Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 24 2024
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	9.65 Miles	1,528 AEG

Hiking	9.65 Miles	4 Hrs 10 Mns	2.42 mph
	1,528 ft AEG	11 Mns Break

no photosets

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none

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

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Jan 15 2024

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 15 2024
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	9.77 Miles	1,604 AEG

Hiking	9.77 Miles	3 Hrs 59 Mns	2.62 mph
	1,604 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

no photosets

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A few cascading pools throughout Bluff Springs - always good to see water.

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1 archive

May 26 2023

pseudalpine

Guides 59
Routes 1,100
Photos 1,191
Triplogs 1,290

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 26 2023
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking	11.07 Miles	2,004 AEG

Hiking	11.07 Miles	4 Hrs 13 Mns	2.93 mph
	2,004 ft AEG	26 Mns Break

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linked

Weaver's Needle Crosscut

Miners Needle Loop

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Essentially this route is the same as the Miners Needle Loop, but tacks on some of the Terrapin Trail and the Weavers Needle Crosscut. I've probably done the MNL over fifty times, but this morning it was definitely an excersise in character building by completing this hike when the Saguaro blooms are starting to drop, regardless if one adds the Bluff Saddle leg or not. There were a bunch of dying, overgrown bushes and unending spiderwebs to deal with along the way, but surprisingly, no viper sightings. We flushed five deer total, on two separate occasions, before the Bluff Springs junction. Not as many gnats and not as hot as expected because of the nice, constant eastern breezes. Dese only blew out one pad and poked her eye, but she'll recover quickly as usual.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Miners Needle Weavers Needle

14 archives

Feb 11 2023

GrangerGuy

Guides 34
Routes 138
Photos 931
Triplogs 111

68 male

Joined Dec 26 2018
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 11 2023
		GrangerGuy • Triplogs 111

Hiking	10.84 Miles	2,075 AEG

Hiking	10.84 Miles	7 Hrs 44 Mns		1.76 mph
	2,075 ft AEG	1 Hour 34 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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I haven’t been in the Superstitions in a while and thought I would try the Bluff Spring Loop. When I arrived at the parking lot about dawn, the lot was already ¼ full on a Saturday. This is a nice loop, and all the trails are in good shape. Thanks to Trail Sponsors Junction Connection, 5hrzns, 1canlcan, Valle Del Oro, and Venture Out.

I’m used to solitude on my hikes, but starting from Peralta TH, I knew I wouldn’t be alone. Nevertheless, I only saw about 20 people over the day. Obviously, most people head up toward Fremont Saddle.

As Joe says in the guide, the Terrapin trail is sketchy at times, but really no problem. The view of Weaver’s Needle really is worth the side trip off the Bluff Spring Loop. For a little video of the scene, check here: [ youtube video ]

Although the forecast was for zero chance of rain, much of the day I could see the rain falling from the clouds but just not making it to the ground. I was not prepared for rain, so it added to the sense of adventure.

Lots of water in the streams, and a very few flowers to be seen. Occasionally [ Desert Globemallow ] , [ Fleabane ] , [ Brittlebush ] , a couple arroyo [ Lupine ] , [ Dakota mock vervain ] . Desert rock pea was frequent, one I had not noticed before.

When I got back to the parking lot, as I would expect on a nice Saturday, it was overflowing, and lively with lots of people talking to the ranger and the volunteer at the trailhead.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Unidentified Lupine

Wildflowers Observation Light
Occasionally globemallow, fleabane, brittlebush, a couple arroyo lupine, Mock Vervain. Desert rock pea was frequent, one I had not noticed before.

	Bark at Dutchman Crossing	Light flow	Light flow
	Flowing at least a liter per minute here.

	Barks Canyon	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Lots of water in the slick-rock area.

	Crystal Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	The stream at Crystal Springs is flowing vigorously just a little bit upstream from the trail. At least 2 L per minute.

1 archive

Jan 29 2023

chrisbjohnson

Routes 80
Photos 149
Triplogs 78

male

Joined May 23 2016
Tempe, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 29 2023
		chrisbjohnson • Triplogs 78

Hiking	8.73 Miles	1,506 AEG

Hiking	8.73 Miles	6 Hrs 3 Mns	1.65 mph
	1,506 ft AEG	46 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

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2.73 miles - 11:12 am
Water

3.89 miles - 11:53 am
Water

4.06 miles - 11:59 am
Water

4.78 miles - 12:42 pm
Water

5.19 miles - 12:53 pm
Water

5.30 miles - 12:56 pm
Water

5.48 miles - 1:02 pm
Water

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Jan 28 2022

jameslcox44

Photos 3,883
Triplogs 169

80 male

Joined Mar 18 2012
mesa,az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 28 2022
		jameslcox44 • Triplogs 169

Hiking	10.80 Miles	2,138 AEG

Hiking	10.80 Miles	7 Hrs	1.54 mph
	2,138 ft AEG

no routes

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We began the 10 mile hike from Peralta TH. Started up the cairned trail that is near the Bluff Springs trail junction with Dutchman's Trail. Great views from the Bluff Springs Mountain Summit on this hike.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
a few flowers starting to bloom.

