Hike the River Trail and Ranch Loop at Harriman State Park

Located at 6,100 feet above sea level, Harriman State Park (also called "the Ranch") is renown for it's fly fishing along the Henry's Fork. Whether you bring a fly rod or not, this scenic loop through the park is a delight for hikers of all abilities.

Make a stop at park headquarters to pay the entry fee ($5 per car) and grab a trail map. The road continues for another mile before terminating at the trailhead.

Head south on the River Trail. The views of the Henry's Fork are excellent from this section. As the trail curves north you'll traverse a meadow covered in cattails. Keep an eye out for trumpeter swans, elk, and other wildlife.

At 1.5 miles there is a trail junction with the Ranch Loop. All junctions in the park are well signed and numbered.

Continue north on the wooded Ranch Loop, skirting the edge of Silver Lake. Try to spot the Bishop Fire Tower perched on a mountaintop to the north.

As the Ranch Loop turns south the trail passes through the historic Railroad Ranch. Many ranch buildings are open and free to tour during the summer. The trail terminates at the trailhead.

Insider Tip: the entry fee to Harriman State Park grants admittance to nearby Henry's Lake and Upper Mesa Falls if visited on the same day.