Weatherford Trail to Doyle Saddle

Cappie’s Scoop: There are 3 words to describe this trail – rocks, rocks and rocks. Not even big rocks, there are small rocks and Mom kept sliding on them! If you can ignore the rocks, the view is pretty awesome especially in the fall. Once you get to the saddle, take a break and have some water and treats. You can keep going all the way to Humphrey’s Peak but that’s a long way to go with a lot of miles. I enjoyed the view for a bit and then we headed back down the mountain. Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!

Tips: We only went as far as the saddle but the trail can take you all the way to Humphrey’s Peak. You can also backpack and camp at the saddle too. Beginning at Schultz Tank, this trail doesn’t waste time and starts a steady climb all the way to Doyle Saddle. Once at 0.5 miles, keep right on the Weatherford Trail and at about 2 miles you will enter the Kachina Wilderness. You’ll pass through a variety of trees including spruce, fir and green aspen (unless it’s fall, then it’s a gorgeous yellow!). At about 7 miles, you’ll reach the Doyle Saddle at around 10,800 ft. If you have the energy and time, you can continue on up to Humphrey’s Peak (another 3+ miles).

Directions: Take the Highway 180 north of Flagstaff, 3.1 miles to Schultz Pass Road (FR 420). Taking a right, follow road 1/2 mile to the Elden Lookout Road where you will keep left. Once you cross the cattle-guard and road becomes dirt. Follow this dirt road 5 miles up the hill to the Schultz Tank parking lot which is well marked. The trail starts across the road on the other side of parking lot.