Route Editor
Route Scout
Hoodoo playground by kanode pronounced day-sight Overview The intended purpose of this page is for logging adventure hikes exploring the mesa south-southeast past Robber's Roost. My original hike took off after the false saddle. Instead of continuing up to West Boulder Saddle I went off trail and followed the ravine around to the main deck of Dacite Mesa. I headed back towards the cliffs overlooking Don's Camp. Then worked back through the roost and down to Peralta. Below Kanode explains how to attain the mesa in an easier fashion and cross it quickly. You can come down to the south-southeast or explore the West Boulder-Peralta Ridge. Either are fun and can be a dangerous route finding adventure. Be care and go prepared. 03/09/2008 - joe West Boulder Saddle to Fremont Saddle Many hikers pass through this area while hiking from Carney Spring up to the West Boulder Saddle and then down to Fremont Saddle. However it's a worthwhile destination on its own. From the unsigned Carney Spring parking area along Peralta road, hike 0.6 miles to a pass-through in the fence at the wilderness boundary. The trail goes up the mountain to West Boulder Saddle--it's an unofficial trail but is very well defined. . The hardest section is from the balancing "T" rock up to a false saddle. The hike from the false saddle to the top looks steep but is a surprising easy hike. Two thirds of your time and effort is in getting to the false saddle. Once on top, the hiking is easy if you follow cairned routes or can be difficult if you climb over rocks to take the shortest route. (Some of the cairned routes involve short sections of bushwacking and travel through tall grass. It's not a good place to be during snake season.) At West Boulder Saddle, there are well cairned paths to both the east and west. The path going west is the Superstition Ridgeline trail. The path going NE on the south bank of the creek starts you on the path to Dacite Mesa. About 0.1 mile NE of West Boulder Saddle the cairned route crosses from the south side of the creek to the north. Note that one set of cairns heads due north and up from the crossing while another set of cairns heads east following the creek. Either route can take you to several overlooks of Fremont Saddle and Weaver's Needle. The route that heads up and north to the western edge of the yellow streaked spire ledge is the most scenic and involves the least bushwhacking. This is the route described for the "Dacite Super Loop". It takes you to an overlook of Weaver's Needle but you'll have to head a short way back south for the overlooks of Fremont Saddle. The route that heads east along the creek offers you three more chances to head north to the overlooks of Fremont Saddle and Weaver's and also takes you towards "Robbers Roost". Note: There is a maze of cairned routes up here. If you don't know where you're headed they can lead you in interesting loops through the maze of interesting rock formations and hoodoos. See "Dacite Super Loop" and "Robbers Roost" for more info and GPS tracks. Check out the 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 19 deeper Triplog Reviews
Dacite Mesa
Dacite Roost Cave
You can't go wrong with this hike on a nice crystal clear cool day. The climb up to West Boulder Saddle gets the blood circulating and opens up the pores. Always a great feeling when you reach the saddle. Everything to come is easy in comparison.
The route to the Roost through the boulders and hoodoos is unique as is Robbers Roost itself. From there it's an easy geologically impressive trek to Fremont Saddle, the pine tree, and on down one of my favorites the Cave Trail.
Wonderful day. Great company.
The route to the Roost through the boulders and hoodoos is unique as is Robbers Roost itself. From there it's an easy geologically impressive trek to Fremont Saddle, the pine tree, and on down one of my favorites the Cave Trail.
Wonderful day. Great company.
2018-03-04 johnlp
Dacite Mesa
Dacite Roost Cave
Kelly invited John and I to get out for a hike. I've only been out for a couple of easy hikes since the new year so I wanted to do something hard. Plan A was 5057, my suggestion, but it was clear early that I didn't have the conditioning to get me there. So we settled on something fun instead.
From the Carney Springs TH we hiked up the WB saddle, then headed west toward Robbers Roost, played around in there a bit, continued down to Fremont Saddle, out to the Weavers Needle overlook, then back on the Cave Trail to the Peralta TH where Kelly managed to find us a ride back to the car. We would have finished the loop on foot, but I was toast and we all knew it.
I played catch up most of the hike, hence the lower break time in my trip log than Kelly's. I knew it would be difficult after a long layoff, but not this difficult. I have some work to do.
Kelly and John, thank you for a fun time, and thank you for your patience. In spite of the pain and struggles, I really did have a great time.
