On a picture-perfect Sunday morning in late June we challenged ourselves to hike to the top of Saddleback Mountain. Better known as a winter ski resort, Saddleback is open to hikers throughout the summer with several good routes to choose from. (Saddleback has a helpful map posted here.) There are a number of advantages to visiting Saddleback during the off-season, including:
We were the first car in the parking lot when we arrived around 9am, and we had the entire route to the summit completely to ourselves. As we ascended a terrific vista of the Rangeley region opened up below us. The higher you climb, the more landmarks you can see. At first it's just Saddleback Lake and the resort area, but soon you can make out the municpal airport, Rangeley Lake, Gull Pond, Haley Pond, etc. Along the way you get an up-close look at the impressive array of snow cannons that keep the slope in tip-top shape throughout the ski season. If you're making the trek in mid- to late June you'll also be hiking past and even through vast fields of vibrant purple lupines. The air is as fresh as it can be, and the breeze often grows stronger as you ascend, helping to keep you cool and comfortable.
Alas, the solitude could not last forever. While we took a break at the summit a group of trail runners arrived (and frankly made us feel a little lazy for merely walking up the mountain). We also passed a few more hikers while we made our descent. But overall this was a wonderful, quiet hike with fantastic scenery. It's incredibly convenient to Rangeley and the price can't be beat. We absolutely recommend a trek up Saddleback to anyone in the Rangeley area who wants to spend a couple of hours doing a serious hike.
Getting there: The parking area at Saddleback is approximately 8 miles from downtown Rangeley, about 15 minutes by car. From Route 4 (Main St. Rangeley) take Dallas Hill Rd. to Saddleback Mountain Rd. and just follow that right to the resort. There is signage along the way so it's difficult to get lost. The base lodge will be on your left as you enter the resort area and the parking area will then follow almost immediately on your right. Click here for a map.
The route: There is a box with trail maps near the front doors of the base lodge. These are the same as the online map, though the maps at Saddleback are easier to read than the online version. To start your trek to the summit go around to the back of the lodge and follow the short chair lift up the Wheeler slope. When you reach the top of Wheeler there is a path through the trees that bears left. This path opens up onto the Gray Ghost slope, which is where you'll spend most of your time climbing. At the top of the Gray Ghost several slopes converge, but just continue in the same direction you were going and you'll find a wide gravel trail that bears to the left. This is the Tri Color. After a short time there will be an obvious fork in the trail. At this point you'll bear right for a final, steep ascent to the summit. You'll know when you've reached the highest point as you'll be at the top of the highest chair lift, with a ski patrol hut right behind it. This is a nice spot for a break and a photo, and if you feel like it you can continue to follow the trail along the summit for additional views. You will descend the same way you came up.
Keep in mind: In terms of distance, it's approximately 2 miles of hiking from the base lodge to the summit. Over that span you'll gain about 1500 feet of elevation. We're fairly avid hikers and it took us about 1.25 hours each way. Bring enough water with you and use the bathroom before you leave Rangeley, as the base lodge is closed in the summer and there are no facilities along the way. Trekking poles are not a necessity but are certainly helpful on this route. Ski slopes are obviously very exposed, so take appropriate precautions against the sun.
