Dean descending Saddleback, Beaver Mountain Lake below. The south side of Saddleback has a very gradual and pleasant descent. Throughout its course the AT offers views of the sourrounding region without you having to worry where you are continually placing your feet. It is a beautiful dropoff, but you still go down 1500 feet in two miles. Even when you enter the trees further down the footway is a pleasure to follow. This is a most rewarding route to follow up or down Saddleback.