Saddle Mountain via Saddle Mountain Trail in Kaibab National Forest, AZ

Hike Saddle Mountain via Saddle Mountain Trail Kaibab National Forest, AZ

Class 2 6.6 miles 3100 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Jun 1, 2022
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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This was my first visit to the Grand Canyon's north rim! Reports of the brushy peaks kept me away, but it felt like the time to finally check it out. Saddle Mountain seemed like a good option since most of the hike was on a trail. I was surprised to learn that the peak and majority of the trail were actually located outside of the Grand Canyon National Park boundary and instead within the Kaibab National Forest, meaning I wouldn't have to actually enter the park entrance to reach the trailhead. Instead, a road leaves the pavement and travels for many miles on well-graded dirt/gravel. Any car can make it there, but passenger cars likely need to drive slowly toward the end.

I parked at the Saddle Mountain Overlook Campground and checked out the stunning rim view briefly before beginning down the trail. Reaching Saddle Mountain might deter some because, like most peaks in the Grand Canyon, you have to descend significantly from the rim just to reach the base of the peak. Of course this means then ascending the peak and then reascending back to the rim later on. Saddle Mountain requires passing over Peak 8881 as well, creating a rollercoaster of vertical gain and loss.

The initial drop from the rim was short and the views beautiful, Peak 8881 visible just ahead. The Saddle Mountain Trail was in good shape, though steep at times and narrow enough that there's potential for encroaching brush. Ascending to the minor summit of Peak 8881 required only a few hundred feet of vertical gain. Saddle Mountain was now well in view ahead, but it's more work than it looks from here since you can't really see the significant drop separating the two peaks. I continued east from Peak 8881, descending into a pretty meadow and somewhat flatter section which lasted about a half mile before another significant drop led down to the saddle on the west side of Saddle Mountain. This portion of the trail was actually surprisingly steep.

At the saddle was a junction with the Nankoweap Trail, which leads down to the Colorado River. I followed it for only a few hundred feet before it started to drop to the south and away from the ridgeline. Instead, I continued east into the somewhat brushy terrain. With care you can avoid most of it. I recommend staying on the north side of the ridge since it seemed more clear than the crest itself. Some initial traversing and side-hilling led me to the base of the steep ascent to Saddle Mountain. Just above was a significant rock outcropping blocking direct access along the ridge crest. Additionally, the terrain leading up to the outcropping was overwhelmed with brush. Stay north of the crest (left of the outcropping) in order to avoid the majority of deadfall and brush obstacles. I was able to locate a social trail around 7800', but the terrain isn't bad here and I don't recommend spending too much time searching for the trail if it doesn't quickly become apparent.

I rounded the corner past the rock outcropping and saw the steep final push to the summit area. The social trail continued to climb steeply up the Class 2 slope, but again, it's steep enough to not be much better than just ascending the slope. I reached the extended, flatter summit area and continued east, passing a few minor lumps and a small Class 2 cliff band to reach the summit. While the summit views aren't good, heading south a bit offers a decent overlook.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Peak 8881
8881 ft
361 rise
2
Saddle Mountain
8424 ft
864 rise

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Excellent views from the rim at the start of the hike.
Excellent views from the rim at the start of the hike.
View toward Peak 8881, an significant hump along the way to Saddle Mountain.
View toward Peak 8881, an significant hump along the way to Saddle Mountain.
Dropping down to the saddle on the west side of Peak 8881.
Dropping down to the saddle on the west side of Peak 8881.
Entering the Saddle Mountain Wilderness.
Entering the Saddle Mountain Wilderness.
Peak 8881 summit, view back toward the trailhead on the North Rim.
Peak 8881 summit, view back toward the trailhead on the North Rim.
Starting down from Peak 8881, Saddle Mountain visible on the left.
Starting down from Peak 8881, Saddle Mountain visible on the left.
Heading through pretty meadows and flatter terrain for a bit.
Heading through pretty meadows and flatter terrain for a bit.
View back toward Peak 8881.
View back toward Peak 8881.
And then another drop from the flat section, descending significantly to the saddle on Saddle Mountain's west side.
And then another drop from the flat section, descending significantly to the saddle on Saddle Mountain's west side.
Saddle Mountain ahead, seen as I descend the steep Saddle Mountain Trail.
Saddle Mountain ahead, seen as I descend the steep Saddle Mountain Trail.
Saddle Mountain ahead.
Saddle Mountain ahead.
View back at the descent I just came down.
View back at the descent I just came down.
Approaching the saddle.
Approaching the saddle.
Junction with the Nankoweap Trail. I would only be on this trail for a short time. Note the rock outcropping along the crest in the center. You want to stay left of it.
Junction with the Nankoweap Trail. I would only be on this trail for a short time. Note the rock outcropping along the crest in the center. You want to stay left of it.
After leaving the trail and doing some minor bushwhacking. The ridge crest leads up to that rock outcropping, quite covered in brush. Keep to the north side (left) of the crest to avoid much of it.
After leaving the trail and doing some minor bushwhacking. The ridge crest leads up to that rock outcropping, quite covered in brush. Keep to the north side (left) of the crest to avoid much of it.
View back toward the saddle.
View back toward the saddle.
Higher up, I wrapped around on a faint social trail on the left side of the rock outcropping.
Higher up, I wrapped around on a faint social trail on the left side of the rock outcropping.
The Class 2 slope to reach the summit area.
The Class 2 slope to reach the summit area.
View down the slope. The social trail I was on was fine, but not much better than if there were none.
View down the slope. The social trail I was on was fine, but not much better than if there were none.
On top of the slope, view toward one of a few lumps along the ridgeline.
On top of the slope, view toward one of a few lumps along the ridgeline.
Saddle Mountain's summit comes into view.
Saddle Mountain's summit comes into view.
A cool view before ascending to the summit.
A cool view before ascending to the summit.
View back from just below the summit, a minor cliff band along the way.
View back from just below the summit, a minor cliff band along the way.
Nearing the summit of Saddle Mountain, forested.
Nearing the summit of Saddle Mountain, forested.
A view just south of the summit.
A view just south of the summit.
A view back toward Peak 8881 after getting back to the trailhead, different lighting.
A view back toward Peak 8881 after getting back to the trailhead, different lighting.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!