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Dec 29 2021

skatchkins

Guides 2
Routes 24
Photos 3,436
Triplogs 230

47 male

Joined Dec 22 2007
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 29 2021
		skatchkins • Triplogs 230

Hiking	10.80 Miles	2,138 AEG

Hiking	10.80 Miles
	2,138 ft AEG

no routes

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Started in the fog. Counterclockwise. Every creek flowing except lower Miner's Canyon. Solitude until Crystal Spring.
Recent trail maintenance appreciated, especially in burned area where route finding can be a little tougher. Start and finish lend the best views for sure.

_____________________

May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;
May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;
Armchair Crisis Design

2 archives

Jan 17 2021

Falke

Routes 26
Photos 6
Triplogs 26

49 male

Joined Sep 13 2013
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 17 2021
		Falke • Triplogs 26

Hiking	18.05 Miles	3,535 AEG

Hiking	18.05 Miles	26 Hrs 27 Mns	2.04 mph
	3,535 ft AEG	17 Hrs 36 Mns Break

no photosets

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

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Mar 29 2019

gfullmer

Routes 104
Photos 1,232
Triplogs 73

78 male

Joined Oct 05 2008
Gold Canyon, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 29 2019
		gfullmer • Triplogs 73

Hiking	10.80 Miles	2,138 AEG

Hiking	10.80 Miles	6 Hrs 8 Mns		1.88 mph
	2,138 ft AEG	24 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

no routes

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Nice loop with great views of Weaver's Needle, Fremont Saddle, and numerous flowers. Here is a link to pictures and videos of the hike https://www.facebook.com/GlenFullmer/po ... 2606472097. As you can tell, I took a lot of pictures and that is why it took me so long, well maybe.

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
A lot of California Poppies and other flowers.

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Nov 23 2018

PJackalope

Routes 28
Photos 68
Triplogs 39

50 male

Joined Jul 25 2007
Peoria, Az

Bluff Springs Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 23 2018
		PJackalope • Triplogs 39

Hiking	13.66 Miles	2,874 AEG

Hiking	13.66 Miles	5 Hrs 40 Mns		2.42 mph
	2,874 ft AEG	2 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

no photosets

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Peralta to Fremont Saddle

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no partners

Being a "west-sider" of the Phoenix metro area, I do not get out to the superstitions all that often, but I am glad that I do from time to time as it is a beautiful area. I started from the Peralta trailhead on the dutchman trail heading in a counter-clockwise direction. I pretty much followed the Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver View route to the saddle over-looking Weaver's Needle. Impressive views for sure. After a brief stop I decided to keep going west and link up with the Peralta trail. About 3/4 of the trail was fairly easy to follow due to the rock cairns and faint trail. However, once I got the saddle of the area just south of Weaver's needle, when about 100 yards from the Peralta trail, I total lost the trail. I am not sure where, it went but did my best to stay on top of the boulders and hop along to the Peralta trail. The last ravin to cross was the biggest obstacle due to the overgrowth, but I managed with only one cholla cactus run-in. Not too bad. Once back on the established trail it was easy going to Fremont Saddle, then back the parking lot. Fremont Saddle was nice, but too many people. One thing I always wonder is do I woefully over-prepare, or do others woefully under-prepare? Most of the people I passed heading back to the parking lot from Fremont Saddle had little water - usually a single 16oz bottle they likely picked up at the grocery store on the way up - or little gear or poor shoes - one girl was wearing flip-flops. Just makes me nervous that they have so little margin of error. Anyway, I guess neither here nor there. Overall it was a great hike, weather couldn't be more perfect. Highly recommend for all to get out and enjoy the desert before the temperatures come back!!

