Little Beacon Rock Loop Hike

Overview

Little Beacon Rock is another volcanic plug that sits above its much larger, but much younger neighbor, Beacon Rock. You can make a short loop hike to get views from the top of Little Beacon Rock and then return via the park campground. The Rock sits in a grove of Douglas-firs, named the Hadley Grove in honor of Clyde B. Hadley, the first superintendent of Beacon Rock State Park from 1938 to 1951. Start up the Hamilton Mountain Trail from the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead. About a half mile from the trailhead, in a power line corridor, you'll come to a trail junction with a bench. The bench has great views of Hamilton Mountain and Bonneville Dam. Take the Hadley Trail, which branches left towards the west. This path skirts the edge of the power line right-of-way, usually staying in the forest of mature Douglas-firs. After another half mile, you'll come to a junction with the Little Beacon Rock Trail, marked by a stone plaque. Turn left here and head down the Little Beacon Rock Trail. This short trail soon leaves the forest into the talus slopes around Little Beacon Rock. These rocks are populated by a squeaking colony of pikas. This trail was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939 and rebuilt by volunteers beginning in 2002. It's heavily built and looks like something in a national park. From Little Beacon Rock, return to the Hadley Trail. Turn left and you'll find a marker labeling the Hadley Grove. Continue past the plaque, and you'll soon reach the Hadley Trailhead. Head left on the road, passing several campsites, and drop down the hill to the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead and your car.

Trail Stats

Photos

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