Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots hike

Get here early to avoid the crowds and enjoy your time ascending Johnston’s Canyon. Begin your hike by heading upwards on the broad path through the Canyon. As you get deeper, the views are constantly changing. You’ll soon have to start using catwalks that are fixed to limestone cliffs, which allow you to penetrate this canyon, as there is no space for a trail.

The trail approaches the Lower Canyon Falls (0.7mi, 98ft elevation gain), where you can walk through a tunnel to get an even closer look at the beautiful cascading water.

Continuing from here, there is another 0.7mi and 295ft of elevation to the Upper Canyon Falls. When you arrive, climb out of the forest and the lower canyon. One viewing area is accessible by a catwalk looking out on the bottom of the falls, while another requires taking a steep trail to a platform overhanging the gorge and looking down on the falls.

From the Upper Canyon Falls, continue on to the Ink Pots, which are mineral springs that bubble up in a meadow surrounded by nearby peaks. This route is a broad path that cuts through the forest. To get to the Ink Pots, head west from the Upper Canyon Falls on a path that links up with the ascent route from Moose Meadows after 5 minutes.

At this junction, go right on a path for approximately 1.6mi. The path initially goes through the trees and then narrows before it reaches Johnston Creek Meadows. 0.3mi after the meadows you reach the Ink Pots.

Once arriving at the Ink Pots, there are many great places to relax, eat a snack, and enjoy the scenery. Continue back down the way you came, making sure you don’t accidentally descend the Moose Meadows route – which leads to a different parking lot.

Note: On the map you can see the route to ascend from Moose Meadows. This route is good to use if you don’t want to endure the craziness of going up and down Johnston Canyon. The distance is similar whichever way you go.