Camp Jackson Trail (016)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Camp Jackson Trail is a winding doubletrack through a variety of terrain. There are a few steep and rocky sections that are a bit of a grind, but overall, this trail is a good option to get out for a ride and see some views.

The trail starts off of a well-maintained dirt road (0084) - you can park at a small trailhead about a half mile up the road that has a trail map and pit toilet. Keep an eye open for the trailhead which is marked with a large wooden sign. Watch out for the cattle guard crossing on the initial descent.

The trail heads down a doubletrack through a pine and oak forest, coming past a small meadow on the right-hand side. The doubletrack is smooth and rolling with only a couple potholes to watch out for. After this brief downhill, the trails starts what will be a long and steady (and sometimes annoying) climb. As you ride through the trees on the lower portion of the climb, be sure to glance to your right to see a series of interesting bluffs and rock formations, and to your left to see some views down the canyon.

At about 1.5 miles, you'll hit the steepest part of the climb - it is a lung and leg burner straight up a ridgeline, but don't despair, as every bit of elevation you gain will reward you with increasingly impressive views of South Peak to the east and open vistas down to Bear Ears to the southwest. This slope is very rocky and the soil underneath the rocks is slippery clay, so it may come down to a hike-a-bike especially if there has been any recent rain.

From the top of this ridge, the climb mellows out, and the trail starts to wind through some scrub oak tunnels and small groves of aspen. There are still a couple of rocky sections, but nothing to really impede you.

After all the climbing, you are in for a treat at the end of the ride, as the trail takes a sudden plunge into a beautiful grove of large aspens that are especially gorgeous in the fall. Enjoy this last half mile down through the aspens, before the trail pops out on another dirt road where you can choose to continue your ride or head back the way you came.