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4,120 ft · Longfellow Mountains, Maine

Saddleback Mountain

Saddleback Mountain is a 4,120 ft peak in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine. The standard route is the Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge: 6 mi, 2,759 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Saddleback Mountain in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine

Saddleback Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation4,120 ft1,255 m
  • RouteSaddleback and The Horn from Ski LodgeClass 1
  • Distance6 mi2,759 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeLongfellow MountainsMaine

Climbing the Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge

From Route 4 near Rangeley, Maine, the Appalachian Trail climbs to the broad open summit of Saddleback, a major ski peak with long stretches of exposed alpine ridge. The bare top gives sweeping views across the Rangeley lakes and western mountains but is fully open to wind and fast-moving weather above treeline. Ski-area access is available in season. Start early and carry layers for the round trip. The AT continues over The Horn, so the two are usually climbed together along the same high, scenic ridge.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (15–25 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Paper Map
  • GPS Device
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Remote location
  • Slippery terrain

Quests with Saddleback Mountain

Peaks near Saddleback Mountain

  1. The Horn

    The Horn

    4,041 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Redington

    Redington

    4,010 ft · 8.3 mi away

  3. Mount Abraham

    Mount Abraham

    4,050 ft · 9.1 mi away

  4. South Crocker Mountain

    South Crocker Mountain

    4,050 ft · 9.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Saddleback Mountain?

Saddleback Mountain is 4,120 feet (1,255 m) tall. It is in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine.

How does Saddleback Mountain rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,120 feet, Saddleback Mountain is the 45th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Saddleback Mountain?

The Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 6 miles with 2,759 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Saddleback Mountain?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge, covering 6 miles with 2,759 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Saddleback Mountain?

Usually, if you are fit. The Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Saddleback Mountain?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Saddleback Mountain?

The Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge starts at about 2,470 feet, roughly 1,650 feet below the summit.

Climb Saddleback Mountain with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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