SADDLE MOUNTAIN

Sunday, July 11, 2010

After moving here 2 years ago, we finally did the Saddle Mountain Lookout trail hike. WOW! WOW! WOW! What an amazing trail. Under somewhat questionable weather conditions, (sunny/menacing clouds, possibility of thunderstorms), we decided to go for it. The drive was easy, with a four wheel drive, definitely easy climb to the trail head. We started the hike at 1:45pm, and took 2 1/4 hours to the top. The views are spectacular ~ and aside from one small area that was steep with a bit of snow left, we had no difficulty on the trail (I was very glad to be hiking in my new Kayland Apex Rock - what an incredible boot!) - it is well marked, just one area with a bit of overgrown brush, whoever has been looking after maintaining this trail is doing an awesome job!
However, if you are afraid of heights, you may have trouble going all the way to the top; the trail is very narrow, steep, and you have to navigate your way through the rocks but the prize is the views. And the lookout is still there, we walked around for a while, it was really windy and definitely we needed our fleece jackets.
We highly recommend this hike! I would NOT take a dog, the rocks are not that stable and could be slippery and hazardous. And on a hot day, the rocks are really hot and it could hurt the dogs paws. Plus there is some really nice wild flowers, so better leave the pooch home on this one.

Let us know if you've done it. We may have to go back, we wanted to do the second peak but it was getting late.
Happy trails!
And as always, Be safe, and respect wildlife and nature!