Jag Hill is the southeastern-most ridge of the Red Plateau Escarpment.   It is an easy hike out from the Red Plateau Forest Service Road (article), but it is a hard scramble up from the Dewdrop Range.

We started at the Dewdrop Trail parking area, but went off-trail right away, climbing grassy slopes up to a view over the Dewdrop Range.

Our route wound through a forested area up to the Garden of the Trolls (article).   The strange rock formations are a good destination for a hike, but we were heading higher up.   Everywhere above is steep on a loose-rock surface.   We scrambled up to the base of the cliffs then traversed east to a steep chute which allowed access up past the cliffs.

At the top of Jag Hill is a flat area with wide views in every direction, a good stop for lunch.

The climb up is a slow one, covering about 2.5 km and 1600 vertical feet in elevation.   From the top, we continued north out to a double track using our GPS and map for navigation.   From the old track, we set a bearing and came onto the Dewdrop Trail at the edge of the escarpment.   The route down from this spot is 3km.  The loop is a scramble up and an easy hike down, suited for those with a sense of adventure, strong ankles, and a sense of humor.

Coordinates:

• Start – N50 44.706 W120 33.278
• Trolls (area)- N50 45.076 W120 32.878
• Chute (area) – N50 45.195 W120 32.485
• Top of Jag Hill – N50 45.455 W120 32.623
• Start of double track – N50  45.585 W120 32.443
• Dewdrop Trail – N50 45.947 W120 33.598 (est.)