- Head to the Saddle Mountain Wilderness for outdoor recreation for the whole family
- Hike the Saddle Mountain Trail through pine forests to the Kaibab Plateau
- You may catch a glimpse of buffalo that make this wilderness their home
- Camp out under the stars in Kaibab National Forest
What can I see and do in Saddle Mountain Wilderness?
- Hiking: Rewarding hiking experiences await you on the Saddle Mountain Trail, taking you along the top of a high ridge and onto the Kaibab Plateau. Get sweeping views of House Rock Valley, Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon.
- Wildlife Viewing: There’s no place like the Saddle Mountain Wilderness to enjoy the wildlife in their natural environment. You’ll spot pronghorn antelope, mule deer, wild turkeys, and even buffalo.
- Camping: Not far from Jacob Lake, you’ll find campgrounds where you can relax at this perfect home base for your vacation. Camp at De Motte Park or Jacob Lake Campground, both providing plenty of amenities for your stay.
- Horseback Riding: Just south of Jacob Lake, you can take a trail off of Forest Road 461. Ride through the pines, shedding all your workaday world cares.
- Hunting: In Kaibab National Forest you can do some big game hunting. You can hunt for black bear, antelope, white tail deer and more.
Where is Saddle Mountain Wilderness?
From Arizona Highway 67 heading north from Grand Canyon National Park, take a right on Forest Development Road (FDR) 611 or 610. To get to Saddle Mountain Wilderness from the South Rim, take US Highway 89 North then US 89A and turn left on Arizona Highway 67 South. When you get to Forest Service Road 212, turn right.
When is Saddle Mountain Wilderness open?
Although Saddle Mountain Wilderness is open all year, you may not have access in winter months due to snow. The best time to visit the wilderness area is between May and October.
How much does Saddle Mountain Wilderness cost?
There is no fee for Saddle Mountain Wilderness access. If you plan to do any backcountry camping within Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll need a permit, which costs $10 plus an additional $5 per group per night. If big game hunting, you will need to visit the Arizona Fish and Game Department website to obtain all the rules and regulations and costs of different permits.
Who can I call if I have more questions?
To get more information about Saddle Mountain Wilderness, you can call the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest at (928) 643-7395.
