Thing to Do

Hike the Big Wash Trail

Great Basin National Park

Brown and green sagebrush extends to mountains, a valley behind them, and another distant range.
Big Wash is challenging and isolated

E. Lippitt

Trail Overview

Distance: 20.6 miles / 33.2 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet / 975 meters
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 12 hours - 24 hours
Begin at: Snake Creek Trailhead or North Fork Lexington Creek

This lesser travelled route through the southern areas of Great Basin is perhaps the most isolated in the park. Many switchbacks bring you down to the creek between North and South Forks. Due to the remoteness of this trail, there may be sections where the trail is covered, so be prepared for bushwacking and wayfinding.

This hike starts at either the Snake Creek Trailhead on Snake Creek Road or at the end of the North Fork of Lexington Creek Road (different than the Lexington Arch Trailhead). Stop to park at the trailhead at the road's end. Parking outside of designated spaces or along the road is prohibited.

No pets permitted on park trails. Trained service animals allowed. Learn more about service animal regulations at this link.

Water

Potable water is not available. Pack sufficient water with you, about one gallon per person per day.

Restrooms

The nearest restrooms are pit toilets with no running water at the Snake Creek Trailhead. Lexington Creek has no restroom facilities.

Details
Duration
12-24 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Snake Creek Trailhead
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
This trail is not accessible. The Lexington Creek approach requires a 4WD vehicle, modified low clearance vehicles are not advised.

Great Basin National Park

Tags

A color image of a selection of the official map of the national park. A orange highlighted trail extends between two roads, one marked "snake creek road" the other marked "North fork lexington creek." The trail extends north to south with distance marker
The Big Wash Trail highlighted. North Fork and South Fork are combined.

NPS

Trail Map

Find the Dead Lake Loop on the trail map branching off of Snake Creek Road. Snake Creek road's entrance is located east of the park, at about the halfway point of the park's vertical length.

Ranger Tip: Big Wash is one of the least hiked sections of all park trails. Be prepared for some bushwacking as shrubs regrow quickly.

Tags

Last updated: November 19, 2023