Jones Whites Creek Loop + Church's Pond (Clockwise)

Look over at the elevation profile, you'll see a lot of elevation gain the first part of this loop hike. Consider adding waypoints and geo coords into your GPS that I include in this description.Restrooms with indoor plumbing nearby, however, I don't know if they are open or locked. Water spigots are nearby, however, I don't know if the spigots are open or shut off. Jones Creek TH to Jones Creek Xing - (N39deg 21.725' W119deg 51.976' );Elevation 6,515';' a gain of 225';0.5 miles - This Xing is bone dry, look for the trail sign, turn left and start hiking uphill.Jones Creek Xing to 1st of 6 switchbacks - 0.9 miles;Elevation gain: 651'#1 Switchback, up past #6 switchback to Overlook - (N39o 22.006' W119o 53.167') 1.4 miles;Elevation gain 951' - You'll be out of breath when you arrive at the overlook. Be sure to take photos of the breathtaking views and perhaps enjoy a nutrition break BEFORE deciding to proceed or turn around. This is a popular turn-around spot for many hikers.Overlook to Trail Junction/sign post - 120' and you'll be standing at the Trail Junction/sign post.Trail Junction/Sign Post to Church's Pond - (N39o 21.745' W119o53.685') Elevation 8,325', 0.7 miles to Church's Pond and another 0.7 miles back down to the Trail Junction/Sign Post. You'll gain 270' going to Church's Pond.Trail Junction/Sign Post and continuing down the trail on the Jones Whites Loop Trail to a Tributary Xing - (N39deg 22.172' W119deg 53.909') elevation: 7,525';you'll hike a distance of 1 mile. This portion of the trail is all downhill, a nice tree canopy all the way down to the Xing. After Xing the tributary, you'll have a scramble up a steep sandy soil slope that is about 40' high. Take your time and be sure of each foothold at which point you'll be back on the trail (see photo of this Tributary Xing). Further downstream, this tributary joins up with Whites Creek.Tributary Xing to Upper Whites Creek Xing - (N39deg 22.409' W119deg 54.129'), Elevation 7,520', 0.5 miles, very little change in elevation. This crossing used to have 4 logs across Whites Creek, they're gone, you'll have to look around and pick your own spot to cross.Upper Whites Creek Xing to Lower Whites Creek Xing - (N39deg 22.623' W119deg 52.837') - Elevation 6,960'. This will be a challenging stream to cross. A lot of water volume amd velocity, one slip into the water and you'll likely have your feet swept out from under you. Pick your crossing spot carefully and don't slip. You may want to toss some big rocks into the stream to help support your stepping stone Xing. 1.4 miles, you'll descend 602' on this part of the trail.Lower Whites Creek Xing to Trail Junction/Sign Post - (N39deg 22.726' W119deg 51.377');Elevation 6,342' - IF YOU MISS THIS TRAIL JUNCTION/SIGN POST and the trail that branches to the right and goes up, YOU'LL BE HIKING THE WRONG TRAIL.Trail Junction/Sign Post to where you top out at the Overlook - (N39deg 22.531' W119deg 51.204');hike a short distance of 0.3 miles and gain 152' elevation. Overlook to Y Jct trail sign - (N39deg 21.820' W119deg 51.734');Elevation: 6,408', hike 1.2 miles, descent 150'.Y Jct trail sign to Jones Creek Xing and continue on down the trail to Jones Creek Trailhead/Where you parked - 0.8 miles and descend 250'.