But when you get to the top of about a 2 1/2 mile climb, you come to a ridge that overlooks Weavers Needle and the North, Western and Eastern views of the … Be prepared for thistles, but otherwise the trail is pretty clear. For those considering a clockwise route, Weaver's Needle itself will be revealed all at once as you crest the saddle after the first hour or so -- amazing! The Superstition Mountains were born … Looks like it was hiked 3 days ago. Hiking time: 10.7 hours Estimated hiking distance: 10 miles Elevation gain: 2150 feet USGS Topo Map: Weavers Needle Difficulties: Cross country hiking and navigation in the desert with no water available; technical rock climbing, a short, 15ft section with an estimated rating of 5.6 and much climbing … The head straight cross-country for the notch in the middle of the monolith. At the summit of the pass a well defined use trail branches off to the right. Here the climb begins. Anyone who has spent time in the Superstition Wilderness is familiar with the profile of Weavers Needle. A final technical section proceeds up a nice pitch with lots of hand and footholds to the summit. I did this trail Dec 5 2020. --Henry David Thoreau, Routes We started up Peralta Trail and then down into the Peralta Canyon and then looped around and up and back out on Bluff Springs Trail. (35), Climber's Log Entries This trail goes by Fremont Saddle, Weaver's Needle, and Bluff Saddle. The superstition mountains offer a few of the best hikes in Phoenix and Peralta Trail just adds to the list. All Rights Reserved. Fantastic hike though! Turn left on the Terrapin Trail, following it north for 2.8 miles. In spring, the trail has an abundance of wildflowers blooming; this is probably the best time of year to hike this loop. (30), Comments HIKING DIRECTIONS: This classic loop involves connecting a handful of trails, described in a counter-clockwise direction. Great views! Best climbed in winter, spring or fall when the temperature is not too hot. To do this hike you will need: helmet, harness, webbing, carabiners, rap rings, and a 200' rope (or a 100' rope and a 100' pull cord). Technically called Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle, this hike gives you a dead-on view of Weavers Needle from the south.The trail is straightforward and will likely only take you 75 minutes to get to the saddle. "The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till the other is ready." Loved this hike! Definitely recommend the hike! We did it in one day and took us just under 7 hours. It’s very green right now because of all the rain and is a beautiful hike with amazing views and rock formations. Lace up your boots, stock up your gear, bid farewell to civilization and head out to the … The wild and rugged Superstition Mountain Wilderness east of Phoenix, Arizona, will thrill any visitor with its landscape of legends, of sweeping desert mountains, of lost gold mines and of Apache Indian hideaways. I over prepared food and had extras left over. It is said that the shadow of Weavers Needle reveals the location of the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine at a particular time and date. According to Arizona Highways, Weavers Needle is named after Paulino Weaver, “a famed mountain man, scout, trapper and miner.” This hike was beautiful! No permit is required to hike to Weaver's Needle, or to climb, or to camp at the top. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from October until May. It can be seen for miles and miles, rising over the mountains just east of Phoenix. We technically did the trail backwards and ended up enjoying it thoroughly. Although many treasure hunters have … The peak is one of the many AZ geographical features named after mountain man Pauline Weaver. The first challenge will be to find the "use" trail going up the 45 degree scree and boulder slope to the notch. There are are a couple of moderate-steep inclines throughout the hike, but nothing overbearing. Many spots along the loop from which to choose, if you decide to camp. Lengthy day hike, but could be split up into two days if you want to camp. Enjoyed the diverse terrain! Fremont Saddle - Weavers Needle Overlook - 4.4 Miles Round-Trip Fremont Saddle is located 2.2 miles up the Peralta Trail in the Superstition Wilderness. Summary: A hike/climb to the summit of the most prominent landmark in the Superstitions. The trail to Fremont Saddle is deceptively long, about 2.5 miles of steady grade to get up to the saddle. I went in the fall, when the high was only in the 80s - would rate the difficulty as moderate in these conditions, but could see it being difficult when it gets hot out. Then in 1928, he was returned to finally be buried in Prescott, AZ, with the help boy scouts who raised funds. The loop around Weaver Needle is about 20 km (13 mi). Sunscreen/sunblock is super important as I burned bad even after applying SPF15 several times. I took the clock-wise route which turned out to have the most hills and incline to hike opposed to going the counter clock-wise direction which has fewer. Not a huge deal, but just something to note. I did this hike in a clockwise direction which really doesn't matter much but I recommend the direction to get the steepest part of the hike … Hikers will circumnavigate Weaver Needle on this 13-mile loop. There are two moderately easy climbing routes to the summit of Weave… I would only encourage you to do this hike if you're physically fit and well prepared. I packed 6 liters of water at 77 degree temps and needed every drop. My GPS clocked this loop at 13 miles, not 12. loved this hike. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Summit Weavers Needle is a 1,000-foot-high column of rock that forms a distinctive peak visible for many miles around. After 6.1 miles of good dirt road you will arrive at the well equipped Peralta Trailhead where you can even pay the parking fee with a credit card. nice, hard hike. Did it alone with my dog, and had some reservations about doing so, but ultimately very glad I did. We clicked our mileage at 13.5 miles, so about a mile more than the 12.4 that is posted. One of our favorite 1/2 day hikes in the superstitions. Great trail, well marked, easy to find. Peralta Trail hike to Fremont Saddle not only gives you a great view of Weavers Needle but also get some stunning views of the entire area. 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