Idaho · Hiking

Buzzard Saddle

6.9 mi
round trip
7,517 ft
climb
4,193 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Buzzard Saddle open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It doesn't name Buzzard Saddle, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Buzzard Saddle is a hard out-and-back hike in Idaho's Idaho Panhandle National Forests, within the St. Joe Ranger District. The trail is about 6.9 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 1,459 feet, taking hikers from a low point of 2,706 feet to a high point of 4,193 feet. It is a natural-surface route on Forest Service land, and the steepest stretch comes at about 2.7 miles in, with a grade of 24 percent. The most comfortable stretch for a visit runs from June through September, when typical July and August highs reach about 80°F with only five to six wet days a month, according to averages from a nearby weather station at a lower elevation. The trail is not accessible, and it is open seasonally from June 1 to September 30. Bikes and horses are allowed. The nearest places to pair with a trip here are Brush Hill, about 1.8 miles away, and Indian Dip, about 2.6 miles off. Surveyors Lookout campground lies about 7.1 miles away, and paddlers can head to Canyon Creek, about 5.9 miles from the trail.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Buzzard Saddle

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      35° / 18°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      39° / 20°

      16 wet

    3. Mar

      46° / 23°

      17 wet

    4. Apr

      52° / 27°

      15 wet

    5. May

      63° / 34°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      70° / 40°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 44°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      80° / 41°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 35°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 28°

      12 wet

    11. Nov

      42° / 25°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      33° / 20°

      19 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Headquarters, ID, 25.9 mi away at 3,200 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.