Sweetwater-NFS30494

Trail Overview

Sweetwater-NFS30494 is a 3-mile out-and-back trail rated 3 of 10 located in Garfield County, Utah, within the Escalante Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest. Sweetwater Trail is a well-identified single-track trail that provides the only motor vehicle access to McGath Lake. The first 2 miles of the trail are fairly level running through alpine meadows. The last mile is a climb of 500 feet up to the lake. As you approach the lake, the trail crosses a portion of the hiking trail for the Great Western Trail running from Arizona to Idaho. Although the trail appears to go around the lake, the motorized portion of the trail terminates at the southwest corner of the lake. This trail is only accessible in the late spring through early fall and may be closed well into summer depending upon the winter snowfall that year. Expect temperatures to be cool to cold throughout the summer months. There is no cell phone coverage and the nearest services are in Boulder.

Photos of Sweetwater-NFS30494

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Difficulty

The trail consists of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slick rock surfaces and mud holes possible. No steps are higher than 12 inches. 4WD may be required, and aggressive tires are a plus.

Technical Rating