Sasse Ridge

The Sasse Mountain Trail begins at Forest Road 4305-118 and ends at an intersection with the Jolly Mountain trail. However, with the right vehicle, hikers can drive to the end of the Forest Road 4315, making for a much-shorter, more scenic hike.

Upon arriving at the end of the forest road (#4315), begin hiking south and follow the ridge, which has great views to craggy peaks in the northwest and occasional views of Mount Stuart to the northeast.

The trail first ascends to a point (Sasse Ridge) before descending slightly and regaining altitude to Sasse Mountain. The mountaintop itself leaves something to be desired, as it is both burned and has some of the least views of the route, but otherwise serves just fine as a destination. 

If you're coming from the official trailhead, the trail begins in a 1960s pine plantation, climbing steadily to the top of Hex Mountain. This portion of the trail is wide and chopped up in many places from logging roads.

From Hex Mountain, the trail follows the ridgetop, climbing and descending many times, ending at the junction with Jolly Mountain Trail 1307. This trail is rugged due to the fact that it is an old sheep driveway and has not been updated. This longer route is 9 miles, rather than 5.