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The iconic view of Weavers Needle in the Superstition Mountains


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4.6

Miles

7.5

KM

Out and Back

3,759' 1,146 m

High

2,413' 735 m

Low

1,346' 410 m

Up

1,345' 410 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Family Friendly Not an easy trail, but good for experienced hiking families.

The area has been impacted by wildfires in recent years. Expect variable and possibly unstable trail conditions. Please stay on the trail so that surrounding vegetation can regrow.

Overview

This is the famous hike via Peralta Canyon Trail to Fremont Saddle, earning a jaw-dropping view of Weavers Needle peak in the Superstition Wilderness. The classic hike is to "the saddle" and back, but the Peralta Trail can take you much farther into the wilderness if you choose to go.

Need to Know

The trailhead has one main and one overflow parking lot, and on busy days there is a ranger at the trailhead to suggest hikes and offer advice. No permit or fee is required, but a log book should be filled out for each hiking party. As with any trail in the Arizona desert, it's best to go during the cooler seasons and to start quite early in the day.

Description

The trail presents a gradual ascent for the entire 2.25 miles up to Fremont Saddle, and the last quarter mile is pretty steep. The canyon is sprinkled rock tower formations, many of which seem quite large until the Weavers Needle itself finally comes into view. Don't forget to look over your shoulder often to see expanding views of the dramatic canyon behind you.

After a final set of rocky switchbacks you'll reach the top, and then be rewarded with a panoramic view of Weavers Needle, the 1,000-foot rock formation that figures strongly in the local lore about the lost Dutchman's gold mine. Linger as long as you like and take in the views, then decide if you want a longer hike down into the next canyon, or if you'll turn to head back from here. - Description by Denis LeBlanc, Outdoor Project.

Flora & Fauna

Saguaro cactus, ocotillo, prickly pear, and a variety of Sonoran desert scrub grow plentifully on these slopes. The vegetation was badly damaged in recent wildfires, but is steadily regenerating.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hiking Project Staff with improvements by Jesse Weber

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  5.0 from 1 vote

#2264

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Recommended Route Rankings

#111

in Arizona

#2,264

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Photos

Along the Peralta Canyon Trail, you'll have a spectacular view of the mountains behind you as you're on your way to Weaver's Needle.
Apr 19, 2017 near Gold Camp, AZ
Peralta Canyon Trail.
Oct 12, 2016 near Gold Camp, AZ
Weavers Needle is a stunning feat of geology.
Apr 26, 2017 near Apache…, AZ
Weaver's Needle stands prominently in the distance.
Feb 17, 2017 near Apache…, AZ
Sunset on Weavers Needle from Fremont Saddle.
Feb 28, 2021 near Apache…, AZ
looking back south before Needle lookout.
Feb 8, 2021 near Apache…, AZ

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