The Jardine Juniper Trail, an 11 mile (roundtrip) hike, leads you to the oldest living tree in Utah, a popular landmark of the Logan Canyon. The age of this Rocky Mountain juniper tree (hence the name of the trail) is estimated at over 1500 and up to 3000 years old, depending on the source.
The trail is used for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and horseback riding, and it offers great views of the Logan Canyon, the Cottonwood Canyon, and the Bear Lake Valley. It also has beautiful meadows, wildflowers, and fir and aspen groves. The colours in the fall are breathtaking too.
Starting altitude of the Jardine Juniper Trail is about 5350 feet, with peak altitude at the end of the ridge of 7200. So hiking the trail means a steady gradual elevation all the way, about 2000 feet gain. The trail is rated as moderate but if you can handle distance, I would say the hike is pretty easy.
You will eventually reach a junction with a sign “scenic way” to the right which offers views of the Logan Canyon and “shady way” to the left, a bit shorter and cooler, but still pleasant.
We took the scenic way on the way there and the shady way on the way back.
While we simply walked the trail, this is a great place to go trail running.
When you reach the top you will find a sign that says Juniper Tree with an arrow. Just follow the loop around the peak and you will eventually see the trail. It descends from the main trail using a series of short switchbacks. When you start seeing a huge, weird, old juniper tree, you will know you’ve made it. The spur trail only takes a few minutes to descend.
Special gear is not necessary for this hike, but it is helpful to bring some good hiking shoes, a hat or cap, breathable clothing, and a backpack with snacks and plenty of water.
I love my Lowa hiking shoes, they’re worth the investment. And Josh loves his Osprey backpack. For cold weather hiking, here’s some additional reading about clothing.
The Old Jardine Juniper Tree
The Old Jardine Juniper was named after William M. Jardine, who was US Secretary of Agriculture during the 1920s and was a graduate of the nearby Utah State Agricultural College in Logan City. The conservation corps has built a couple of benches near the tree and a trail register.
We hiked the Jardine Juniper Trail in the middle of the day in the middle of summer (July 16, 12:30pm). It was hot. At first, I didn’t think I was going to make it because of the heat but I soaked my hat in the cold water of the river near the beginning and again a few miles later, at the tiny “waterfall” we came across.
I poured the cold water over my head and soaked my hat again. It was like finding an oasis. If you can keep your brain cool, the body can handle the rest.
It’s a good idea to bring sunglasses to a hike to protect your eyes and to be able to see better when the sun is shining on you. But it’s best to pick the right ones for the activity. I personally prefer polarized, here are some of the best sunglasses for running and hiking.
Useful Info – Time, Distance, and Snakes
It took us 2 hours 45 minutes to get to the tree (with a couple water and shade breaks and lots of photo taking), and 2 hours to get back without taking breaks, but still taking photos. We brought lunch and ate it next to the weird old tree where they have installed some benches. Bring lots of water. We ran out on the way back.
The hike should take 5-6 hours.
Also, I didn’t read anywhere before the hike about snakes, and apparently there were lots. Rattlesnakes. Just a few minutes into our hike we heard two gun shots (small gun) and soon after we reached a family who had come across a rattlesnake and shot it.
Later, some mountain bikers on the way down also warned us of a rattlesnake in the shady area at the top. We didn’t come across any snakes, luckily, except for the dead one.
Getting there
In Logan, turn east on US-89 towards Logan Canyon (about 2 miles). After you enter the canyon, drive 10 miles. Watch for the Wood Camp Campground on your left. Go straight up the gravel road to the parking area 0.1 miles later.
Jardine Juniper Trail
Trail Number: 014
Trail Length: 5.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Wood Camp, 11 miles from Logan on Hwy 89—GPS: N41°47′800″ W111°38′700″
Elevation Start/Gain: 5400 feet/1870 feet
A New Life Wandering 
All worth it when you see something so ancient.
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Great feature photo!
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Sounds like a great hike Mani. Gorgeous scenery.
Alison
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