From the Carney Springs TH we hiked up the WB saddle, then headed west toward Robbers Roost, played around in there a bit, continued down to Fremont Saddle, out to the Weavers Needle overlook, then back on the Cave Trail to the Peralta TH where Kelly managed to find us a ride back to the car. We would have finished the loop on foot, but I was toast and we all knew it.
I played catch up most of the hike, hence the lower break time in my trip log than Kelly's. I knew it would be difficult after a long layoff, but not this difficult. I have some work to do.
Kelly and John, thank you for a fun time, and thank you for your patience. In spite of the pain and struggles, I really did have a great time.
2018-03-04 rayhuston
Dacite Mesa
Dacite Roost Cave
the plan b hike we did today most closely resembles the dacite super loop with a couple of detours
got going around 0700
up to west boulder saddle - i had forgotten how much fun that is
decided along the way to hit robbers roost and go down the cave trail
i've only been on the section between west boulder saddle and fremont saddle once
really enjoyed seeing it again, especially the visit to robbers roost
great geology, rock formations and views from up there
went out to the pinyon tree for a snack break
surprised to have it to ourselves
returned on cave and bluff springs trails
could see the hordes on peralta
since we had parked at carney, we hitched a ride from peralta, not wanting to walk the dusty dirt road
carney was the usual circus full of wave cavers
hadn't been on any of these trails in a few years
nice morning for some exploration and great scenery with ray and john
thanks, guys
got going around 0700
up to west boulder saddle - i had forgotten how much fun that is
decided along the way to hit robbers roost and go down the cave trail
i've only been on the section between west boulder saddle and fremont saddle once
really enjoyed seeing it again, especially the visit to robbers roost
great geology, rock formations and views from up there
went out to the pinyon tree for a snack break
surprised to have it to ourselves
returned on cave and bluff springs trails
could see the hordes on peralta
since we had parked at carney, we hitched a ride from peralta, not wanting to walk the dusty dirt road
carney was the usual circus full of wave cavers
hadn't been on any of these trails in a few years
nice morning for some exploration and great scenery with ray and john
thanks, guys
2018-03-04 trekkin_gecko
Dacite Mesa
It was steep at times.
Had the all stars with me today for this trek into the Superstitions. Jan, Carey, Maria, and Yolanda. My second time up Carney Springs to Robbers Roost then over to Cave trail for my first (and successful) attempt. We made good time up Carney and was passed by a large group from the Arizona Mountaineering Club doing Ridgeline. Meet one lone hiking at Robbers Roost who came up Peralta. Cautiously made our way down Cave trail thanks to first hand knowledge of my teammates and route info from HAZ. Definitely made good use of the GPS tracks for this one! Fantastic day in the Sups!
Had the all stars with me today for this trek into the Superstitions. Jan, Carey, Maria, and Yolanda. My second time up Carney Springs to Robbers Roost then over to Cave trail for my first (and successful) attempt. We made good time up Carney and was passed by a large group from the Arizona Mountaineering Club doing Ridgeline. Meet one lone hiking at Robbers Roost who came up Peralta. Cautiously made our way down Cave trail thanks to first hand knowledge of my teammates and route info from HAZ. Definitely made good use of the GPS tracks for this one! Fantastic day in the Sups!
2018-01-27 Nightstalker
Dacite Mesa
Cave Weavers Robbers Loop
Enjoyed the route, the weather I could do without. Bruce covered our day top to bottom.
Putting this route together I was looking to extend Robbers as much as possible. Rain hampered the mega loop so we stuck with a respectable loop. The key to the loop was getting down from Weaver's Overlook to Terrapin. Low and behold I stumbled upon a route by @juliachaos that helped bridge the gap!
Heading north on Weaver's Overlook Route Scout showed the turn coming up soon. My waypoint rattled off turn into the abyss. Surprisingly the turn was cairned and looked well traveled. Tensions eased a touch. With all the recent rain everything was very green. The route is fairly well cairned with a hiccup or two. We wanted to follow it out but needed to get over to Terrapin in the Crosscut vicinity.
After a busy week I stumbled upon the rest of the story... backwards. @Nonot has a great description for Barks Canyon - Complete Route. Soon that led me to @Fritzski on his Barks Upper Canyon Loop. Which in turn he put together from the Grand Poobah Jack Carlson.
Based on the above two mentioned descriptions the route off Weaver's Overlook down to Barks used to be a bloodbath. I faired well in shorts. Abandoning the route directly over to Terrapin there was one nasty section. Bruce led since he wore pants. I followed step by step without issue. The route down was more fun than a concern. Hope to explore the area more someday.
