanced reservations and a permit. The Jones Hole River campsites are reserved for boaters during the high-use season. They can be used by backcountry campers during low-use season with a backcountry permit.
Rules and Regulations
- Pets are not allowed on this trail or in the backcountry.
- Carry out all trash.
- Collecting artifacts, fossils, plants, or other objects is prohibited.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping. Camping is only permitted at the Ely Creek Campsite (reservations required) or Jones Hole River Camps during the low-use river season. Camping at the Jones Hole River Camps is not permitted during high-use river season.
Your Safety
- Be prepared for desert hiking: Take a hat, sunscreen, and water. A minimum of 2 quarts of water per person is recommended in the summer.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back, especially if hiking in a remote area.
- Wear comfortable shoes, such as hiking boots or athletic shoes. Open-toed shoes are not recommended.
- The area is frequented by wildlife including black bears and mountain lions. Keep children close.