Bulldog Saddle Trail

The Bulldog Saddle Trail delivers great mountain scenery without requiring you to climb a mountain and without needing to go very far out of town for those in the Apache Junction area. Departing right from the edge of town, it feels very remote for an easily accessible hike.

This route isn’t very well-signed despite its convenient location, so we recommend referring to a GPS track if it’s your first time out. Additionally, this trail doesn’t offer much relief in the way of shade and it can get scorchingly hot in this part of Arizona. Bring lots of water, wear sunscreen, and pop a hat on.

This is an especially enjoyable hike when the wildflowers are in bloom, which tends to be around late spring. While mostly used by hikers, trail runners also favor this route and may pass by you as you explore.

Park at the end of N Meridian Drive in the parking area. Head out on the obvious trail, keeping right onto Bulldog Saddle Tail. If you accidentally take the trail on the left, no worries, they rejoin soon enough.

The route is fairly flat to begin with. All warmed up, you’ll begin to climb beside the east side of Peak 3004. The ascent is short, but it is a bit rocky. At the saddle, take a moment to enjoy the view before turning around and retracing your steps.