Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery

Jones Hole Creek Trail, Ely Creek Falls, & Ancient Petroglyphs

The Hatchery

The Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery is the starting point for most adventures in this corner of Dinosaur National Monument. Because the water comes from underground springs at a constant 54°F, it’s a reliable spot to see trout year-round.

What to do: You can walk the outdoor raceways to see Rainbow and Cutthroat trout at various stages of growth.
The Facility: It’s a quiet, shaded area with public restrooms and picnic tables, making it a good basecamp before hitting the trail.

The Jones Hole Creek Trail

This is a 4-mile (one-way) descent that follows the creek all the way to the Green River. It’s mostly downhill on the way in and uphill on the way out.

Ely Creek Falls: About 2 miles from the hatchery, a side-trail leads to a small waterfall. It’s the most popular spot on the hike for a break.
Ancient Rock Art: Look for the Deluge Shelter just past the footbridge. It features Fremont-style petroglyphs (carvings) and pictographs (paintings) that are over 1,000 years old.
The Green River: The trail ends at the "Whirlpool Canyon" section of the Green River. This is a common stop for river rafters to hike up and see the fish.

Know Before You Go

The Drive: It’s about 40 miles from Vernal. The last stretch is a winding descent into the canyon.
Connectivity: Expect zero cell service. Download your maps or take screenshots of your trail info before you leave Vernal.
Fishing: The creek is a "Blue Ribbon" fishery. If you plan to fish, make sure you have a valid Utah fishing license and follow the specific lure/bait tackle restrictions for this area.