Route Editor
Route Scout
Nice desert trail! by joebartels Overview: This is a popular loop through Barkley Basin, rounding Miner's Needle and back on the Bluff Spring Trail. The kicker is a short off-trail jaunt to a breath taking view of Weaver's Needle! Route: Dutchman #104, Bluff Springs #235, a short jaunt on Terrapin #234, some easy off-trail to a nice view of Weavers Needle, back on the Terrapin #234, complete loop back on Bluff Spring #235. Hike: From the Peralta head out east following the Dutchman #104. After passing the beginning hills the trail drops down into Barkley Basin. It's a nice stroll across. Passing the junction with Coffee Pot Trail #108, the trail starts to switchback. Once you make it through the five or six switchbacks you start heading northwest. Soon you will pass the right side of Miners Needle. Passing the north end you get a great view through the eye of the needle. The eye is small so don't get too excited. The trail makes a quarter circle around Miners Needle then heads north again. Shortly you come to the junction with Whiskey Spring Trail at about four and a quarter miles. Continue on the Dutchman #104 down to Bluff Springs #235. Take Bluff Springs #235 west to the junction with Terrapin #234. Most head on back to the parking lot, which is 2.3 miles away. I can't imagine coming this far and going home. Weavers Needle is fairly close with awesome views. Plus there is an option to make this an even bigger loop over to the Peralta or Cave Trails. Head across the flat creek bed and up Terrapin Trail #234. Keep your eye on the trail. It's faint in sections but nothing to worry about if you pay attention. You have a couple options. The easiest is to just follow the Terrapin until Weavers is directly west of the trail. The view is pretty awesome. This is also the best option if you are feeling tired. Your other option is to continue, but stop before the knoll on your left that's blocking part of Weavers Needle. Be forewarned this isn't gonna be easy and forget it if you're tired. Okay, you need to head up the ravine on the south side of the knoll. Your task here is to plan ahead. You need to make it to the saddle to look head on to Weavers Needle. Actually Weavers Needle is northwest from the saddle. You'll be so disoriented you'll think it's due north, but it isn't. So look ahead and find the easiest line to travel. This is it. In my opinion this is the best view of Weavers Needle. From here you have two options again. The mileage given above is up to this point and back to the trailhead on Bluff Springs Trail. So head back to the Terrapin/Bluff Springs junction. Take a right and follow Bluff Springs #235 2.3 miles back to the trailhead. There is one section where the trail turns into a slide rock stream bed. After a short bend to the right, the trail picks back up. If you should happen to run the whole loop clockwise (what most consider backwards in this case) be sure to follow the slide rock around the bend. If not you'll end up in Barks Canyon and way over your head. The other option is to head down into the valley in front of Weavers Needle and cross over to the Peralta Trail. You need to scramble up the saddle south of Weavers Needle. From the saddle you take the ravine back down to the Peralta Trail. Head southeast on the Peralta Trail up to Fremont Saddle. You can continue on the Peralta Trail or take the Cave Trail back down to the trailhead. Keep in mind this is one heck of a loop hike. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent of 18 deeper Triplog Reviews
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Perfect day to get back out in the Supes. 39 for a start and into the low 70's for a high.
The start on Cardiac Hill always gets you woken up quickly. I always love doing this area as the sun is rising. This time of year the low sun makes the shadows pop.
Stopped at Bluff Spring for the first time. Seems quite reliable.
At the LaBarge Spring, there were 2 groups camping. Two ladies in one site and a group of 10 or so college aged ladies. Fall was popping with the Sycamores and Cottonwoods in the area.
Charliebois Spring are was next. Love this area. Shocked to see nobody in the area.
The climb up Terrapin is still a steep and loose one. Where the other trails we'd been on so far today had seen some recent love, Terrapin could use some.
A fun day!
Good hikin' with Ray again, it's been too long.
The start on Cardiac Hill always gets you woken up quickly. I always love doing this area as the sun is rising. This time of year the low sun makes the shadows pop.
Stopped at Bluff Spring for the first time. Seems quite reliable.
