While not a very spectacular hike in and of itself, the lower part of the Jacobs Ladder Trail provides access to great vantage points for viewing the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys. At one time much of this area was opened to motorized vehicles, but it is now closed due to initiatives passed by the city councils of Alpine and Draper to protect the environment. Today it serves as a popular destination for mountain bikers and for hikers heading to Lone Peak. Based on the topographic map, Jacobs Ladder is a series of rock outcroppings that extend approximately one-half mile along the Utah County side of the ridge below Lone Rock. Since the trail traverses the top of the ridgeline, it is very easy to hike past these formations without realizing that they are even there. During the summer months this hike is best done in the cooler times of the day since it has southerly and westerly facing slopes with little or no shade.
The Jacobs Ladder Trailhead is located along the Corner Canyon dirt road that begins near the Orson Smith Trailhead in Draper. To reach the Orson Smith Trailhead from I-15, take the 12300 South exit (Exit 291) and turn east towards Draper along 12300 South (SR 71). At about 2.0 miles turn right (southward) onto 1300 East for approximately 0.2 miles to the roundabout, and then follow it to head east on Pioneer Road (3rd exit). One mile east of the roundabout, turn right (south) at the stop sign onto 2000 East and follow it approximately 0.3 miles to reach the Orson Smith Trailhead on the left (east) side of the street. This area can also be reached from Wasatch Boulevard by turning left (south) onto 1700 East, which turns into the Draper Parkway, and then turning left (southward) again onto 1300 East. Upon turning into the trailhead parking, take the dirt road immediately to the right (south) and follow it approximately 2.6 miles past the opened gate to an upper parking area with restrooms. If the gate is closed and locked, it will be necessary to hike this distance on foot.
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Jacobs Ladder Trailhead sign along the
northeast side of Corner Canyon Road |
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View looking west from Lone Rock along
the formations known as Jacobs Ladder |
For about the first 0.6 miles the trail switchbacks up a hill to an old unimproved road with a directional sign. A possible connection trail to the Movie Rocks forks to the left (north) just over 0.1 miles into the hike, but I have never actually followed it to find out. The unimproved road from the directional sign is basically followed the remaining distance to Lone Rock, which altogether is approximately 2.0 miles one-way from the upper parking lot. Elevation gain from the upper parking lot to Lone Rock is about 1,200 feet. Remember to take occasional deviations to the right (south) near Lone Rock if you desire to look at the actual Jacobs Ladder rock formations. For those desiring a more challenging hike, the trail makes a steep 900-foot climb beyond Lone Rock to Resting Rock. Resting Rock is not an official name of this formation, but merely a name I refer to as a midway resting point during the steep ascent up Draper Ridge. The elevation of Resting Rock is 7,820 feet and the distance is 0.7 miles beyond the Lone Rock formation. Just beyond Lone Rock at the bottom of the steep section, another trail leading to the Second Hamongog forks to the right (east).
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View looking northeastward towards
Lone Peak from Resting Rock |
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South end of the Salt Lake Valley
from Resting Rock |
