Saddle

Winter Snowshoe

Expect little to no water enroute.  You will cross a stream several times, but it freezes during cold periods.

The hike starts from the end of Chocolate Gulch Road.  From downtown Ketchum, it is an easy 7.6-mile drive all on paved roads.  Click here for directions.  There is parking for only about 3 cars, so get your hike started early.  If you are meeting someone at the trailhead, park one car behind the other to make room for additional vehicles.  The lot borders a residential neighborhood, so heed the signs that ask you to be respectful by keeping noise down at the trailhead and ensuring your dogs are not entering the yards.

There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.

There’s no cell service on this hike. Download the Trailforks app before you go — its offline maps are essential, particularly if you’re breaking trail. Search for “Saddle Trail Ketchum.”

Carry water, particularly in snowy conditions.  Breaking trail will dehydrate you.

Snowshoes are necessary for the Saddle portion of the hike in all but the driest winter conditions.

For additional routing support, including offline maps,download the Trailforks app and search for “Saddle Trail Ketchum.”

The trail starts with a very short climb to a signed junction marking the start of Chocolate Gulch loop.  Turn right at the junction.

Pass through alternating patches of aspen groves and open areas.  Around the half mile mark, come to a signed junction with Saddle.  If you haven’t already, strap on your snowshoes and turn right.  If you do not have snowshoes, expect to posthole (and postholing isn’t cool.)

Postholes at the Start of Saddle Trail

Walk along an open ridge before quickly entering the forest.  At about .65 miles, cross a small bridge, turn right and then wind around another open area.  Re-enter the woods and just after the .8-mile mark, veer left and cross another bridge.  The trail rises as it passes beneath the trees.  Just before the mile mark, there is a hairpin turn in yet another small open area featuring solid views of the Smoky Mountains to the north.

Re-enter the woods again.  As you continue, the trail narrows and the snow often deepens. Watch your step and hug the bank to your left.  Next, come to a small tree-covered depression – this is the easiest place to lose the trail, but as long as you are using Trailforks, you will find eventually find the trail as it rises along a ridge at about 1.3 miles.

The trail climbs to the peak at about 1.5 miles.  When you reach the peak, a steep knob stands to your right.  Scramble up the knob for about a tenth of a mile to access stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and the valley below.

Disclaimer: Trail info and routes on HikeSV.com are for reference only. Conditions, closures, and access may vary — plan ahead and hike smart!