Peralta Trail #102, AZ

Overview
This trail segment spans from Peralta TH into the heart of East Boulder Canyon, where it joins the Dutchman Trail #104.


Hike
To most, Peralta Trail means hiking from the trailhead to Fremont Saddle. Holy cow, what's that 6.2-mile figure? Can that be right? Yes, it is! Peralta Trail exists north of Fremont Saddle. It sees much less traffic than the first half but is still popular as it can be used for several looping options.

This trail consists of two portions: the famous and overused section from the trailhead to Fremont Saddle. It climbs about 1380 ft and is virtually impossible to lose. I've seen people on this trail, from 3-year-olds to 80-year-olds. You'll probably pass a hundred people if doing this late morning or early afternoon if the weather is in the 70s.

The second half of the trail continues north to follow East Boulder Canyon downstream and provides excellent views of Weaver's Needle. It stays relatively high on the west side of Peralta Canyon, providing fantastic views of hoodoos along the ridge to your west. It gradually descends until you reach a flat clearing known as Pinyon Camp about 1 mile from the saddle, or 4 overall. Camping here is popular, especially if rains have replenished the creek, which is relatively close to the camp.

After Pinyon Camp, you will descend at a reasonably easy slope. From the Peralta Trail, you will not recognize or probably even notice the "Weaver's Needle Crosscut" trail that may appear on your map shortly after the first campsite. Continuing, you eventually reach the final switchbacks, which drop you into the creek bed of Peralta Creek and the intersection with the Dutchman. The trail intersection is well signed.

Chilson camp is nearby this intersection, which is another popular campsite for users of this trail.

East Boulder Creek is Seasonal, and it would be best to get a water report before attempting a camping trip. Aside from recent rains, it is unlikely there will be any water in the area.

A user could day hike to the Dutchman Trail #104 and back without too much difficulty solely using this segment. Turn around according to your fitness level and time left before nightfall. It's good to set a turn around time when starting and stick to it.

The trail north of the saddle is no more difficult than the famous stretch to the saddle. I've run into some overgrown sumac for the first half-mile north of the saddle in the past. It appeared in 2007, a trail maintenance team did some excellent work to improve this section. My thanks go out to the volunteers.

Triplogs
Consider your options before posting a triplog to this page.
o Shuttle hikes to consider: (go to the page and post)
- Canyon Lake TH to Peralta TH
- First Water TH to Peralta TH

o Day hikes to consider: (go to the page and post)
- (moderate) Cave Trail #233
- (moderate) Peralta To Fremont Saddle
- (difficult) Weaver's Needle Loop via Peralta

o Backpack loops and others starting on #102
- Post a triplog from here
- Adjust your mileage, elevation gain & accumulated elevation gain
- After it posts, link other trail segments using the "Link Hikes: <- Link to other Hikes!" feature if applicable

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2008-03-12 nonot