Jacobs Ladder

Overview

There was a time when the Jacobs Ladder route was THE main route on Lone Peak. In 2006 the Corner Canyon Gate closed for an indefinite time period therefore limiting access to the Corner Canyon Road and the lower portion of the Jacobs Ladder Route. As a result other trails like Big Willow and especially the Cherry Canyon Logging trail grew in popularity. Nonetheless, Jacobs Ladder trailhead is the highest trailhead for Lone Peak at 5,600 feet and remain popular. As of June 2007 the gate at Corner Canyon opened once again and should resume its seasonal opening going forward.

Note:
The upper portion of Jacobs Ladder from about 9,200 feet to the summit can still be accessed via the Cherry Canyon Logging Route. Follow the Cherry Canyon Route to 8,400 feet. At 8,400 feet the Cherry Canyon Logging trail levels a bit and contours east into Bear Canyon. Leave the main trail at 8,400 feet and do an ascending contour across open tundra to the southeast. It is open terrain and you will soon spot a trail that connects with the Jacobs Ladder route at 9,200 feet.

Getting There

The trailhead for Jacobs Ladder is accessed from the Corner Canyon Road (2000 E 12600 S) in Draper. The gate re-opened again in June of 2007. Follow Corner Canyon Road for 2.6 miles to 5,700 feet. The trailhead is now well-marked. The actual trail leaves from the east end of the parking area just before the gate.

Route Description

12.6 Miles Round-Trip
5,650 feet elevation gain

From the trailhead at 5,700 feet continue walking up the road a few yards to a trail on the left just before a gate. Take the trail and climb to a small ridge to the north at about 6,000 feet. Continue ascending along the ridge for a total of 1.8 miles to the east. The jeep road turns to a single track and the grade steepens noticeably at 7,000 feet.

There is a sign at this point and the Ghost Rock trail branches off to the east. Your route (left) continues straight up the hill. Climb steeply through brush and scrub oak. The trail follows the spur ridge known as Jacobs Ladder. You will reach a rocky area at 7,800 feet. The trail continues climbing offering a view of Lone Peak to the east up higher. Eventually, it joins the old Draper Ridge trail at 9,200 feet.

From the junction at 9,200 feet turn east. Cross a flat, meadow area known as "Cowboy Camp." The trail continues east gaining elevation slowly as it contours into the south end of the cirque west of Lone Peak. Cross the cirque to its north side. Aim for the low spot on the ridge. From here you can climb grassy ledges to reach an area at 10,700 feet north of Lone Peak's summit. Climb to the ridge proper at 11,000 feet and contour to the main ridge where the Class 3 scrambling begins. Scramble a short distance to reach the final summit blocks on Lone Peak.

Essential Gear

Sturdy legs and plenty of water.

External Links

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Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

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Dmitry Pruss - May 31, 2007 4:57 pm - Hasn't voted

Access to Jacobs Ladder

Last time I was there, I parked near the East end of the Traverse Mountain subdivisions and jogged across the flats to the East. An ATV / jeep trail follows EN along the rolling ridgeline, eventually merging onto the lower Jacob's (check Google satellite for a more up-to-date trail layout). The motorized guys access these parts - once in a while - from Alpine. I hope you can forgive me for not giving better driving directions :)

J Anderson - Jul 21, 2007 9:30 pm - Voted 8/10

Spur Ridges

Be sure to stay to the Southern Spur Ridge when the trail splits about two or three hundred feet up the road from the parking area. I made the mistake of proceeding up the Northern Ridge, which ascends much faster than the southern, and ended up in some thick scrub oak. I then had to bushwhack over to the correct trail.

utahjimk - Oct 2, 2023 8:56 am - Hasn't voted

2023: new starting point for Jacobs Ladder...

start from the Peak View trailhead, take Peak View trail for access to the new and improved Jacobs Ladder trail. The old parking area for the old start of the JL trail is not longer accessible by motor vehicles. The new trail has long switchbacks, which makes the ascent to Draper Ridge much more pleasant. The old trail had steep loose gravel sections and was pretty crappy.

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