Saddle Mountain Traverse, Bureau of Land Management near Tonopah, Arizona

Distance: About 5.5 miles (9.0 km)
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Elevation: 1600 - 2400 feet (490 - 730 m)
Season: October - April

This hike does not follow established trails. Rather, it makes a wonderful loop through the heart of Saddle Mountain across the terrain. The trail begins in a short ironwood-palo verde filled canyon up to a saddle, then descends into the highly dissected core of the mountain into a deep wash, up to another saddle and down into a second canyon. Following that wash out of the mountain, you then arrive at an old washed out dirt track that will take you back to your vehicle.

To access the beginning of the route from Tonopah, AZ take the Salome-Buckeye Road and then turn left onto Courthouse Rock Road. A couple of miles down the road look on the left for dirt tracks leaving toward Saddle Mountain (which is clearly visible). The first dirt track has a sign posted. But, head to the 2nd dirt track (BLM road 8210) which is unsigned. Follow that road all the way to its end at the base of Saddle Mountain.

There is a small sign that says "Canyon Trail" where you can park. Walk up the hill and towards the canyon to the southwest. The trail looks obvious at first, all nicely lined with rocks. But, that is an illusion. Soon enough you are finding your own way through the ironwoods and palo verde thickets up to the saddle above.

The saddle provides an outstanding view into the highly dissected core of the mountain. You will notice a dirt track directly below you along the wash. If you descend to the wash, you can follow the dirt track out of the mountain and back to the abandoned BLM road 8209 for a small loop.

For a more enjoyable larger loop, continue up the opposite ridge to the next saddle clearly visible to the west. From that saddle you can see another beautiful large wash below. It is lined with lush ironwoods, palo verde's, and lots of cactus.

Descend the old game trail down to the wash and then simply follow the sandy wash out of the canyon (approximately 1 mile out). Eventually, the wash will exit the mountain and meet up with that same BLM road 8209.

Turn right and follow that road approximately 2.5 miles until reaching the 8210 road you drove up on. 0.5 miles later and you are back at your car.