This is one of Utah's most-famous hikes. It ends at the 3,000-year-old Jardine Juniper tree. From the trailhead, you pass through sagebrush meadows. Then at 1.8 miles you reach switchbacks taking you up and over the first ridge. There will be another set of switchbacks up the final ridge. Near the top, at 3.7 miles, you reach a junction. The shady trail is shorter and keeps you out of the sun, while the scenic route gives you a long view of the Cache Valley.
Workers and researchers look at the Jardine Juniper, seen here in 2006. (Al Hartmann/The Salt Lake Tribune)
Directions: From Logan, take U.S. Highway 89 north for about 10 miles. The sign to
the trailhead is easy to miss from the highway, but the trailhead is on
the west side of the road.
Destination:
Jardine Juniper
Round trip miles:
8.8 miles - for shady route
Hiking time:
5 hours
Elevation gain:
1,637 feet
Difficulty:
Moderate
Dogs allowed:
Yes
Trailhead Restrooms:
Yes
Mountain biking:
Yes
Text by Nate Carlisle, graphic by Amy Lewis/The Salt Lake Tribune
