Last updated: March 14, 2025
Thing to Do
Hike the Jones Hole Trail
NPS Photo / Jacob W. Frank
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) round trip. This does not include the side trip to Ely Creek Falls.
Elevation Change: Approximately 400 feet (122 meters)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Trail: Out and back, not a loop
Trailheads: Hikers can access the trail from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, 47 miles (75.6 km) on paved roads north of the Quarry Visitor Center on the Jensen, Utah, side of the monument. Rivergoers can access the trail north of the Jones Hole River Campsites.
Jones Hole Trail is a pleasant hike along a babbling brook in the bottom of a scenic canyon. The trail is relatively level with a few ups and downs. Even on hot days, there is plentiful shade. However, some sections of the trail are fully exposed to the sun. The trail ends at the Green River. Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) down the trail from the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, there are several panels of petroglyphs and pictographs at a site known as Deluge Shelter. After 2 miles (3.2 km), 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.
Hiking brochures are available at the Visitor Centers.
Fishing and Backcountry Camping:
Jones Hole Creek provides good trout fishing. A Utah State fishing license is required.
All overnight camping outside of a frontcountry campground requires a backcountry permit. The Ely Creek Backcountry Campsite is a designated backcountry campsite near the confluence of Ely Creek and Jones Hole Creek, which requires a reservation. The Jones Hole River Campsites at the end of the trail are reserved for boaters during the high-use river season. They can be used by backcountry campers only during low-use river season with a backcountry permit. To obtain a backcountry camping permit and/or make reservations for the Ely Creek Backcountry Campsite, contact the Information Desk at (435) 781-7700.
Elevation Change: Approximately 400 feet (122 meters)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Trail: Out and back, not a loop
Trailheads: Hikers can access the trail from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, 47 miles (75.6 km) on paved roads north of the Quarry Visitor Center on the Jensen, Utah, side of the monument. Rivergoers can access the trail north of the Jones Hole River Campsites.
Jones Hole Trail is a pleasant hike along a babbling brook in the bottom of a scenic canyon. The trail is relatively level with a few ups and downs. Even on hot days, there is plentiful shade. However, some sections of the trail are fully exposed to the sun. The trail ends at the Green River. Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) down the trail from the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, there are several panels of petroglyphs and pictographs at a site known as Deluge Shelter. After 2 miles (3.2 km), 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.
Hiking brochures are available at the Visitor Centers.
Fishing and Backcountry Camping:
Jones Hole Creek provides good trout fishing. A Utah State fishing license is required.
All overnight camping outside of a frontcountry campground requires a backcountry permit. The Ely Creek Backcountry Campsite is a designated backcountry campsite near the confluence of Ely Creek and Jones Hole Creek, which requires a reservation. The Jones Hole River Campsites at the end of the trail are reserved for boaters during the high-use river season. They can be used by backcountry campers only during low-use river season with a backcountry permit. To obtain a backcountry camping permit and/or make reservations for the Ely Creek Backcountry Campsite, contact the Information Desk at (435) 781-7700.
Rules and Regulations
- Pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on this trail, and in the monument's backcountry.
- Carry out all trash.
- Collecting artifacts, fossils, plants, antlers, rocks, or other objects is prohibited.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Biking on trails is not permitted in Dinosaur National Monument.
- Camping is only permitted at the Ely Creek Campsite (reservations required) or Jones Hole River Campsites (backcountry permit required) during the low-use river season. Only river rafters may camp at the Jones Hole River Campsites during the high-use river season.
Your Safety
- There is intermittent shade on this trail.
- Be prepared for desert hiking. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Take water. A minimum of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person is recommended in summer.
- Temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) in summer. To avoid the heat, hike in the morning or evening. Carry a headlamp if hiking near nightfall.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or athletic shoes. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not recommended.
- Watch for wildlife. This is bear and mountain lion country. Keep small children close.
- All natural areas pose risks. Your safety depends on your own good judgment.
Details
Duration
2-10 Hours
Activity
Backcountry Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on this trail and in the monument's backcountry. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, working service dogs may go wherever their handlers go.
Activity Fee
No
Visitors must pay the park entrance fee or show a valid pass at the Entrance Station or Quarry Visitor Center. There is no separate or additional fee for this activity.
Location
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Jones Hole Fish Hatchery
Hikers can access the trail from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, 47 miles (75.6 km) on paved roads north of the Quarry Visitor Center on the Jensen, Utah, side of the monument. Rivergoers can access the trail north of the Jones Hole River Campsites.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
This trail is not wheelchair accessible. The path is narrow and mostly made up of dirt interspersed with roots and rocks. There is a narrow log bridge that crosses the creek, and a few areas with stone stairs. Restrooms are available near the trailhead parking area at Jones Hole Fish Hatchery. Pit-toilets are available at the Ely Creek Backcountry Campsite, approximately 2.6 miles (1.6 km) one-way from the trailhead.
Jones Hole Trail
Map of Jones Hole Trail in Dinosaur National Monument