At the LaBarge Spring, there were 2 groups camping. Two ladies in one site and a group of 10 or so college aged ladies. Fall was popping with the Sycamores and Cottonwoods in the area.
Charliebois Spring are was next. Love this area. Shocked to see nobody in the area.
The climb up Terrapin is still a steep and loose one. Where the other trails we'd been on so far today had seen some recent love, Terrapin could use some.
A fun day!
Good hikin' with Ray again, it's been too long.
2017-12-09 The_Eagle
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
For the second time in my ~40 years, I stepped on a rattlesnake and lived to tell the tale. I had just jumped off a rock outcrop onto a slick rock wash area with fetid water beside it. I saw a commotion and the western diamondback I stepped on jumped into the pooled water, dropped the bird it had in its mouth and crawled back out and coiled up. Even this agitated, it never rattled once.
The good: More Weaver's Needle views, which I could stare at for days. Any time in the Supes is good. Saw a rattlesnake.
The bad: Stepped on said rattlesnake...
The ugly: Terrapin Trail. It is terrible and probably the last time I ever take it. Catsclaw acacia, almost no scenic views, etc. Although it did provide me a rattlesnake and gila monster last month...
The good: More Weaver's Needle views, which I could stare at for days. Any time in the Supes is good. Saw a rattlesnake.
The bad: Stepped on said rattlesnake...
The ugly: Terrapin Trail. It is terrible and probably the last time I ever take it. Catsclaw acacia, almost no scenic views, etc. Although it did provide me a rattlesnake and gila monster last month...
2015-05-30 JasonCleghorn
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Did this loop hike in the opposite direction of the main description, as an overnight backpack, camping near Bluff Springs. Beautiful views throughout. Departed Saturday morning to light drizzle and enjoyed a nice shower (and some hail) on Saturday night and then returned to the Peralta trailhead on Sunday morning to clear blue skies and breathtaking views of the Supes. Can't wait to get back and do it again!
2014-12-13 capcyclone
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Wow, didn't think I'd ever get on top of Weaver's! Thanks again, Joe and JJ!
We were supposed to meet at Peralta TH at 4:50am but I was running about 5 minutes late. They had already started before I arrived so I had to play catch-up. Trust me, you don't ever want to have to catch up to these guys! We took Bluff Springs to the Cross Cut trail so we could access the east side of Weaver. I was expecting to take Peralta in both directions so I wore shorts. Big mistake. The off-trail part to the base of the needle is quite brushy.
I had been to the east side before about 3 years ago and didn't really feel like there was a "safe" route up so I was skeptical when Joe suggested it. But knowing J&JJ's route finding skills, I figured I should probably go. At the east side base, of course JJ went up right away. Joe was next but turned around about 15-20' up. Then my turn. Went up a few feet and knew I could do it but didn't like the thought of down-climbing it. Joe and I decided it would be best to have JJ set up the rope so we could rappel back down if needed. The 7mm ropes (one at 70' and the other 45') we brought are real stretchy so we tied the ends together and had JJ loop it through the existing anchored webbing so we could rappel with "2" ropes. So the first climb was about 75' and then it was another 30' or so climb in a notch to the top of the infamous chockstone. JJ was pretty excited to get to this point as he knew it was a relatively easy scramble to the summit from here. I was still nervous about going back down. Above the chockstone is a 12' non-exposed climb. It didn't give us much trouble. Beyond that was about another 300 vertical feet of mixed class 2, 3 and 4 to the top. Most of it is just a blur to me at this point.
It was very surreal being on top. Hard to believe we actually made it as the climbs all seemed to go by so quickly and were much easier than I was expecting. But with all the down-climbing heavy on my mind, it was difficult to enjoy the summit. We spent about 10 minutes on top and then headed back down. Everything went well and we even found a bypass to one of the more difficult down-climbs. None of it seem really exposed to me. Maybe just that one bypass part that sort of hung out over the west side a bit but even that wasn't too bad. Joe and I rappelled the last 70' while JJ stayed true to his "non-roped" ascent and descent of the needle.
