The best traffic-free bike rides in Saddle Mountain Wilderness

While the designated Saddle Mountain Wilderness area itself has restrictions on cycling, the broader Kaibab National Forest, which encompasses the region, offers an extensive network of quiet forest roads suitable for touring bikes. Our guide features 2 curated routes that provide a no-traffic experience on these scenic roads.

The routes primarily follow gravel forest roads within the Kaibab National Forest. While the Wilderness itself is rugged, these touring routes are generally well-suited for gravel or touring bikes, offering a mix of gentle climbs and descents. Expect natural surfaces rather than paved roads.

Yes, you can find circular options. For instance, the East Rim and Arizona Trail Loop offers a moderate circular ride, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your path.

The best time to visit for touring cycling is typically during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are milder and the weather is generally pleasant. Summers can be hot, and winters often bring snow, making some routes inaccessible.

The routes offer breathtaking vistas of the Kaibab Plateau, House Rock Valley, Vermilion Cliffs, and Marble Canyon. You can visit highlights such as the East Rim Viewpoint and the Arizona Trail Overlook, which provide sweeping views of the diverse landscape.

Yes, bikes are prohibited in designated Wilderness areas. The routes featured in this guide are specifically chosen to be outside these restricted zones, utilizing the extensive network of forest roads within the broader Kaibab National Forest, where cycling is permitted.

Parking is generally available at key access points to the forest roads. For example, the From East Rim Viewpoint Parking to Kaibab Plateau route starts directly from a parking area, providing convenient access to the trails.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the extensive network of forest roads outside the designated Wilderness offers many quieter sections that can be adapted for families. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

Saddle Mountain Wilderness and the surrounding Kaibab National Forest are home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Keep an eye out, especially during dawn and dusk, for opportunities to spot these animals in their natural habitat.

While this guide focuses on individual routes, the vast network of forest roads in the Kaibab National Forest allows for the creation of longer, multi-day touring adventures. Dispersed camping is available in many areas, and campgrounds near Jacob Lake can serve as a base for extended trips.

The routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult. For example, the East Rim and Arizona Trail Loop is rated moderate, while the From East Rim Viewpoint Parking to Kaibab Plateau is considered difficult. It's advisable to check the elevation gain and distance for each route to ensure it aligns with your fitness level.