Arizona Trail/Little Saddle Mountain Trail #244

Arizona Trail/Little Saddle Mountain Trail #244 is a short, remote section within AZT Passage 22 (Saddle Mountain) in the Tonto National Forest near Sunflower, Arizona. The route is an out-and-back hike around 7.7–8 miles, with a steady, workmanlike climb and a generally moderately challenging to difficult profile.

Access starts at the trailhead across the road from the parking lot at the end of the Old Beeline Highway (the old alignment of the Beeline Hwy before Highway 87). The first stretch is specifically Little Saddle Mountain Trail #244 before it merges into the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Expect trail travel that follows an intermittent/seasonal creek corridor for a good portion of the hike. Water is inconsistent—seasonal springs may be the only reliable option—so plan to carry enough for your turnaround, especially for exposed stretches.

Terrain is dominated by dirt path and creekside running, with a “rough” feel to the travel. Trail grades average steady effort rather than a gentle stroll, and the route’s high point comes after a long climb that separates the drainage work from the upper AZT corridor.

A practical planning note: parking is available at the Old Beeline Highway end area, and the trailhead signage includes large AZT wayfinding near where the Little Saddle Trail segment begins. From there, staying oriented around cairns and obvious junction points matters once the route leaves the immediate road edge.

If you’re doing this as a day hike, the typical completion time reported for the out-and-back is about 4–6 hours, depending on pace and how far you turn around on the way back. Because this is a remote piece of the AZT passage, treat it like a backcountry section: plan water carefully and don’t rely on frequent services along the way.

More information: Map, Visitor information, Little Saddle Mountain Trail #244 - Kingsnake's Home Den