Wildflowers
Paint brush, blue dicks, fairy duster among others. Saw a bunch underway that could bust a move in a week and change the horizon.
Putting this route together I was looking to extend Robbers as much as possible. Rain hampered the mega loop so we stuck with a respectable loop. The key to the loop was getting down from Weaver's Overlook to Terrapin. Low and behold I stumbled upon a route by @juliachaos that helped bridge the gap!
Heading north on Weaver's Overlook Route Scout showed the turn coming up soon. My waypoint rattled off turn into the abyss. Surprisingly the turn was cairned and looked well traveled. Tensions eased a touch. With all the recent rain everything was very green. The route is fairly well cairned with a hiccup or two. We wanted to follow it out but needed to get over to Terrapin in the Crosscut vicinity.
After a busy week I stumbled upon the rest of the story... backwards. @Nonot has a great description for Barks Canyon - Complete Route. Soon that led me to @Fritzski on his Barks Upper Canyon Loop. Which in turn he put together from the Grand Poobah Jack Carlson.
Based on the above two mentioned descriptions the route off Weaver's Overlook down to Barks used to be a bloodbath. I faired well in shorts. Abandoning the route directly over to Terrapin there was one nasty section. Bruce led since he wore pants. I followed step by step without issue. The route down was more fun than a concern. Hope to explore the area more someday.
Wildflowers
Paint brush, blue dicks, fairy duster among others. Saw a bunch underway that could bust a move in a week and change the horizon.
2017-02-18 joebartels
Dacite Mesa
Cave Weavers Robbers Loop
We did this loop starting from the Lost Goldmine Trailhead. The first car in the lot, shared only with 20+ porta-potties for Sunday's marathon.
We opted for a CCW loop, starting on Bluff Springs #235. This is always a good way to get the heart started first thing in the morning, climbing cardiac hill.
I'd never been on the Cave Trail #235 going this direction. I think I like it better. Lots of interesting rock formations, the Devils Bathtub and then climbing up the Devils Slide. The cairn collection seems to have been slimmed down at "The Cave".
Joe found us a well cairned and used track down the east side into Barks Canyon. We tried to play out the well used path, but it started taking us in the wrong direction. We reversed our direction and bushwhacked over to Bluff Saddle.
Now on Terrapin #234, the off and on rain, was on for a while now. This trail has seen a very recent and welcomed trimming.
On the Dutchman #104, we were looking for some shelter from the rain and wind to have some lunch. No luck.
It finally let up a bit on Peralta #234 enough to have a brief bite.
Also the first time climbing to the Robbers Roost from Peralta, a nice change up. We had the Roost to ourselves.
The sky was starting to get noticeably darker. Starting down my least favorite trail in the Supes, West Boulder Saddle, the deluge hit. Nothing like hiking down a steep, loose, rocky path, while holding an umbrella with glasses that are fogged up.
Another fun day in the Supes....
We opted for a CCW loop, starting on Bluff Springs #235. This is always a good way to get the heart started first thing in the morning, climbing cardiac hill.
I'd never been on the Cave Trail #235 going this direction. I think I like it better. Lots of interesting rock formations, the Devils Bathtub and then climbing up the Devils Slide. The cairn collection seems to have been slimmed down at "The Cave".
Joe found us a well cairned and used track down the east side into Barks Canyon. We tried to play out the well used path, but it started taking us in the wrong direction. We reversed our direction and bushwhacked over to Bluff Saddle.
Now on Terrapin #234, the off and on rain, was on for a while now. This trail has seen a very recent and welcomed trimming.
On the Dutchman #104, we were looking for some shelter from the rain and wind to have some lunch. No luck.
It finally let up a bit on Peralta #234 enough to have a brief bite.
Also the first time climbing to the Robbers Roost from Peralta, a nice change up. We had the Roost to ourselves.
The sky was starting to get noticeably darker. Starting down my least favorite trail in the Supes, West Boulder Saddle, the deluge hit. Nothing like hiking down a steep, loose, rocky path, while holding an umbrella with glasses that are fogged up.
Another fun day in the Supes....
