SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN
via The Garden
Saddleback is a medium difficult High Peak when hiked by itself. This guide will take you through Johns Brook Valley to the Orebed trail approach. This mountain is commonly paired with Basin and Haystack Mountains but can certainly be hiked “à la carte.” (Note that this specific hike does not talk about the Saddleback Cliffs. See
Haystack, Basin, and Saddleback Loop for cliff tips.)
What to know
Start:
The Garden Trailhead,
Keene Valley
Elevation Gain:
3,300 feet
Summit Elevations:
Saddleback Mountain 4,515 feet
Trail Length:
14.2 miles
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Difficulty:
4 out of 7 Moderate
Average Hiking Time:
8–10 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Recommended only for experienced dogs. Dogs are required to be on leash.
Trail Surface:
Popular trail with mixed dirt and rocky terrain, including high-elevation scrambles
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Water Availability:
Ample water along most of the route, including at Johns Brook Lodge
Maximum Grade:
1,050 feet over 0.75 miles (from the slide ladder to the first saddle)
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Excellent sunset views due to the west-facing summit; good morning light along the approach
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View Type:
180-degree panoramic views; notable views of Basin Mountain, Gothics, and Ausable Lake Valley
Special Considerations:
Hiking Saddleback independently avoids the more challenging Saddleback Cliffs. This approach is less technical, making it ideal for those seeking a moderate hike or wishing to break up the more strenuous Great Range hikes.
Intro
Named for its topographic resemblance to a saddle, Saddleback Mountain has a storied history. Initially called "Saddle Mountain" by legendary Adirondack guide Orson Phelps in 1857, it received its current name in 1874 from Seneca Ray Stoddard. Even some maps indicate this mountain was called "Boone Mountain". The mountain’s first recorded ascent was around 1870 by guide Orlando Beede and James Storrow, marking the same year they also conquered Basin Mountain and Gothics. Often hiked in combination with Basin and Haystack, Saddleback offers a rewarding standalone hike without confronting the challenging Saddleback Cliffs from the west.
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(This image is from Saddleback looking at Gothics)
The Hike
Start at the Garden Trailhead in Keene Valley, signing in before following the trail straight toward Johns Brook Lodge (JBL). At the first junction (0.5 miles), continue right toward JBL. Over the next 3 miles, enjoy a scenic and gentle walk through dense forests and several river crossings. Half a mile from JBL, a quick descent leads to a second sign-in box—make sure to register here as well. Continue right at this junction to arrive at Johns Brook Lodge.
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At JBL, refill water or take a brief rest. Locate the tall, multi-directional trail sign directly in front of JBL’s porch, then follow the blue trail marker toward Saddleback (left). Despite signage indicating 4.3 miles, it’s actually 3.6 miles to the summit. Cross a wooden bridge, briefly turn right, then gently left, continuing along Woodsfall Trail. After five minutes, cross Orebed Brook and climb steeply.
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Soon, you'll reach a three-way junction; take the rightmost trail (Orebed Brook Trail). Over the next 2.2 miles, you’ll pass Orebed Brook Lean-to (0.7 miles in) and cross another stream (1.3 miles in), originating from Gothics’ North Face. The terrain becomes rugged with trail diversions caused by washouts—follow trail markers carefully.
Eventually, you'll reach the Lower Orebed Slide. Look for yellow spray-painted rocks marking the start of a series of wooden stairs along the slide’s left side. Ascend these stairs until the trail re-enters the woods, taking care on slippery rocks and moss. After 0.25 miles, reach the Range Trail intersection at 4,000 feet elevation. Turn right toward Saddleback.
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This final 0.5-mile stretch climbs 450 feet over the first 0.3 miles and involves rocky scrambles and steep climbs. Numerous viewpoints provide dramatic vistas of Gothics. Upon reaching the first saddle, continue another 0.2 miles to Saddleback’s true summit, dipping slightly between saddles. Halfway, a short spur trail to the left offers stunning views of Basin and Ausable Lake Valley.
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The true summit features expansive views dominated by Basin Mountain, with Mount Marcy, Haystack, Colden, and the MacIntyre Range visible in the distance. Carefully retrace your steps back to the Garden Trailhead.
Trail Summary
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0.0 miles: Start at the Garden Trailhead
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0.5 miles: Turn right toward Johns Brook Lodge
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3.1 miles: Second sign-in junction; continue right toward JBL
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3.6 miles: Arrive at JBL; turn left after porch
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3.7 miles: Cross bridge, heading toward Orebed Brook Trail
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4.0 miles: Turn right onto Orebed Brook Trail
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6.2 miles: Ascend stairs at Orebed Slide
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6.6 miles: Range Trail intersection; turn right toward Saddleback
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7.1 miles: Reach Saddleback summit; return via same route
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14.2 miles: Return to Garden Trailhead
