Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
2,532.00 ft (771.75 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
12.00 mi (19.31 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This long loop hike is located in the Superstition Mountain, part of Tonto National Forest.  Weaver's Needle is a prominant tower and most just go as far as the Fremont Saddle for a great view of the tower.  Beyond that is rugged trails and landscape but in spring, the trails are lined with amazing desert flora.

Start from the Peralta Trailhead and take the Peralta Trail about two miles to the Fremont Saddle and the first view of Weaver's Needle.  Continue past the saddle for another 3.9 miles where the Peralta Trail ends at the junction with Dutchmans Trail.  Turn right on the Dutchmans Trail and follwo for one mile.  The trail is rocky and steep at this section.

The trail will interect with the Terrapin Trail.  Turn right on the Terrapin Trail and follow for 2.8 miles.  There is some steep sections but further on the trail levels out and has plenty of wildflowers in spring.  There is also several good campsites along this trail.  At the trail junction with the Bluff Spring Trail, turn right. The Bluff Spring trail can be a little difficult to follow at times.  Good insticts and a map are key.  This section is only a little over two miles but seems longer.  This trail leads back to the Peralta Trailhead.

Bring plenty of water!

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

No Day Use

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Great views. Not many people on the loop.

Cons

Trailhead can be busy with hikers to Weaver's Needle view point.

Trailhead Elevation

2,397.00 ft (730.61 m)

Highest point

3,844.00 ft (1,171.65 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Geologically significant
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.