2017-02-18 The_Eagle
Dacite Mesa
Took my hiking buddies Tricia and Christina out for a Superstitions loop, and it was Super! Parked at Lost Goldmine Trailhead were there was one car already waiting. We hiked clockwise starting on Lost Goldmine, up Carney, did the horseshoe on Dacite Mesa and dealt with the masses returning on Peralta. Saw a couple of groups on the way up, no one on Dacite Mesa, and plenty on Peralta. Trail on Dacite Mesa was easy enough to follow and the rock formations were amazing!
2016-02-20 Nightstalker
Dacite Mesa
A group of four of us met up for a nice hike along the Ridgeline. Chumley and Tough Boots set up the shuttle and all of us met at the Mining Camp restaurant around 7am. We hit the Siphon Draw trail and made our way up the trail. There were lots of people out but everyone was spread out. Our group also spread out as we proceeded up. I topped out and made a quick detour to Flatiron and then went up to 5024. Our group met back up at the saddle and then proceeded across the Ridgeline. Along the way we spotted a Coati which was really cool. We made steady progress and stopped for a few short breaks.
With much effort we reached 5057 and stopped there for lunch. There was another group up there and it turned out to be Preston and Jason. It was great seeing some familiar HAZ members on the summit. After lunch we dropped down to West Boulder Saddle. From there we took the Dacite route to Fremont Saddle. There are cairns all over the place and we had to use our route finding skills to connect to Fremont. Once on Fremont we bombed down Peralta and were back to Chumley’s truck around mid-afternoon.
With much effort we reached 5057 and stopped there for lunch. There was another group up there and it turned out to be Preston and Jason. It was great seeing some familiar HAZ members on the summit. After lunch we dropped down to West Boulder Saddle. From there we took the Dacite route to Fremont Saddle. There are cairns all over the place and we had to use our route finding skills to connect to Fremont. Once on Fremont we bombed down Peralta and were back to Chumley’s truck around mid-afternoon.
2015-04-11 John9L
Dacite Mesa
As always, a solid butt-kicker of a day. Managed to hit the flatiron, 5024, 4869, 5057, and a new route on the way down via Dacite to Fremont and Peralta.
Ran into Preston and Jason on 5057 on their way across the ridgeline in the other direction, as well as a couple who seemed likely to be on the news later tonight or tomorrow.](./dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
Tons of gnats on the summit of 5057, but none 10 feet away.
Dacite is a great area, though we got turned around just a bit before dropping to Fremont. Peralta was surprisingly pleasant with just a handful of other hikers encountered the entire length.
Clouds and breeze helped cut down on the warm spring sun. It was actually quite nice out. I carried 4.5 liters and drank a little under 2.
I ran HAZTracks all day. Battery died somewhere around 4869 where I plugged in my backup solar charger. Got it back to about 40% and then ran it dry shortly before getting to Fremont after nearly 7.5 hours of running. Still have to work on other battery options for long days like this. I filled in the blanks from Kyle's track.
Great day out there. Nice to meet Dennis! Thanks to Kyle for helping with the shuttle.
Ran into Preston and Jason on 5057 on their way across the ridgeline in the other direction, as well as a couple who seemed likely to be on the news later tonight or tomorrow.
Tons of gnats on the summit of 5057, but none 10 feet away.
Dacite is a great area, though we got turned around just a bit before dropping to Fremont. Peralta was surprisingly pleasant with just a handful of other hikers encountered the entire length.
Clouds and breeze helped cut down on the warm spring sun. It was actually quite nice out. I carried 4.5 liters and drank a little under 2.
I ran HAZTracks all day. Battery died somewhere around 4869 where I plugged in my backup solar charger. Got it back to about 40% and then ran it dry shortly before getting to Fremont after nearly 7.5 hours of running. Still have to work on other battery options for long days like this. I filled in the blanks from Kyle's track.
Great day out there. Nice to meet Dennis! Thanks to Kyle for helping with the shuttle.
2015-04-11 chumley
Dacite Mesa
Kyle and I met up for a moderate hike in the Superstitions. I had some time constraints so we picked an eight mile loop that involved the Dacite Super Loop. I did this hike roughly a decade ago and I wanted to return. While there we decided to check out Robbers Roost which was really cool. We were both surprised to find a defined route the entire time. We connected through Fremont Saddle and then headed down the Cave Trail. The funny thing is the Cave Trail gave us the most difficultly. There are a variety of cairned routes and some of them cliff out. We put on our route finding hats and figured it out. We were back to the jeep around early afternoon and I was home by 2pm.
2015-03-28 John9L
