Near Jacks & Notch Loop
Overview of the area.
Near Jacks & Notch Loop
Sea of sage.
Near Jacks & Notch Loop
The start of Jack's Trail

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Jacks & Notch Loop

5.0 (1 Rating)
A classic after-work hike on the front side of Hartmans.
1.7
mi
Distance
396
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Geologically SignificantViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Observe seasonal closures, which are well-marked and signed in this parking area.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.72mi
Distance
396ft
Elevation Gain
382ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
8,049ft
High Point
7,695ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Starting at the front side base area, pass through the obvious opening in the railings near the bathroom building. Look for signs for Jack's Trail early in the braided trail network. Once you're on the established Jack's Trail, it is pretty easy navigation from there. Climb meandering switchbacks to the top of "Kill Hill" where you pass through a gate/cattle guard and merge with the road at the upper trailhead. Take a sharp left turn, southerly, heading along well worn paths behind the rock formations until you come to the intersection for The Notch Trail. This is a popular downhill mountain bike route, so keep your head on a swivel for them. There is ample room to move to the side and there are no blind corners, so as long as your earbuds aren't in, you'll have plenty of warning. Once you've descended away from the rock formations, take Swoosh back to the lot (or choose your own way down well worn trails, all of which end up at the base area parking lot). Also consider extending your adventure to descend Backbone instead of The Notch Trail. Both options are excellent.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Bambi's Sawtooth Lollipop Loop

Classic Hike Route

Bambi's Sawtooth Lollipop Loop

Birding
moderate
3.1 mi
+442 ft
Old Car Loop

Classic Hike Route

Old Car Loop

Views
moderate
1.95 mi
+265 ft
Van Tuyl Loop

Classic Hike Route

Van Tuyl Loop

Birding
easy
3.08 mi
+30 ft
Beaver Creek Trail Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Beaver Creek Trail Out and Back

Lake
moderate
4.89 mi
+791 ft
Storm Pass Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Storm Pass Out and Back

River/Creek
strenuous
15.97 mi
+4,100 ft
Lion Gulch Trail Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Lion Gulch Trail Out and Back

Less Crowded
strenuous
7.82 mi
+2,449 ft
Contributors
Andy Sovick