We finished by looping around the base of the needle to the west side and then picked up the use trail to Peralta Trail and back to Peralta trailhead.
Can't wait to go back!
We were supposed to meet at Peralta TH at 4:50am but I was running about 5 minutes late. They had already started before I arrived so I had to play catch-up. Trust me, you don't ever want to have to catch up to these guys! We took Bluff Springs to the Cross Cut trail so we could access the east side of Weaver. I was expecting to take Peralta in both directions so I wore shorts. Big mistake. The off-trail part to the base of the needle is quite brushy.
I had been to the east side before about 3 years ago and didn't really feel like there was a "safe" route up so I was skeptical when Joe suggested it. But knowing J&JJ's route finding skills, I figured I should probably go. At the east side base, of course JJ went up right away. Joe was next but turned around about 15-20' up. Then my turn. Went up a few feet and knew I could do it but didn't like the thought of down-climbing it. Joe and I decided it would be best to have JJ set up the rope so we could rappel back down if needed. The 7mm ropes (one at 70' and the other 45') we brought are real stretchy so we tied the ends together and had JJ loop it through the existing anchored webbing so we could rappel with "2" ropes. So the first climb was about 75' and then it was another 30' or so climb in a notch to the top of the infamous chockstone. JJ was pretty excited to get to this point as he knew it was a relatively easy scramble to the summit from here. I was still nervous about going back down. Above the chockstone is a 12' non-exposed climb. It didn't give us much trouble. Beyond that was about another 300 vertical feet of mixed class 2, 3 and 4 to the top. Most of it is just a blur to me at this point.
It was very surreal being on top. Hard to believe we actually made it as the climbs all seemed to go by so quickly and were much easier than I was expecting. But with all the down-climbing heavy on my mind, it was difficult to enjoy the summit. We spent about 10 minutes on top and then headed back down. Everything went well and we even found a bypass to one of the more difficult down-climbs. None of it seem really exposed to me. Maybe just that one bypass part that sort of hung out over the west side a bit but even that wasn't too bad. Joe and I rappelled the last 70' while JJ stayed true to his "non-roped" ascent and descent of the needle.
We finished by looping around the base of the needle to the west side and then picked up the use trail to Peralta Trail and back to Peralta trailhead.
Can't wait to go back!
2014-06-26 Dave1
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Nice short hike with Wally to check out Peak 3826. Didn't quite make it but we were pretty close. Took a ridgeline towards Miner's Needle (we found an old mining claim along the way) and then picked up the Dutchman Trail which brought us back to Peralta TH. We had some nice cloud cover for most of the morning. Saw two rattlesnakes, one tarantula and three deer. I also saw a dead rattler on the way home along Peralta Road. Started at 6am and were done by 9:45. It wasn't too hot, we probably could have stayed out a little longer. Thanks for taking me along, Wally!
2012-09-23 Dave1
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Set out this morning with the goal of a new personal longest hike. Got to Peralta just before 9... right in time to watch someone pull into the last spot in the main parking lot. D'oh! So off to the overflow lot I went.
Set out on the Dutchman... immediately encountered some Boy Scouts who had set out on the wrong trail and were turning around not 50 feet from the parking lot, then passed some leisure hikers, and then, once I was over that first ridge, sweet solitude. I enjoyed the portion on the Dutchman trail much more than I was expecting to: nice views, a decent number of wildflowers, pleasant rolling terrain that made a nice start to my planned 12 miles. Ran into a couple small groups of backpackers coming back from their overnight trip and one group of dayhikers who'd gotten an earlier start than me.
Next, I planned on taking the Coffee Flat trail for a little distance to get a better view of that unusual rock formation in the basin past Miners Needle (Hiker's Guide to the Superstitions calls it Cathedral Rock). I wasn't too impressed with the views or terrain on Coffee Flat, so I turned back after about half a mile.
And then... it happened. My first rattlesnake encounter. Unfortunately, it was a full-on rattling, "hey, I'm gonna bite you!" situation.
Let's just say that my pace substantially improved in the 30 seconds or so after that. Hey, I've been meaning to give trail running a try.
