Sweetwater-NFS30494

Total Miles 3
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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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

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

3

Status Reports

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Al Hayes
Jun 11, 2024
Open
Most of the trail is easy except the last mile. This last section is steep with lots of loose rock and one stream crossing. Requires lockers or limited slip differential on both axles. Lake is very pretty. brown trout. some nice camping spots on the way up. not much space at the lake

Sweetwater-NFS30494 Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Sweetwater-NFS30494 Map

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