Parley’s Canyon Overlook and Jack’s Mailbox Loop

Route Description for Parley’s Canyon Overlook and Jack’s Mailbox Loop

Parley’s Canyon Overlook and Jack’s Mountain Trail is a great hiking circuit for experienced adventurers. This trail is seriously steep and will get your heart pumping! Be sure to wear proper, supportive footwear and bring along plenty of water. Hiking poles are strongly recommended along this route to aid in the ascent and save your knees some strain on the way back down.

At the top of Jack’s Mountain you will come across a beautiful memorial commemorating the life of Jack Edwards, a local boy who passed away from leukemia in 1995. This memorial was established by Jack’s mother to celebrate Jack’s life and tell his stories. On your visit, be sure to stop at the top, peek in the mailboxes and read through the journals filled with notes and stories from hikers who have visited this summit from all over the world.

From the trailhead, follow the path west to hike the loop clockwise. Within the first 0.5 km you will see multiple, smaller trails branching off in both directions. Stay on the well-worn path and follow the trail as it curves northwest to a prominent divide. Take a right at this divide to begin your climb up Jack’s Mountain Trail. At the top, take a rest at the memorial and read through the journals and letters. Spend some time appreciating the incredible views of the city below and leave a note before continuing east along the ridgeline. Follow the trail as it loops down south before heading back west along the Deer Path. At the first divide, take a right to follow Parley’s Trail back to the trailhead where you began.