Lick Wash Trail

The trailhead for the Lick Wash Trail is accessed via Skutumpah Road (BLM 500) in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The drive itself is considered scenic, passing through desert washes and ridges. Parking is typically available at the trailhead, but it's a remote area, so come prepared.

Yes, the Lick Wash Trail is generally considered dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Remember to pack out all waste.

The best times to hike the Lick Wash Trail are typically spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, and while the risk is low, the monsoon season (July, August, and September) brings a potential for flash floods in washes. Winter hiking is possible but can be cold.

No, there is no specific permit required for hiking the Lick Wash Trail, and there are no entrance fees to access this part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

When hiking in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, it's important to practice Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all trash, staying on established routes where possible, and respecting wildlife and cultural resources. Always be aware of potential flash flood dangers, especially during monsoon season.

The trail primarily follows a wash, so the path consists of sand, dirt, and flood-deposited stones. While mostly flat and considered easy, some sections can have loose rock. You'll encounter several narrows that give the impression of 'tunneling into solid rock' and may have intermittent mild water crossings. The canyon walls become higher and the wash widens as you venture deeper.

Yes, the Lick Wash Trail is often described as a relatively easy hike, suitable for families and beginners. Its mostly flat terrain and stunning scenery make it an accessible outdoor experience. The length can be adjusted from a short outing to an 8-mile roundtrip, allowing you to tailor it to your group's abilities.

Hikers are treated to stunning colorful white sandstone walls that can soar hundreds of feet high, often streaked with vibrant hues. You'll see ponderosa pines and even cold-loving fir trees contrasting against the white sandstone. Notable features include unique sandstone formations like the 'Twisted Pine Arch' and the 'Lost Spire Hoodoo'. There are also opportunities to explore side canyons with tight narrows and slickrock scrambles, and you might even spot small petroglyphs or the historic LeFevre Cabin.

The Lick Wash Trail can be hiked as a shorter outing or extended up to an 8-mile roundtrip. A full 8-mile roundtrip hike typically takes around 4 hours and 47 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with other trails. You'll find it intersects with parts of the Hayduke Trail #9, the Lick Wash & Park Wash trail, the Swallow Park/North Swag Road trail, and the Way To Lefevre Cabin trail.

The main hazard, common in Southern Utah washes, is the potential for flash floods, especially during the monsoon season (July, August, and September). While the threat is considered low in Lick Wash due to its wider sections, it's crucial to check weather forecasts before heading out. The trail also has sections with loose rock, so sturdy footwear is recommended.