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Peralta Trail #102 - 62 members in 349 triplogs have rated this an average 3.6 ( 1 to 5 best )
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349 triplogs
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Jul 16 2025
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 Guides 110
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 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Peralta - Cave loop, AZ 
Peralta - Cave loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 16 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.98 Miles 1,877 AEG
Hiking5.98 Miles   2 Hrs   47 Mns   2.23 mph
1,877 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
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chumley
trekkin_gecko
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Kelly and needed to squeeze in a hike on one of the few days we’re both in AZ this summer. Chumley came along to enhance the whining. Just about perfect weather for July in AZ. We got started around 0500. One other vehicle in the lot. Chumley caressed the hood of that truck and determined it had not been parked for very long. We headed up Peralta, happily in the shade. Humid, but moments of breeze felt great. Saw the one other hiker at Fremont Saddle.

From there, we headed out to the lone pine and took the obligatory pics. Then headed down Cave Trail. There are still a few vague spots in places, but overall it gets easier to follow every year. Temps stayed in the 70s the entire hike. This is a great little loop when there are no other people around. No vehicles besides mine in the lot when we finished. Surprisingly, only two vehicles at the Wave Cave parking when we left. Good to see both Kelly & Chumley this morning!
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Jul 16 2025
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 Guides 94
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52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Peralta - Cave loop, AZ 
Peralta - Cave loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 16 2025
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking6.06 Miles 1,736 AEG
Hiking6.06 Miles   2 Hrs   46 Mns   2.23 mph
1,736 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Partners partners
LindaAnn
trekkin_gecko
Decided to take advantage of a cloudy morning with temps in the 70s. A July delight! :y:

Apparently exactly 1 out of ~5 million other Phoenix-area people agreed with that sentiment, and that was just fine with me.

Clouds were nice though Peralta is shaded anyway. Higher up a nice breeze helped knock down the moistitude in the air. Apparently it's been 15 years since I've done Cave Trail. I didn't remember any of it. Fun!

Good to see the ladies of the lands of potatoes and corn.
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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Jul 16 2025
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 Guides 10
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 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Peralta - Cave loop, AZ 
Peralta - Cave loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 16 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking6.00 Miles 1,700 AEG
Hiking6.00 Miles   2 Hrs   46 Mns   2.25 mph
1,700 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners partners
chumley
LindaAnn
linda and i had one day to hike together this summer :lol:
chums joined in the fun
set out up peralta right at 0500
temps in the 70s, nice breeze, some cloud cover
went out to the lone pine, then back on the cave trail
saw one guy at the saddle - nice to have such a popular trail to ourselves
nice to do this classic hike with linda and todd, in july no less
it was a tiny bit moist
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hazhole
 
May 05 2025
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 Guides 94
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 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Weavers Crosscut Loop, AZ 
Weavers Crosscut Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 05 2025
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking9.04 Miles 2,220 AEG
Hiking9.04 Miles   3 Hrs   34 Mns   2.67 mph
2,220 ft AEG      11 Mns Break
 no routes
Perfect cinco de drinco weather out there established a mandatory outdoor assessment of conditions. A couple of cars in the lot, two hikers on their last breaths as we started out, and not a sign of another soul the rest of the day. Cloudiness, a few sprinkles, a cool breeze, and temps flirting with 60.

