This marked
trailhead is approximately 1.2 miles one way, about 1 hour hiking
time one way. The trail season is spring through fall and use
is moderate to heavy, the rating is strenuous. Elevation is between
7840ft and 8880ft.
TRAIL
ACCESS
On State
Route 157, travel 2.1 miles west of the Ranger Station to Echo
Road. After traveling .35 miles, take the left fork off Echo Road
and continue up until the road ends.
TRAIL
DESCRIPTION
Mary Jane
Falls Trail follows a closed-off road through an area that used
to be a campground. It passes three roads that fork to the left.
Keep straight and to the right.
The trail
travels through tall Ponderosa Pines, White Fir, Aspens and Mountain
Mahogany. As the last one-third mile ascends steep switch-backs,
one gets impressive views of the opposite side of the canyon.
Early in the season water can be seen flowing down Big Falls.
Below the southern ridge of the canyon are twisted limestone strata
thrust up 50 million years ago.
Two springs
cascade down steep-terraced cliff walls at Mary Jane Falls. There
are two caves with water dripping across their entrances near
the bottom. The best time to see caves in the summer after the
ice as melted.
TRAIL
RULES
*Be Considerate.
* Do not
litter. Leave trail in the same condition you found it or better.
*Stay on
designated trail. Short cutting switchbacks causes erosion, makes
ugly scars, and destroys the existing trail.
* Do not
deface trees or trail signs.
* Bury human
waste at least 200' away from the trail and at least 6 inches
deep.
*Dogs should
be kept on a leash at all times.
CAMPING
*Camp at
least 200ft away from trails or water sources, primitive camping.
FIRE
RULES
* Fire and
smoking restrictions are put into effect during times of high
fire danger, in the summer. Watch for signs. Generally during
the summer months fires
are prohibited
except in camp
ground and picnic areas and only in fire rings.
* Please
use existing fire rings whenever possible and be sure to completely
extinguish all fires before leaving.
WATER
* Take drinking
water with you.
* Before
drinking all spring water, it should be boiled to destroy harmful
micro-organisms.