The route up to Miners Saddle was uneventful, aside from the strengthening wind. Oh, and the garter snake that scared the bejeezus out of me after my earlier encounter. The north side of the ridge was a pleasant change, gentler everything: wind, terrain, plant life. Though all those grasses looked suspiciously like someplace a snake might hide...
Little did I know that my encounters with venomous reptiles were not over! On the Bluff Spring trail, about halfway between the Terrapin junction and the turnoff point for Lower Barks Canyon, I came across a big ol' gila monster sunning himself in the middle of the trail. Surprised to see one here and in the early afternoon. I got some great photos as he ambled off into the grass. I didn't even shriek like a baby this time.
Met up with another group of day hikers that I'd been "racing" since Miners Saddle and hiked back to the parking lot in their company. Passed some folks going the other way that were loaded up with camping gear. Didn't you guys look at the forecast?!
Oh well, not my problem if you have to try to get down Bluff Springs trail in a thunderstorm tomorrow.
Happy with my distance accomplishment, but that rattlesnake encounter might mark the end of my Phoenix-area hiking adventures for the season. There's always Rim Country!
Set out on the Dutchman... immediately encountered some Boy Scouts who had set out on the wrong trail and were turning around not 50 feet from the parking lot, then passed some leisure hikers, and then, once I was over that first ridge, sweet solitude. I enjoyed the portion on the Dutchman trail much more than I was expecting to: nice views, a decent number of wildflowers, pleasant rolling terrain that made a nice start to my planned 12 miles. Ran into a couple small groups of backpackers coming back from their overnight trip and one group of dayhikers who'd gotten an earlier start than me.
Next, I planned on taking the Coffee Flat trail for a little distance to get a better view of that unusual rock formation in the basin past Miners Needle (Hiker's Guide to the Superstitions calls it Cathedral Rock). I wasn't too impressed with the views or terrain on Coffee Flat, so I turned back after about half a mile.
And then... it happened. My first rattlesnake encounter. Unfortunately, it was a full-on rattling, "hey, I'm gonna bite you!" situation.
Let's just say that my pace substantially improved in the 30 seconds or so after that. Hey, I've been meaning to give trail running a try.
The route up to Miners Saddle was uneventful, aside from the strengthening wind. Oh, and the garter snake that scared the bejeezus out of me after my earlier encounter. The north side of the ridge was a pleasant change, gentler everything: wind, terrain, plant life. Though all those grasses looked suspiciously like someplace a snake might hide...
Little did I know that my encounters with venomous reptiles were not over! On the Bluff Spring trail, about halfway between the Terrapin junction and the turnoff point for Lower Barks Canyon, I came across a big ol' gila monster sunning himself in the middle of the trail. Surprised to see one here and in the early afternoon. I got some great photos as he ambled off into the grass. I didn't even shriek like a baby this time.
Met up with another group of day hikers that I'd been "racing" since Miners Saddle and hiked back to the parking lot in their company. Passed some folks going the other way that were loaded up with camping gear. Didn't you guys look at the forecast?!
Oh well, not my problem if you have to try to get down Bluff Springs trail in a thunderstorm tomorrow.
Happy with my distance accomplishment, but that rattlesnake encounter might mark the end of my Phoenix-area hiking adventures for the season. There's always Rim Country!
2012-03-17 indian-paintbrush
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Made a counter clockwise loop with a work buddy of mine. We really enjoyed the hike and stopped for numerous pics along the way. I hate to say this but this was my first time on these trails. For years I was a creature of habit and hiked the same trails over and over. It feels good branching out to see what else is out there! I plan on returning to continue exploring this part of the supes.
We skipped out on the Weavers View section. Another time!
We skipped out on the Weavers View section. Another time!
2012-02-04 John9L
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Back in 1904 on a cold and gray Chicago morning a poor little baby child was born in the ghetto. This dude can't dance for crap but today Bruce joined the pack to reminisce the gloomy weather of his childhood. His color matching son, Dave, tagged along too! We were all honored to have Lance Corporal Alex model his class A ensemble. The star of the show, Chris, never disappoints.
