Lick Wash
While Lick Wash is definitely not a "glamour" or "classic" slot like it's neighbors Willis Creek and Bull Valley Gorge, the canyon is a nice short stretch of narrows that doesn't take long to explore and is a good side diversion whilst on the the Skutumpah Road. It doesn't take more than an hour or so to explore, and is accessible to hikers of all skill levels, for there is only one very easily-bypassed obstacle. The prize for making this short trip is a gallery of massive Ponderosa pine trees on the other side of the short narrows.
The Skutumpah Road crosses Lick Wash approximately a half a kilometer above the start of the narrows. Here the wash is just a dry strip of sand meandering across a flat sage-filled valley. However, a short 15 minute walk down this wash brings you to an ever-narrowing pinch in the rocks, and the only obstacle you must overcome. Here a gigantic boulder sits in the narrows, and you must climb up and over it. Sometimes there is a ladder, sometimes there is an old gate, and sometimes there is nothing. It's really easy. After that there is a small section of narrows, and then the canyon opens somewhat.
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In this opening of the canyon there is what we call "Pocket of the Giants", as there are is a group of Ponderosa pine trees growing here. These trees are fantastically huge, probably reaching 100 feet or higher. Below this the canyon stays open but deep, and has two more short narrows sections before
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All photos copyright Kit Davidson.