This scenic trail boasts non-stop views, water crossings, wildflowers galore, and a very special surprise that awaits you if you make it to the top.
Sweetwater Canyon is one of those rides I could do a hundred times and not get tired of. It is never boring. The scenery stays interesting no matter what direction you’re looking and no matter the season. It is the best of the high desert.
This ride begins on the valley floor and slowly climbs up a canyon of the dramatic Sweetwater Mountains. It is a slow climb, but a climb nonetheless with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain from where you start to the end of the trail. This is an out-and-back ride, roughly nine miles.
The footing of the trail is pretty mild, though there are a few rocky sections, so boots or shoes are recommended. Technically this is a 4WD road, so occasionally a jeep or side-by-side will attempt the climb. This ride actually covers two states. A few miles into the canyon you’ll pass through an unmarked fence line that is the border with California. (Don’t worry, there’s no ag station here!)
As you climb, the sagebrush turns to pinyon and juniper which then turns to aspens and big pines. In the spring, the wildflowers POP here. You’ll see wild iris, paintbrush, lupine, and more. Sometimes cows are free-range grazing in the area, but not often. I have seen rattlesnakes out here a couple of times.
There are several water crossings on the trail, some of which can get a little raging depending on the snowmelt. But they are shallow so most horses should have no trouble. The majority of the trail follows the creek coming down the mountain and it is year-round flow. There are some lovely grassy meadows that horses will enjoy for snack breaks.
But wait, there’s more! Sweetwater Canyon has a very special surprise at the top.
*** Spoiler Alert! ***
At around 8,100 feet, you will come around the bend to find Nugent Canyon. This is a rare public land cabin. It is first come, first serve and open to anyone. It is lovingly maintained by the people that come here. Inside you’ll find a stocked kitchen, bunkroom, and a little wood stove. Don’t forget to sign the guest book on the table! There’s a picnic table and fire ring outside. This makes for a lovely spot to have lunch.
The trail continues on for a little more. There’s one more water crossing. The maps show this trail actually going further over the mountain but I don’t recommend it. It quickly becomes very narrow, steep, and covered in shale making it pretty dangerous. Instead, just take a break in the cabin and then head back down. The views are just as stunning on the return trip.
Getting Here
Where to Park
Option 1:
Turn off Highway 338 at Sweetwater Summit. There is a very small, and easy to miss, sign that says “Sweetwater Canyon” at the turn. Cross the cattle guard and immediately turn left onto an old airstrip. Drive down the airstrip and park in the turnout toward the end. (The airstrip is still occasionally used by small planes so we do not recommend that you park on the airstrip.) From here you can ride out to the main road that will lead to the canyon.
Option 2:
Instead of turning on the airstrip at the summit, you can continue on the main road next to it. This road is rocky in some places, not maintained, and not recommended for large rigs. But it will get you closer to the start of the canyon. Once you get to where the pinyon and juniper trees start, there is a large turnout with plenty of room for parking. There is an old stock tank here, but it’s always empty.
One risk with this spot is that is lightly popular for camping. But because it’s tucked in the trees, you can’t see if someone is parked/camped there until you get there.