Apparently three italic dudes got together pre-hike and had an Opec Bean Fest. This was no Jamy Wal hike, the rotation here was consistently to the back of the pack. While the ol' boy has curling lift and the young whipper snapper can bring a tear to the eye the big guy has drift and unparalleled hang time.
Calling this a Charlebois Loop is a bit of a stretch as we never came close to it nor would we have looped it if we had but what do I know. It doesn't matter, it was a loop in the supes in prime season. There was a little flow in the creeks and the weather was pretty nice. We didn't get to see any spectacular mini floods that can happen in a snap yet it was a fun hike.
To start the hike I body side slammed when a rock under my left foot gave way. Holy E Cow! My elbow was screaming pain and I didn't want to see the damage so I just tried to ignore it. Sunny skies tagged along until LaBarge Spring. Shortly after a storm was brewing. I suggested lunch quick as it started to sprinkle. The young whipper snapper wanted to hike a quarter mile back to LaBarge Spring. He didn't give up on it either. The rest of the group was half done eating before he gave up and sat down. Just as the group is about ready to break camp the whipper snapper started cracking eggs to make homemade noodles for his lunch. With an anticipated 13 mile hike I'm sure all of us secretly brought stoves, tents, flour and fresh eggs like Dave. It was difficult to figure out which was funnier... Dave's actions or the "are you serious" look on Chris' face when Dave started making soup ten minutes after we stopped. It was one of those "if I step in is it worth getting hurt" moments.
On the Dutch through LaBarge was pretty scenery. When we got to Miner's the twins and I opted to check out Miner's Needle as we figured we could catch up to LC Alex and Limp Biscuit. We couldn't see a hundred feet in front of us due to thick fog but we knew the needle was near. It was a little steeper than I anticipated. Admittingly, I was impressed Bruce didn't turn back. We made it up to what turns out to be 3 summit conglomerates. We checked out the easier 2 & 3 to the right and later figured out the left #1 is the needle. I've heard it's an easy climb as far as climbing goes but it was definitely out of our reach, especially on this day.
My body has been through the ringer hence why I was looking forward to a Stiller hike. With my elbow smack from earlier on, my Wile E Coyote dive two days ago, the never ending cold, feet issues and the list goes on and on I was hurting. We needed to catch up with Chris and Alex. Luckily Bruce was tiring from lack of exercise so I wasn't the only one dragging. Even at our crawl pace we met up with Chris and Alex before the big drop to the trailhead.
A fun hike indeed with drifting fog and all!
https://www.youtube.com/v/JR7Un-6szV0
Apparently three italic dudes got together pre-hike and had an Opec Bean Fest. This was no Jamy Wal hike, the rotation here was consistently to the back of the pack. While the ol' boy has curling lift and the young whipper snapper can bring a tear to the eye the big guy has drift and unparalleled hang time.
Calling this a Charlebois Loop is a bit of a stretch as we never came close to it nor would we have looped it if we had but what do I know. It doesn't matter, it was a loop in the supes in prime season. There was a little flow in the creeks and the weather was pretty nice. We didn't get to see any spectacular mini floods that can happen in a snap yet it was a fun hike.
To start the hike I body side slammed when a rock under my left foot gave way. Holy E Cow! My elbow was screaming pain and I didn't want to see the damage so I just tried to ignore it. Sunny skies tagged along until LaBarge Spring. Shortly after a storm was brewing. I suggested lunch quick as it started to sprinkle. The young whipper snapper wanted to hike a quarter mile back to LaBarge Spring. He didn't give up on it either. The rest of the group was half done eating before he gave up and sat down. Just as the group is about ready to break camp the whipper snapper started cracking eggs to make homemade noodles for his lunch. With an anticipated 13 mile hike I'm sure all of us secretly brought stoves, tents, flour and fresh eggs like Dave. It was difficult to figure out which was funnier... Dave's actions or the "are you serious" look on Chris' face when Dave started making soup ten minutes after we stopped. It was one of those "if I step in is it worth getting hurt" moments.
