The Ascent to Bear Saddle

This hike, which is approximately 11.5 miles in length round trip begins on Ramsey Canyon Road, proceeds through the Ramsey Canyon Nature Preserve to the Ramsey Canyon Overlook and then down into Ramsey Canyon where one follows Ramsey Creek up to Bear Saddle.

In the course of this hike, you will initially pass through mixed groves of cottonwood, sycamore, oak and maple trees with manzanita and then, as the altitude increases, towering ponderosa, Apache, Chiricahua and Arizona pines and firs. You will also see evidence of mining activity.

Inasmuch as the hike starts early, you are likely to see and hear wild turkey, deer, javelina, coyote, hawks, crows, Mexican bluejays and many other birds that migrate though this area.

You may even see coatimundi. Bring your camera and binoculars' because this is one of the most beautiful places in the state of Arizona.