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Nov 15 2018

jameslcox44

Photos 3,883
Triplogs 169

80 male

Joined Mar 18 2012
mesa,az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 15 2018
		jameslcox44 • Triplogs 169

Hiking	10.80 Miles	2,138 AEG

Hiking	10.80 Miles
	2,138 ft AEG

no routes

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Glen decided we should hike to the Bluff Springs peak and sign in. Our group of 7 from Venture Out made the exhaustive hike and were overwhelmed with the views. Great hike. We considered doing the loop and drop down to Terrapin Trail, but not too long. Our group does the 'Adopt a Trail' for Terrapin and remember the steep climb from Dutchman trail across Terrapin trail to reach Bluff Springs trail.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Canyon Lake Miners Needle

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Dec 09 2017

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,627
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 09 2017
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	16.36 Miles	3,206 AEG

Hiking	16.36 Miles	8 Hrs 20 Mns	2.28 mph
	3,206 ft AEG	1 Hour 9 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Bluff Spring Charlebois Spring Crystal Spring LaBarge Spring

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partners

joebartels

rayhuston

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.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

Barks Canyon

Dry

	Bluff Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute

Charlebois Canyon

Dry

	Charlebois Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute

	Crystal Spring	Dry	Dry
	Just a pipe coming from the ground.

	LaBarge Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute

Music Canyon

Dry

White Rock Spring

Dry

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

May 07 2017

DarthStiller

Guides 27
Routes 670
Photos 12,111
Triplogs 857

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 07 2017
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 857

Hiking	9.60 Miles	1,744 AEG

Hiking	9.60 Miles	4 Hrs 57 Mns	1.94 mph
	1,744 ft AEG

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Weaver's Needle Loop from Peralta TH

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I did this hike without the Weaver's View spur. With one more weekend of really nice weather, I had to get out one more time. I've done all these trail before, but the one segment of the LDT I did 13 years ago, before I had a GPS to records the track and map in my computer. Enough of an excuse to get out and get a quick morning hike in before taking the kids to a birthday party.

I did this one counter clockwise. Arrived to an empty lot and had my choice of the numbered parking spaces. number 58 seemed like an appropriate number for the Stillermobile. Heading up the Bluff Spring trail gave me a reprieve from the sunrise in my eyes heading east on the LDT, plus it got all the elevation gain out of the way early. The scenery seemed better than usual with the clouds casting shadows on the mountains. The air was very clear, which became very surprising on my way home along Route 60 seeing how hazy it was.

Didn't see my first hikers until the descent from Miner's Summit, then I saw 10-12 the rest of the way back to the trailhead. i was feeling very good and the idea of heading up to the top of Miner's Needle seemed nice, but the afternoon's plans didn't give me enough time.

The lot was full when I got back, big difference from when I left. Temperature was very cool and breezy throughout, absolutely perfect weather.

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Oct 16 2016

CannondaleKid

Guides 44
Routes 162
Photos 24,784
Triplogs 2,417

75 male

Joined May 04 2004
Mesa, AZ

Weaver's Needle Loop from Peralta TH

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 16 2016
		CannondaleKid • Triplogs 2,417

Hiking	13.70 Miles	3,488 AEG

Hiking	13.70 Miles	7 Hrs 29 Mns		1.89 mph
	3,488 ft AEG	15 Mns Break	20 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

linked

Peralta to Fremont Saddle

Peralta Trail #102

Partners

partners

trixiec

The plan was to hike the Bluff Spring Mountain summit loop but when we reached the point to turn off Bluff Spring Trail and begin the ascent, the thickets of cat's-claw quickly wore out their welcome. Not being prepared for this much thorny brush Tracey was having none of it.

We were prepared for 8.5 miles and ~2500' AEG so let's see... make it a Weaver's Needle loop instead? Should be similar? NOT!
](*,)

Not having pre-loaded Terrapin, Dutchman or Peralta Trails on Route Scout we took a WAG and figured adding maybe another few miles. WRONG! We added over 60% in distance and 40% AEG so by time we were dragging ourselves up to Fremont Saddle on the return we were already out of water and almost out of energy. Although now all downhill it didn't seem to be any easier, what with the knees complaining and the extra mental effort after a few close calls to make sure every foot placement was perfect on the sometimes loose rocks. But with a bit of extra care we made it back to the car where we had extra fluids.

I hadn't been on the Terrapin Trail in well over a dozen years and Tracey never had so it was nice to see familiar landmarks from a different viewpoint.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black Top Mesa Palomino Mountain Weavers Needle Yellow Peak

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CannondaleKid

May 30 2015

JasonCleghorn

Routes 173
Photos 1,613
Triplogs 285

50 male

Joined Nov 11 2014
Manchester, NH

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 30 2015
		JasonCleghorn • Triplogs 285

Hiking	7.05 Miles	1,713 AEG

Hiking	7.05 Miles	3 Hrs 12 Mns		2.53 mph
	1,713 ft AEG	25 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

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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...

