Saddle Mountain Wilderness Overview

Located in the Kaibab National Forest in Arizona.

Saddle Mountain Wilderness is located in the extreme southeastern portion of the North Kaibab Ranger District. Elevations vary from 6,000 feet on Marble Canyon Rim to 8,000 feet on Saddle Mountain. The name originates from the profile of a prominent ridge that appears from the distance as a saddle, horn and all. The main ridge falls off into sheer walls on the south to form the Nankoweap Rim. The terrain is very steep and rocky and bounded on three sides by steep canyons. A lightning caused fire in 1960 consumed approximately 8,000 acres and set the stage for prime deer habitat. Regrowth has resulted in a dense mass of locust, oak, aspen, elderberry and the re-establishment of a young coniferous forest. The benefit of fire is evidenced by the thriving trophy deer, luring the hunter in search of a total experience of the hunt and challenge of the land. The Saddle Mountain trail that parallels the main ridge offers a sense of confinement, only to be rewarded with spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon Gorge, Cocks Combs, House Rock Valley and Vermillion Cliffs from vantage points along the trail. The uniqueness of the wilderness is found in a perennial stream in North Canyon, habitat of the threatened Apache trout, and in the upper portion of House Rock Valley where a remnant herd of buffalo roam.

For further information contact: North Kaibab Ranger District - Kaibab National Forest