
Excellent views from the rim at the start of the hike.

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.

Entering the Saddle Mountain Wilderness.

Peak 8881 summit, view back toward the trailhead on the North Rim.

Starting down from Peak 8881, Saddle Mountain visible on the left.

Heading through pretty meadows and flatter terrain for a bit.

View back toward Peak 8881.

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.

View back at the descent I just came down.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saddle Mountain's summit comes into view.

A cool view before ascending to the summit.

View back from just below the summit, a minor cliff band along the way.

Nearing the summit of Saddle Mountain, forested.

A view just south of the summit.

A view back toward Peak 8881 after getting back to the trailhead, different lighting.
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