Little Saddle Mountain Trail (244)

Tonto National Forest

NOAA forecast: 33.92, -111.51

Distance: 4.0 | Total Elevation Gain: 1690

Beginning from the Cross F trailhead, the majority of the first two-thirds of this trail closely follow a small creek, steadily gaining elevation up through a narrow canyon. After crossing several times, scenery begins to change as the path turns away from the creek to the west and then north through an area with views toward the Verde River. Funnel webs in the grass alongside the trail in this area are large and numerous, but a keen eye can spot deer as well.

Eventually turning northeast across the southern slope of a hill, the trail ends at a junction with the Saddle Mountain trail and an old corral, about .5 miles from the Mormon Grove trailhead to the east. This route can not only extend any hike that would otherwise begin at the Mormon Grove trailhead but also provides somewhat easier trailhead access.