Near Bulldog Canyon Saddle and Pass Mountain Trail Loop
A little cloudy, but this is the view from the backside of the mountain - the eastern part of the trail.
Near Bulldog Canyon Saddle and Pass Mountain Trail Loop
Look for a fork in the trail. This one is more pronounced than many others.
Near Bulldog Canyon Saddle and Pass Mountain Trail Loop
East side just below peak.
Near Bulldog Canyon Saddle and Pass Mountain Trail Loop
If you see this sad, empty INFORMATION board, you are at the right place.
Near Bulldog Canyon Saddle and Pass Mountain Trail Loop
The trail is rocky and rife with saguaro on the way to the saddle.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Bulldog Canyon Saddle and Pass Mountain Trail Loop

4.4 (9 Ratings)
A tough trail with lots of climbing and beautiful views.
5
mi
Distance
1,346
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Less CrowdedViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.95mi
Distance
1,346ft
Elevation Gain
1,346ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
2,693ft
High Point
1,921ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
I am in the Pass Mountain Trail area quite a bit and wanted to see what this trail looked like. I have never seen any signs, but I have seen people on it. So, I set out one day to map this loop, and here we are. I was there in early spring, and the wildflowers had not bloomed much yet, but I suspect there would be some good color out here after some rain. On my trip, it felt pretty hot even though the thermometer reported only around 87 degrees. You can access this trail if you park at the end of N. Meridian Dr. and catch the trail from the parking area there. When the trail forks just above the parking lot, stay left on Bulldog Canyon Alternate Trail to complete this loop. (You can also go to the right on Bulldog Saddle Trail if you prefer as they join up before the climb). Once the trails merge, you'll be on Bulldog Saddle Trail. Follow this up to the saddle and continue north onto Peak 3004 Loop Trail. Be prepared to look out for cairns and possibly make some wrong turns and need to backtrack. At least a third of this loop seems to be VERY lightly trafficked, undeveloped and not well-maintained. Follow the Peak 3004 Loop Trail around the north side of the mountain. This section of the route is pretty remote but be on the lookout for backpackers who may be camping on the north side of the peak. After the trail turns and heads south for a bit, it joins up with Pass Mountain Trail. Take a right to head south on Pass Mountain Trail until almost the end of the hike. Take a left onto Pass Mountain Connector which is a short wash connector to Bulldog Canyon Alternate Trail. Follow Bulldog Canyon Alternate Trail back to the parking area to finish your hike.As a run this was only "good" but as far as hiking goes, this would be a solid 4 stars because of the views, remote feel, and challenge.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Usery Mountain Regional Park Southeast Trails Loop

Hike Route

Usery Mountain Regional Park Southeast Trails Loop

Less Crowded
moderate
7.26 mi
+313 ft
Usery Mountain Regional Park Medium Loop

Hike Route

Usery Mountain Regional Park Medium Loop

Views
moderate
6.08 mi
+256 ft
Cat Peaks Trail

Hike Route

Cat Peaks Trail

Views
easy
2.84 mi
+198 ft
Wind Cave Trail

Hike Route

Wind Cave Trail

Cave
moderate
2.83 mi
+1,011 ft
Peak of Interest Loop

Hike Route

Peak of Interest Loop

Less Crowded
strenuous
9.09 mi
+2,823 ft
Usery Park Large Loop - South Side

Hike Route

Usery Park Large Loop - South Side

Wildlife
moderate
7.44 mi
+238 ft
Contributors
Doug Baer