No moderator, because this is a Location rather than a Group.

Being just a few miles southwest of Tonopah, Saddle Mountain provides the opportunity to hike for part of the day, and then retire to El Dorado for a relaxing, rejuvenating soak. And Saddle Mountain does offer great hiking. With luck, you might also spot some petroglyphs or one or more of the desert bighorn sheep that make Saddle Mountain their home.

While the mountain is hardly busy, neither are its charms a secret. When the weather is cooler, it's common to see a few boondockers on the western side. And unfortunately, gravel access roads approaching the mountain base are occasionally blighted by pockets of trash -- bottles, gun shells, target fragments, etc. -- left behind by the odd unthinking group. Thankfully, the trails themselves are free of such debris, a credit to the Friends of Saddle Mountain and responsible hikers.

One thing: It's true that Saddle Mountain and environs is BLM-administered but I treat with healthy scepticism the claim contained in the "About" section that "Because it is public property, nude hiking [here] is completely legal." While BLM officials may turn a blind eye, you may encounter textiles who take offense and call local law enforcement, with uncertain results. Common sense dictates always having shorts or other cover-up handy, and treating other hikers with respect.

And one more thing: While not far from Tonopah, the mountain is quite isolated. Cell service is iffy, and there's a good chance no one will be close by to help if you run into trouble. Take precautions and hike safely. [/end of sermon]

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