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Peralta Trail #120 Weaver's Needle


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Peralta Trail #120 Weaver's Needle

Hiking Trail

Peralta Trail #120 Weaver's Needle

by: Honza
Location:  Phoenix, AZ          Longitude:  -111.3479    Latitude:  33.3976
Scale the legendary Superstition Mountains by one of the most beautiful and scenic trails in Arizona.
Features and Interests:   A couple of stream/wash crossings on the way (running water during wet season). At the end of trail, you will have a glorious view of the Weaver's Needle; a 4553ft high volcanic neck of the remnant super-volcanoe.
Flora/Fauna on this Trail:
2/06 PM
Trail Weather
41°/67°
2/07 AM
Trail Weather
48°/69°
2/07 PM
Trail Weather
46°/68°
From the Trailhead, take a left to the Peralta Canyon Trail (#102); you can also take a right to the Dutchman Trail (#104) which is a separate trail.

The Peralta trail starts by meandering through a Saguaro and Palo Verde forest. You will be taken through several riverbed/wash crossing, with the first one being the largest with most amount of flowing water in the rainy season. The views are breath-taking, right from the start, all the way up and down this trail. As you continue to climb up the trail/canyon, you will go though quite dense Sugar Sumac forests and many different large boulder assortments.

At about 1.8 miles up the canyon, with quite spectacular views already, you will start switchbacks up the last stretch to Fremont Saddle. The views from this last area is very unobstructed and takes longest as you admire them every time you can. Reaching the top provides great views in both directions, primarily the Weaver's Needle. This is a great spot to have a snack and relax, enjoying the views.

The trail does continue into Boulder Canyon, meeting Dutchman's Trail, but this is the point where you will turn around and head back down...enjoying more views!
Trail Distance:  4.6 miles round-trip
Elevation:  2400ft - 3760ft   (change 1360ft)
Trail Difficutly:  Moderate - requires some endurance, elevation changes
How Crowded:  Often frequented trail
Season:  October to May
Accomodations: (on site)   Toilets  CampingTake the US60 to Peralta Road (just past mile post 204); Peralta road is about 8.3 miles from Apache Junction. Make a left onto Peralta Rd (North; FSR 77) and drive about 7.2 miles to the parking lot at road's end (at 5.5 mile fork, bear left keeping on FSR 77). Because of the popularity of this trail, there is overflow parking about 1/8 mile from the main parking lot (trailhead). The trail starts at the north end of the main parking lot.Good dirt road, off-road vehicle not needed.
Trail Ratings and Comments
Trail Rating: (5.00)   # of Ratings: 1   (Only registered users can rate)

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Honza on 3/14/2010, said:
Most amazing hike in Phoenix area! Family and dog friendly!
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