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Saddle Canyon

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Saddle canyon
Saddle canyon
Saddle canyon
fun stemming in Saddle canyon
map: Saddle canyon
Elevation plot: Saddle canyon

Location

How to Get There
This hike is accessed from a river rafting trip on the Colorado River. This canyon is located at river mile 47.5 on river right.
city
Grand Canyon
state
AZ
country
USA
Region
Grand Canyon and Marble Canyon area

Hike details

Distance
1.60 [Miles] Total
Hike Distance- Details
1.6 miles round trip (to the waterfall and back)
Time
3.00 [Hours]
Time-details
It took us about three hours with a 30 minute stop at the waterfall.
Elevation Change
1,300 Total gain/loss [Feet]
Elevation Gain
650 Total Elevation Gain [Feet]
Elevation Details
about 650 ft ascent to the waterfall
Hike Trail Type
Out and Back
Special Features
Water

Season

Best Season
  • April
  • May
  • September
  • October
Worst Season
  • January
  • February
  • December
Season Details
When it isn't too uncomfortable (ie: cold) to be wet during the hike (Summer, early Fall).
Date Hike completed
October 01, 2007

Solitude

Solitude
Low
Solitude Details
This is a popular hike for river parties, expect to share it with another group.

Difficulty

Difficulty Rating
Moderate
difficulty detail
35 yr old Recommendation: Walking and wading through water to get to remote waterfalls is nearly always worth the effort. This hike is no exception... well worth the effort.

Permits

Be Aware of
Hiking and wading in water. Some scrambling. Flash flood danger

Hike in Saddle canyon in Grand Canyon national park, Arizona.

From either the upper or lower campsites at Saddle canyon, look West towards the canyon. On the left slope, you will see a trail that switchbacks up the left side of Saddle Canyon. This section marks most of the elevation gain of the hike. After about 400 ft of climbing, the trail flattens out and drops into Saddle Canyon.  

Soon the walls begin to narrow, and water appears, allowing for ferns and Ash trees to flourish. Continuing up the narrow slot, water wading will eventually become unavoidable. There is a tricky bouldering move to get around the first fall and you may need help from your friends to complete it safely. The extra effort is rewarded, as you are treated to a lovely waterfall and the turnaround point for the hike.

Map

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