Hiking & Biking

Jordanelle State Park's main trail is the Perimeter Trail, a non-motorized route of 15.5 miles one-way on Utah State Parks' trail map that links all three areas: Crandall Point near Hailstone, Ross Creek and Rock Cliff. It's open to hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. For shorter outings, Ross Creek has two loops under two miles, and Rock Cliff has the 0.7-mile Three Rocks Trail and boardwalks to the Provo River. All trails are non-motorized, and day-use fees apply at each trailhead.

Perimeter Trail

The Perimeter Trail runs along the reservoir from Crandall Point, near Hailstone, past Ross Creek to Rock Cliff, 15.5 miles one-way on the park brochure's map. The Hailstone boat ramp area is also a trailhead for it. Utah State Parks rates its sections from easy to difficult on that map, so you can pick a short out-and-back from any trailhead instead of doing the whole thing. It's shared by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed. Practice trail courtesy.

Trailheads

• Hailstone and Crandall Point: one end, off US-40 (Hailstone).
• Ross Creek: the middle, off SR-248, with parking, vault toilets and hitching posts (Ross Creek).
• Rock Cliff: the east end, off SR-32 near Kamas (Rock Cliff).

Ross Creek Loops

• Wada Way: a 1.85-mile loop for hiking or biking.
• Keetley Loop: a 1.69-mile loop for hiking or biking.

Both start at the Ross Creek trailhead and suit a quick ride or walk when you don't want the full Perimeter Trail.

Rock Cliff: Three Rocks and the Boardwalks

• Three Rocks Trail: 0.7 mile round trip with a 150-foot elevation change and views over Rock Cliff.
• Boardwalks: elevated boardwalks and maintained trails cross the sage uplands and wetlands to a view of the Provo River entering the reservoir, and on to the Nature Center.

Utah State Parks says mule deer, elk and moose graze along the river at Rock Cliff, so keep your distance (Rock Cliff).

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: mountain bikers who want a long point-to-point ride (Perimeter Trail); families who want a short, easy walk (Rock Cliff boardwalks); a short climb with a view (Three Rocks); horseback riders (all trails, with hitching posts at Ross Creek).

Maybe skip if: you want a summit hike with big elevation. The Perimeter Trail follows the reservoir, and the only elevation figure Utah State Parks publishes is Three Rocks' 150 feet. If you came for the water instead, see Swimming & Beach or Boating.

Trail Rules

• All trails are non-motorized; Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are the exception. OHVs are prohibited in the park.
• Stay on designated trails; it's unlawful to create your own.
• Dogs must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter and cleaned up after (Rules).
• All plants, animals, minerals and natural features are protected.

Winter

Trails stay open for winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Rock Cliff Nature Center rents snowshoes in child to adult sizes (Plan Your Visit).