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Lee Canyon Narrows: A Tall-Walled Canyon Detour Off Blue Tree Loop

Hiking: A distinctive narrow canyon side-trip off the longer Blue Tree Loop, with real hazards worth knowing before you go: an unmarked highway crossing and an unsafe western approach.

Lee Canyon Narrows squeezes between tall canyon walls off the Blue Tree Loop

Branching off the longer Blue Tree Loop near Sawmill Trailhead, Lee Canyon Narrows is a real chokepoint destination -- tall canyon walls closing in around a distinctive side-trip that adds roughly 2 miles round trip and 300 feet of gain to the main loop. It's the most scenic single feature in the broader Sawmill trail network, but it comes with two hazards worth knowing before you go: reaching it means crossing NV-156 without a marked crosswalk, and the western approach to the narrows has an unsafe erosion drop-off. Welcome to Lee Canyon Narrows, best approached from the east.

Location & Hours

Address

Sawmill Trailhead and Picnic Area, NV-156, Lee Canyon, NV

Lee Canyon Narrows: What to Know Before You Go

Branching off the longer Blue Tree Loop near Sawmill Trailhead, Lee Canyon Narrows is a real chokepoint destination — tall canyon walls closing in around a distinctive side-trip that adds roughly 2 miles round trip and 300 feet of gain to the main loop. It's the most scenic single feature in the broader Sawmill trail network, but it comes with two hazards worth knowing before you go: reaching it means crossing NV-156 without a marked crosswalk, and the western approach to the narrows has an unsafe erosion drop-off. Welcome to Lee Canyon Narrows, best approached from the east.

Trail Snapshot

Distance | Approximately 2 miles round trip as a side-trip (Blue Tree Loop itself runs 7.8 miles if completed in full)
Elevation Gain | ~300 ft for the narrows detour
Difficulty | Moderate
Hike Time | 1.5 to 2 hours for the narrows side-trip alone
Fee | None
Restrooms | At the shared Sawmill Trailhead
Pets | Allowed, must be leashed

How to Reach the Trailhead

Start from the shared Sawmill Trailhead on NV-156, with primitive restrooms and ample parking including a dedicated equestrian lot. Free, no fee. Reaching the narrows from the trailhead requires crossing NV-156 (Lee Canyon Road) at a point with no marked crosswalk and real traffic speeds — cross carefully.

What to Expect on the Trail

The narrows side-trip itself is moderate, adding about 2 miles round trip and 300 feet of gain to a visit built around the broader Blue Tree Loop trail network. Tall, close canyon walls make this the most distinctive single feature anywhere in the Sawmill trail network, a genuine change from the open forest of the surrounding loops.

Two Real Hazards Worth Knowing

Crossing NV-156 has no marked crosswalk, and the western approach to the narrows has an unsafe erosion drop-off. Use the eastern approach only, and cross the highway carefully. These are specific, documented hazards, not generic caution.

Best Time to Visit and Conditions

Spring through fall is most comfortable.

Practical Advice for New Visitors

  • Bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes for uneven canyon terrain.
  • Use extreme caution crossing NV-156 — no marked crosswalk.
  • Approach the narrows from the east only, not the west.
  • The western approach has a real, unsafe erosion drop-off.
  • This is the standout feature of the whole Sawmill trail network.
  • Combine with the easy Sawmill Loop for a fuller day from the same trailhead.
  • Leash your dog for the full route.

For hikers who've already done the easy Sawmill Loop and want the network's best single feature, Lee Canyon Narrows delivers real scenery. Approach from the east, cross NV-156 with real caution, and enjoy the most distinctive stretch of trail in this part of Lee Canyon.

The Pro-Tips Itinerary

Best Time to Go

Spring through fall.

Key Viewpoints

The narrows themselves, where the canyon walls close in tight overhead -- the clear highlight of this side-trip.

Where to Refuel

Nothing beyond the shared Sawmill Trailhead; Lee Canyon has limited seasonal options nearby.

Interactive Preparation Checklist

Must-Pack Essentials

  • At least 2 liters of water per person
  • Sturdy hiking shoes for uneven canyon terrain
  • Extreme caution crossing NV-156 -- no marked crosswalk
  • Approach the narrows from the east only, not the west

Recommended for Kids

  • Not recommended for young kids given the highway crossing and erosion hazards
  • Better suited to careful, experienced older hikers
  • Extra supervision required at the highway crossing
  • Leash for the family dog

Community Contributions

  • Only approach the narrows from the east -- the western approach has a real, unsafe erosion drop-off
  • The NV-156 crossing has no marked crosswalk and real traffic speeds -- cross with real caution
  • This is the standout feature of the whole Sawmill trail network
  • Combine with the easy Sawmill Loop for a fuller day from the same trailhead
Mount CharlestonLee Canyoncanyon narrowsmoderate hikeBlue Tree Loop

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