Jones Hole Scenic Backway

Jones Hole Scenic Drive

Jones Hole

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This route begins four miles east of Vernal, climbing 2,600 feet to Diamond Mountain Plateau. The scenic backway crosses a bench of Mancos Shale and then gives way to open sagebrush flats and grassy meadows. As the road climbs higher, groves of aspen and pine are home to large herds of Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk. From there it descends to Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery, dropping dramatically into a narrow, rugged canyon with spectacular colorful cliffs. Tours of the Hatchery are free. A very scenic trail with archeological sites and excellent fishing heads along the creek to its junction with the Green River.