Jones Pass: Jones Pass Road South Ascent

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

The ascent up Jones Pass South begins at the winter trailhead near the Forest Service signs. Skin up the road and note a sign pointing right to Jones Pass and a sign pointing left to Butler Gulch (Butler Gulch West and Butler Gulch East).

Most likely, snowmobiles and/or snowcats will have already been up the skin track, making for easy trail finding. Follow their route into Jones Pass Bowl. The trail eventually starts to climb and then switchbacks begin.

A small shortcut exists to bypass the Jeep road and goes directly into Jones Pass Bowl. Follow an obvious creek drainage line that comes out of the bowl as it leads you up. Additionally, there is an old trail that enters the woods and then rejoins the Jeep road. This will save a bit of time also.

Both Jones Pass Road and the shortcut bring you to the wide expanse of Jones Pass Bowl. Traverse across the bowl to access your run.