The Jawbone Trail is a 1.2-mile connector on the park's west side that climbs through moss-draped valley oak groves between the Prewett Point trailhead and the Chaparral area, gaining 560 feet. It sees far less traffic than the main routes and offers a shadier, quieter experience unusual for a park where most trails are fully exposed.
Overview
The Jawbone Trail's valley oak groves are among the most distinctive vegetation in the park — old trees with heavy canopies in a landscape that's otherwise mostly exposed chaparral. In a park with minimal shade, this trail delivers something different.
What to Expect
The trail runs 1.2 miles one way from the Prewett Point area to the Chaparral Trailhead, gaining 560 feet. As a standalone out-and-back it's about 2.4 miles round trip. As a connector it links the two main west-side trailheads and can form part of longer loop options.
Tips & Logistics
Year-round accessible. Best paired with either the Prewett Point Trail or one of the west-side cave routes for a more complete outing. No water on trail.