Saddle Mountain Road
Difficulty: Easy.
Description: A short pleasant drive to a great overlook of the Grand Canyon with side trips to other viewpoints of the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. Great hiking trails including Saddle Mountain Trail which connects to Nankoweap Trail into the Grand Canyon. Well-graded gravel road suitable for passenger cars.
Note: This area is closed to all vehicles in the winter between December 15 and April 15.
Time & Distance: 13.6 miles one way. Takes less than an hour. The side trip to Marble Viewpoint adds another eight miles round trip and takes about half hour. Allow 2 to 3 hours altogether.
Trail Conditions: Kaibab National Forest, North Kaibab Ranger District. Call (928) 643-7395.
Remember: trail conditions, fire restrictions, weather, and land ownership change constantly so everyone must take responsibility for themselves, both for their safety and complying with all laws. Please understand that means YOU.
Directions to the Trail: Take Hwy 67 south from Jacob Lake about 27 miles. When you reach the De Motte F.S. Campground, continue another 0.7 miles to F.S. Road 611 on the left.
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Get yourself and your rig ready for the trip: Make sure both you and your vehicle are prepared for your next adventure.
Before you venture out on your offroading trip you need to make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Even if nothing happens to you or your vehicle, you might come across someone who needs help. Short of having your full-on bug-out-bag with you, you should at least have some basic emergency items. It might seem obvious to some, but you should get yourself a tool box with appropriate tools and leather gloves, good first aid kit, fire extinguisher, set of jumper cables, emergency blankets (stored in heavy plastic bag – both are useful), flashlight, tow strap and some extra water. I would also suggest a recovery strap, a military folding shovel, heavy duty garbage bags, and a hand crank self powered weather radio. These items are not expensive, but they just might save your day.
Another thing you should definitely do before you leave is to save the number to Arizona 4×4 Off Road Recovery in case you find yourself in need of recovery in the middle of nowhere. Their number is (602) 697-8306.
If you’re ready for a next adventure and want to plan it right, check out some of these trail guides – Arizona has so many awesome destinations to explore!
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