Salt Lick Loop Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Step parts with a lot of loose rocks. Be careful not to step on cacti -- they are abundant.

All the elevation gain is in the first 0.5 miles. Lots of switchbacks. Once you get to the loop, it is best to go left wrapping around the south side with the views and sandy, red rocks. The west and north side is filled with ponderosa pines and leads to a longer, gradual incline. Some more switchbacks and you've reached the top with a flat trail and amazing views. The way down is easy to lose in the rocks, but you eventually get to obvious wooden steps. Very steep and rocky, so it really needs to be taken slow.

At the top there is a little route to get you on top of the plateau. Big, open area and huge cliffs give a spectacular panorama of the canyon to the south.

Ponderosa pines, red pine, cacti, juniper.