AZT: Saddle Mountain Section (Passage 23-24)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

This section includes some great views where you'll feel all alone with no civilization in site. After just a couple miles, you traverse the pass and get on Forest Rd 201. Mount Peeley Trailhead is a good spot to access the start of the trail. Following the forest road for 3 miles you turn left for a descent that start fast and flowing.

Eventually, it turns very steep and requires walking down by most. Be careful crossing Hwy 87. To shave off some miles you can follow Hwy 87 north riding along the shoulder. Continue across the highway on Hwy 188 for a lower travel route. Turn left off Hwy 188 at the small group of businesses onto a dirt road. This will wrap back to Hwy 87. You'll have to ride on the should for a short distance exiting left off the highway in a couple miles.

Follow the desert roads to Payson. There will be one more short highway section to get to Payson. Payson to Pine follows dirt mountain roads with almost no traffic. Enjoy the scenery along the way.

The bypass route does get updated as trails change. Check the AZTrail.org for the most recent updates.