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

Jun 01, 2022 — 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.