First Water TH to Peralta TH, AZ

I am relatively new to hiking and have no idea what I am doing. I have the proper equipment and am 68 years old. I wanted to do the Peralta to First Water, but from Peralta to Fremont Saddle is the steepest, so we started at First Water at 6 AM.

The first half is quite easy up over Parker Pass with fabulous views of Weavers Needle and all the area. The green desert growth this year is stunning and lush! We went on May 9, 2003, and the weather was perfect. After passing the trails for Black Mesa Trail #241, Boulder Canyon Trail #103 and Bull Pass Trail #129 we kept on Dutchman heading toward Weaver's Needle until the junction with Peralta. Interestingly, the USGS topo map for this area does not accurately show the trails. Of course, the topo was done in 1956 with a photo revision in 1981. Just understand that the signs are correct, and if one stays on the Dutchman trail until the signpost points the Peralta to the right, all will be fine. One key to this is when you turn quite South on the Dutchman's trail on your left is Black Mesa, and the trail follows a creek until it joins with Peralta.

Once you reach the Dutchman-Peralta junction, take a right turn up the switchbacks, and it starts the very long steady climb to Fremont Saddle. Great views of all this wilderness area. I know the mileage is listed at 11.2, but I use a waist accurate monitor, and we went 13.44 miles based on my minimum step. I don't think the "trail plotters" really count all the switchbacks. Several great places with shade for lunch. Take plenty of water and rest often. If I can do this, anyone can but allow 7 hours. It is an excellent accomplishment to "cross" the Superstition range from the North to the South. One can go from Peralta to First water, but I would rather be going downhill the last two plus miles.

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2003-05-19 OhOh7