Trail Overview
Black Jump Road is an 8.2-mile out-and-back trail rated 3 of 10 located in Garfield County. The Black Jump Trail is a beautiful 4-WD trail that spurs from Poison Springs Road and terminates at the hiking trail leading to Happy Canyon. The trail has permanently been closed 2 miles from the hiking trailhead requiring those heading up to walk the remaining section of the road. The trail follows along the base of the Wingate cliffs, and above the Black Jump layer. Originally developed as a mining road to an old uranium mine. The road follows a cliff up to the Bert Mesa. The trail consists mostly of hard-packed dirt with small sections of rock. Generally, the trail is wide enough for a full-size 4WD pickup, but there are several narrow sections that would require good spotting. Happy Canyon is an impressive slot canyon on the east side of the Dirty Devil River. From the current trail end, it is roughly a 12-mile round trip to the canyon. The area is remote and the likelihood of meeting up with other travelers is unlikely. The nearest services are located in Hanksville and there is no cellular coverage in the area. If you are interested in a unique area to disperse camp and hike this one is a must.
Difficulty
Trail consisting of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces, mud holes possible, no steps higher than 12". 4WD may be required, aggressive tires are a plus.
