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 Reporter |
Summary: A nice hike from a large graveled trailhead. The Gibson Jack trail follows the creek of that name along a sage, buckbrush and juniper open sidehill with scattered pines the first mile. The sage and junipers then give way to aspen and heavier stands of pine with mountain mahogany on the ridge caps. Expect to see mule deer and other big game. A cow and calf moose watched me toil up the trail but were too shy to let me get close enough for a good picture. The trail up the canyon is very moderate but the return loop has a steep climb but is well worth the effort with ridgetop views of Pocatello, through the blackrock gap to Inkom and north to Fort Hall. The ridge leg of the trip leads through the dense pines and mountain mahogany near the crest with many rige line views. Trailhead: From the SW of Pocatello, go south on Bannock Highway to the signed Gibson Jack road, directly opposite Juniper Hills Country Club. Gibson Jack road is on the right and is a good road the entire 3.2 miles to the trailhead. (Lat:42.47651 Lon:-112.25609) Trail Guides for South Fork of Gibson Jack Loop: Hiking Idaho by Ralph & Jackie Maughn (Falcon Guide) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Pocatello Ranger District, Caribou Natl Forest 208-236-7500 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Don Evans, who has posted 31 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JS on 8/16/2006 I took my kids in mid August about 1.5 miles in, but we didn't finish the loop. The first mile is through an open area with nearly zero shade, but you have a beautiful view of the timber up the canyon and on the mountain. Like the author said, probably much prettier and cooler in the fall. A little further up you get close to the creek, which still had a lot of water flow in hot August. I'd like to go back and finish the loop on my own sometime. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Idaho Hiking, Idaho Trails, Idaho Hikes, Bannock County Hiking, Bannock County Trails, Bannock County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