On the Dutch through LaBarge was pretty scenery. When we got to Miner's the twins and I opted to check out Miner's Needle as we figured we could catch up to LC Alex and Limp Biscuit. We couldn't see a hundred feet in front of us due to thick fog but we knew the needle was near. It was a little steeper than I anticipated. Admittingly, I was impressed Bruce didn't turn back. We made it up to what turns out to be 3 summit conglomerates. We checked out the easier 2 & 3 to the right and later figured out the left #1 is the needle. I've heard it's an easy climb as far as climbing goes but it was definitely out of our reach, especially on this day.
My body has been through the ringer hence why I was looking forward to a Stiller hike. With my elbow smack from earlier on, my Wile E Coyote dive two days ago, the never ending cold, feet issues and the list goes on and on I was hurting. We needed to catch up with Chris and Alex. Luckily Bruce was tiring from lack of exercise so I wasn't the only one dragging. Even at our crawl pace we met up with Chris and Alex before the big drop to the trailhead.
A fun hike indeed with drifting fog and all!
https://www.youtube.com/v/JR7Un-6szV0
2011-12-18 joebartels
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Fun day back in the Supes again.
Started this one right at 7am. There were promises of rain on this hike, so we were all ready with our gear. Unfortunately, the rain was not ready for us. We had near perfect weather right until lunch around La Barge Spring. We got a couple of sprinkles while Dave broke out the alcohol and started cooking his soup. Past our lunch spot, there was a light rain off and on to the end.
Since Miners Needle was shrouded in fog, Joe, Dave and myself though we'd head up it for the views. It pretty eerie being in the clouds.
Good to meet Alex and hike with him for the first time. Great to hike with fn Chris again. He's always a hoot to hike with. Always good to hike w/ my new son Dave, and Joe Joe the wonder chimp.
Merry Christmas to All and a special Hanukkah wish to Joe's Girl.
Started this one right at 7am. There were promises of rain on this hike, so we were all ready with our gear. Unfortunately, the rain was not ready for us. We had near perfect weather right until lunch around La Barge Spring. We got a couple of sprinkles while Dave broke out the alcohol and started cooking his soup. Past our lunch spot, there was a light rain off and on to the end.
Since Miners Needle was shrouded in fog, Joe, Dave and myself though we'd head up it for the views. It pretty eerie being in the clouds.
Good to meet Alex and hike with him for the first time. Great to hike with fn Chris again. He's always a hoot to hike with. Always good to hike w/ my new son Dave, and Joe Joe the wonder chimp.
Merry Christmas to All and a special Hanukkah wish to Joe's Girl.
2011-12-18 The_Eagle
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View
Linda and I started at 8:45ish from the bottom parking lot east on the Dutchman Trail. We were glad to see some lupine along the way and as we got closer to the Coffee Flat Junction, there were lots of wildflowers including poppies, lupine, and chia. Some of the saguaros stood out with their extra height, others with lots of arms and most looked very full. I was surprised at the amount of water at the Lower Barks junction. Lowers Barks would have been a wonderful hike the last few days with all that water.
Before we knew it we were heading up the hill
toward Miners Needle. It was a reasonable climb as climbs go; though long, it was gradual and gave you little breaks both in the elevation and terrain. Delighted with our find of a little waterfall and water running across the trail and down the ravine, we stopped to refuel at a place on the trail looking directly south at Miners Needle. On the way up to Whiskey Springs Junc Linda decided we needed to climb up to the rock where a lot of people were having lunch so we did and then headed on our way to the saddle at the Junction. (I have to tell you, I just saw the neighborhood Roadrunner hop along the top of my block wall fence - it's the second time I've seen it; such a surprise in an urban hood)
As we got down to the springs area, I looked east and believe I could see Lower LaBarge and the top of the box (but now that I'm looking at the maps, I don't think that's what I saw)and to the east the top of Needles Canyon and of course, Weavers Needle to the south. The area you walk through is so beautiful with all the vegetation of chollas and mesquites and green carpet. But Weavers Needle was the real prize as it was in your view for such a long time. We headed up Bluff Springs and before you climb out of the creek, we had lunch by the running water; how lucky and nice was that. Not bad for a desert hike I'd say.