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Century Plant Prickly Pear Saguaro

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HooDoo

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Barkley Basin Dacite Cliffs Weavers Needle

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

Follow me on Instagram: hikingjason
"It's not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves"

Dec 15 2014

jameslcox44

Photos 3,883
Triplogs 169

80 male

Joined Mar 18 2012
mesa,az

Geronimo Cave/Robbers Roost Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 15 2014
		jameslcox44 • Triplogs 169

Hiking	6.00 Miles

Hiking	6.00 Miles	5 Hrs	1.20 mph

no routes

Linked

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Robbers Roost - Superstitions

Partners

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no partners

Our group left Peralta trailhead to hike up Bluff Springs before turning off to the cave and on to Fremont Saddle. On the way to Robbers Roost from the saddle a squirrel ran up the mountain and Glen spotted the double arch. Then Glen worked his way to the arches for a photo op. We had hiked this loop 6 times last year and past the arches without seeing them. We did the usual photo shoots along the return to Carney Springs trailhead.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dacite Tide

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Dec 13 2014

capcyclone

Guides 1
Routes 5
Photos 61
Triplogs 86

53 male

Joined Jan 26 2011
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Backpack		Dec 13 2014
		capcyclone • Triplogs 86

Backpack	10.50 Miles	2,250 AEG

Backpack	10.50 Miles	7 Hrs 30 Mns	1.40 mph
	2,250 ft AEG

no routes

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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!

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1 archive

Jun 26 2014

JuanJaimeiii

Routes 596
Photos 9,610
Triplogs 2,402

58 male

Joined Jan 30 2011
Chandler, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jun 26 2014
		JuanJaimeiii • Triplogs 2,402

Hiking	8.45 Miles	3,023 AEG

Hiking	8.45 Miles	5 Hrs 44 Mns	1.95 mph
	3,023 ft AEG	1 Hour 24 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Peralta Trail #102

Weaver's Needle Crosscut

Weaver's - Base of the Needle

Weaver's Needle Summit

Partners

partners

Dave1

joebartels

So I had some work to do on the steps for my hot tub. The wood is getting a bit dry from the sun. Normally I stain them every couple years but recently I saw this new product from Behr called "Deck Over". It is a slip resistant heavy duty coating for old and dry wood. :-k

Anyway, Joe sent over a PM suggesting something about an early morning Weavers Needle attempt. Something about going at it from the eastern side that is rated as a class four. I had heard that the east was easier than the west but still a bit sketchy. When I was up there earlier this year with Amy and Mark I looked down the eastern side. From above I couldn't determine the level of difficulty so I figured I would come back some day. Well heck isn't this perfect! I can go check it out from below with Dave and Joe!

So at first light we start heading up the Bluff Springs Trail. 1, 2, 6 and we are at the base of Weavers needle. Upon checking it out it looks pretty good. The guys suggest I go up first. After a short bit Joe says "wait let me throw the rope up to you". He does and I continue on up. There was some webbing to tie onto about mid way. I tied the rope for the guys and kept going. Before you know it I was standing on the ledge above the chock stone. Holy Moly I was feeling elation! I already knew that from here up was 100% doable without issue.

Then some time passed and then some more passed. Where are the guys? Joe hollers for me to come back down to the webbing and untie the rope and pull it through. They had decided to double it over so they could rappel back down with the harness Dave brought.

So this gets done and they come up without issue. From the ledge above the chock stone we all scurried up to the summit. It was a short and sweet visit and then back down we went.
Dave had to be at work by 11 so there wasn't much time to mess around. On the way down I free climbed it and the boys chose to rappel. Then it was a short trip around the base of the Needle and down to the Peralta Trail.

We figure we could do the round trip hike and climb in 4 to 4:30 hours. This one took a little over 5 and a half.

Dave went to work, Joe and I had some Del Taco and then I went to Home Depot and got my Deck Over product. Got those steps taken care of so no more staining in the future!

Now that is a Good Day!

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Jun 26 2014

Dave1

Routes 29
Photos 1,548
Triplogs 1,802

49 male

Joined Jan 25 2009
Phoenix, AZ

Weaver's - Base of the Needle

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jun 26 2014
		Dave1 • Triplogs 1,802

Hiking	8.45 Miles	3,023 AEG

Hiking	8.45 Miles	5 Hrs 20 Mns	2.15 mph
	3,023 ft AEG	1 Hour 24 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Peralta Trail #102

Weaver's Needle Summit

Weaver's Needle Crosscut

Peralta to Fremont Saddle

Partners

partners

joebartels

JuanJaimeiii

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! :y:

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Apr 08 2014

MEWhiteman

Guides 47
Routes 96
Photos 850
Triplogs 385

81 male

Joined Dec 24 2005
Phoenix, AZ