Saddle (between peaks)
Overview
A saddle is a low point along a ridge between two higher peaks or knobs. In hiking contexts, saddles often serve as natural crossing points, trail junctions, or sheltered locations relative to surrounding terrain.
Key points
- Represents a relative low point between higher terrain on either side.
- Commonly used by trails to cross from one side of a ridge to the other.
- Can provide slightly more shelter from wind than nearby summits.
- May collect snow or water differently than adjacent slopes.
- Often appears as a distinct feature on topographic maps.
- Terminology overlaps with col, gap, or pass depending on region.
Details
On a topographic map, a saddle appears where contour lines dip between two higher areas, creating a shape that suggests a shallow, elongated depression at high elevation. In the field, it may feel like a broad or narrow low point along a ridgeline, offering a brief respite from climbing before terrain rises again.
Trails commonly route through saddles because they offer a practical way to move between drainages or along ridges without summiting every nearby high point. These features may host trail junctions, informal campsites where regulations allow, or simply serve as recognizable navigation landmarks.
Wind, snow, and drainage patterns at a saddle differ from those on adjacent slopes. Some saddles can be windy corridors, while others provide relative shelter compared to nearby summits depending on prevailing directions and local terrain. Snow accumulation and melting patterns may vary as well, especially in complex mountain topography.
Local naming conventions may use terms such as saddle, col, gap, or pass with overlapping meanings. All generally refer to landscape features that function as lower connecting points between higher ground.
Related topics
Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.
Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.