At Terrapin we climbed our way up and went all the way north until you get that clear view of Weavers Needle before you would start descending down to the First Water trail. We actually encoutered a father/daughter as they were coming up. We enjoyed the Terrapin as it had so much to offer. On the way back down to Bluff Spring Trail I noticed what I thought was a big window in a rock formation on the North side but as you moved east it turned out to be a balancing rock
with lots of air around it (well in this case blue sky). I didn't notice it on the way up but it was really something.
That is a long haul down the Bluff Springs Trail to Upper Barks on somewhat difficult terrain with all the loose rock. It was fun to see a bit of Upper Barks; I would have liked to spend a little more time there too. We climbed out of Upper Barks (I think this is the area where Kat and I came out of Lower Barks last year) and made our way up the hill and then down to the TH.
There were a lot of hikers out for sure but we mostly had the place to ourselves in the middle of the Loop. We were surprised at how wet the trail was in places so at times our boots would get a little muddy or wet. This was an easy route to stay on as the descriptions are quite good and the cairns are well placed (altho Linda took a right out of Upper Barks but I knew we needed to be going east so I had her turn and come back to Barks and then over to another cairn and the trail you could see). This is now my longest hike, I felt good physically but most of all we had a great time!!!!!!!!!
Time includes 3 sit-down, take off the backpack breaks.
Oh here is a link to a video I made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P465cTFMaqc
Before we knew it we were heading up the hill
toward Miners Needle. It was a reasonable climb as climbs go; though long, it was gradual and gave you little breaks both in the elevation and terrain. Delighted with our find of a little waterfall and water running across the trail and down the ravine, we stopped to refuel at a place on the trail looking directly south at Miners Needle. On the way up to Whiskey Springs Junc Linda decided we needed to climb up to the rock where a lot of people were having lunch so we did and then headed on our way to the saddle at the Junction. (I have to tell you, I just saw the neighborhood Roadrunner hop along the top of my block wall fence - it's the second time I've seen it; such a surprise in an urban hood)As we got down to the springs area, I looked east and believe I could see Lower LaBarge and the top of the box (but now that I'm looking at the maps, I don't think that's what I saw)and to the east the top of Needles Canyon and of course, Weavers Needle to the south. The area you walk through is so beautiful with all the vegetation of chollas and mesquites and green carpet. But Weavers Needle was the real prize as it was in your view for such a long time. We headed up Bluff Springs and before you climb out of the creek, we had lunch by the running water; how lucky and nice was that. Not bad for a desert hike I'd say.
At Terrapin we climbed our way up and went all the way north until you get that clear view of Weavers Needle before you would start descending down to the First Water trail. We actually encoutered a father/daughter as they were coming up. We enjoyed the Terrapin as it had so much to offer. On the way back down to Bluff Spring Trail I noticed what I thought was a big window in a rock formation on the North side but as you moved east it turned out to be a balancing rock
with lots of air around it (well in this case blue sky). I didn't notice it on the way up but it was really something.That is a long haul down the Bluff Springs Trail to Upper Barks on somewhat difficult terrain with all the loose rock. It was fun to see a bit of Upper Barks; I would have liked to spend a little more time there too. We climbed out of Upper Barks (I think this is the area where Kat and I came out of Lower Barks last year) and made our way up the hill and then down to the TH.
There were a lot of hikers out for sure but we mostly had the place to ourselves in the middle of the Loop. We were surprised at how wet the trail was in places so at times our boots would get a little muddy or wet. This was an easy route to stay on as the descriptions are quite good and the cairns are well placed (altho Linda took a right out of Upper Barks but I knew we needed to be going east so I had her turn and come back to Barks and then over to another cairn and the trail you could see). This is now my longest hike, I felt good physically but most of all we had a great time!!!!!!!!!
Time includes 3 sit-down, take off the backpack breaks.
Oh here is a link to a video I made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P465cTFMaqc
2010-03-13 tibber
