Last updated: June 23, 2022
Place
Island Park Trail
NPS Photo/Dan Johnson
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead
This hike takes you through a diversity of scenery, including the multi-hued panorama of Island Park, grasslands, desert shrub community, and sandstone canyons. The Island Park Trail connects the Jones Hole Trail with the Island Park area. It follows the historic route that rangers used to access the Jones Hole area prior to the construction of Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery and its access road.
Approximately midway along the route, the trail leaves the monument and crosses land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for several miles. The trail receives minimal maintenance and may be faint or hard to follow in places. Route finding skills and the ability to use a map and compass are important if you plan to hike this trail.
A detour down Sage Creek will take you to the dramatic upturned rock layers of the Island Park Fault. Hikers will need to plan on hiking the trail to return to their start point or arrange vehicle shuttles. This is not a loop trail.
Length: 8 miles one way between Ruple Ranch and the junction with the Jones Hole Trail at Ely Creek. If you hike from the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery all the way to Ruple Ranch, the length will be 10 miles one way.
Level of Difficulty: Difficult. Trail may be tough to follow in some areas. Route finding may be necessary. Portions are steep and rocky. Other areas pass through grasslands with no shade.
Trailhead Location: You can access the trail from either the Jones Hole Trail at Ely Creek or Ruple Ranch. The trail is easier to follow going from Jones Hole to Ruple. If you start from Ruple Ranch, park near the historic corrals and follow an overgrown road/trail northeast towards the low hills. A rock cairn at the foot of one of the hills marks the trail.
Your Safety: Be prepared for desert hiking. Take a hat, sunscreen, and water. Let someone know where you are going, and when to expect you back. Wear comfortable shoes, such as hiking or athletic shoes. Use caution near cliffs! The trail passes through grasslands where there is no shade. This is mountain lion and bear country. Keep children close. Store food properly.
Rules and Regulations:
Approximately midway along the route, the trail leaves the monument and crosses land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for several miles. The trail receives minimal maintenance and may be faint or hard to follow in places. Route finding skills and the ability to use a map and compass are important if you plan to hike this trail.
A detour down Sage Creek will take you to the dramatic upturned rock layers of the Island Park Fault. Hikers will need to plan on hiking the trail to return to their start point or arrange vehicle shuttles. This is not a loop trail.
Length: 8 miles one way between Ruple Ranch and the junction with the Jones Hole Trail at Ely Creek. If you hike from the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery all the way to Ruple Ranch, the length will be 10 miles one way.
Level of Difficulty: Difficult. Trail may be tough to follow in some areas. Route finding may be necessary. Portions are steep and rocky. Other areas pass through grasslands with no shade.
Trailhead Location: You can access the trail from either the Jones Hole Trail at Ely Creek or Ruple Ranch. The trail is easier to follow going from Jones Hole to Ruple. If you start from Ruple Ranch, park near the historic corrals and follow an overgrown road/trail northeast towards the low hills. A rock cairn at the foot of one of the hills marks the trail.
Your Safety: Be prepared for desert hiking. Take a hat, sunscreen, and water. Let someone know where you are going, and when to expect you back. Wear comfortable shoes, such as hiking or athletic shoes. Use caution near cliffs! The trail passes through grasslands where there is no shade. This is mountain lion and bear country. Keep children close. Store food properly.
Rules and Regulations:
- Pets are not allowed on this trail or other areas 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 is not permitted on this trail.
- Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping in the monument's backcountry.