Yesterday it had rained hard here, with evident erosion from recent surface flows. Some puddles remained in all the favored locations.
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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Apr 08 2025
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 Routes 93
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64 male
 Joined Mar 11 2003
 AZ
Peralta Trail #102Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2025
wallyfrackTriplogs 1,691
Hiking8.70 Miles 2,208 AEG
Hiking8.70 Miles   3 Hrs   38 Mns   2.39 mph
2,208 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I got an early start at 5:40am and followed one hiker up to Fremont Saddle. The plan was to keep going and check out a pass on the topo map that crosses over to Willow Spring. The pass was full of grass so i opted out until another day. While I was there I stopped off at Piper Spring which is buried under dirt so not good unless you have a hose to siphon with. Peralta trail is in decent shape with lots of rocks but not overgrown. I saw one trail runner by Piper camp and then hiked back to Fremont Saddle while it was still cool. There were several hikers coming up Peralta trail while I was hiking down. Finished up about 9:20am. A nice morning before the heat wave.
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Apr 06 2025
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59 male
 Joined Jan 07 2012
 Gilbert
Cave Trail #233Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 06 2025
vanmanTriplogs 345
Hiking7.57 Miles 2,314 AEG
Hiking7.57 Miles   6 Hrs   2 Mns   1.38 mph
2,314 ft AEG      34 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
My buddy saw my pix from Sunday and decided he had to go too! We hiked up Peralta and out to the lone pine for lunch then came down Cave. He isn’t one for exposure so we took an alternate route down from the Fortress that goes around the north side from the slide to avoid the down-climb at the tub. Another excellent day in the Supes!!
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Apr 03 2025
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 Routes 195
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59 male
 Joined Jan 07 2012
 Gilbert
Cave Trail #233Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2025
vanmanTriplogs 345
Hiking8.20 Miles 1,847 AEG
Hiking8.20 Miles   5 Hrs   44 Mns   1.57 mph
1,847 ft AEG      30 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Solo trip up Peralta and down Cave Trail. Did some off-trail exploring along the way. Clouds made it nice for pix but also made it cool and breezy! The down-climb from the tub had more exposure than I remembered! But there is pure Supes beauty around every turn!!
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Mar 23 2025
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 Guides 1
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 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Robbers Roost - SuperstitionsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 23 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking6.94 Miles 1,876 AEG
Hiking6.94 Miles
1,876 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
The last time I hiked to Robbers Roost was in 2021 with Warren and his dog Stella. We did it again today. This time we hiked up Peralta, then from Fremont Saddle back to Robbers Roost. After exploring Robbers Roost we hiked back to Fremont Saddle then down the Cave trail and Bluff Springs to the trailhead.
There was a little bit of trickling water here and there, along with some blooming hedgehogs and ocotillo.
Great weather. Fun hike.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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  1 archive
Jan 22 2025
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49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Black Top Mesa from Peralta, AZ 
Black Top Mesa from Peralta, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 22 2025
fricknaleyTriplogs 4,124
Hiking16.50 Miles 4,089 AEG
Hiking16.50 Miles   6 Hrs   43 Mns   2.73 mph
4,089 ft AEG      41 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
went out on peralta, then up and around black top mesa and back on terrapin and bluff springs. the entirety of bull pass is burnt as is most of the summit of black top mesa.

fantastic scenery the whole way. had great weather. didn't see anyone from fremont saddle until the parking lot. :)
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hi
 
Jan 12 2025
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67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Peralta Cave Bluff Dutch, AZ 
Peralta Cave Bluff Dutch, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 12 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking12.86 Miles 2,634 AEG
Hiking12.86 Miles   4 Hrs   48 Mns   2.75 mph
2,634 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
john proposed this combo after i refused to hike on south mountain again today :lol:
got going around 0745
forecast low was 35, temps were oddly warmer than that at 48 - windy though
i might have overdressed
up peralta to the saddle, down cave trail, up bluff spring, finishing on dutchman
this was a fun hike
hadn't been on cave trail in a couple years
nice to be back in the supes
we saw quite a few people along the way
thanks john, good suggestion :)
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hazhole
  1 archive
Jan 12 2025
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 Guides 1
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68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Peralta Cave Bluff Dutch, AZ 
Peralta Cave Bluff Dutch, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 12 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking13.06 Miles 2,634 AEG
Hiking13.06 Miles   4 Hrs   48 Mns   2.82 mph
2,634 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Kelly wanted to get away from my beloved South Mountain. Blasphemy! I came up with a hike we hadn't done before. Turned out to be a couple miles longer than I thought it would be.
A little chilly starting out with the wind. Very nice once we got warmed up and in the direct sunlight.
We chatted with a few hikers/backpackers we came across.
Fun hike. Thanks Kelly! :)
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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Jan 12 2025
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 Guides 1
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male
 Joined Mar 14 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Weaver's Needle Loop from Peralta THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 12 2025
astrobrewerTriplogs 196
Hiking13.28 Miles 2,985 AEG
Hiking13.28 Miles   6 Hrs   28 Mns   2.21 mph
2,985 ft AEG      28 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Oh no. I thought I had posted a triplog for this hike already, but I must have forgotten to hit save. I'll try to remember what I wrote the first time around.

Continuing the annual tradition of hiking around Weaver's Needle for a fourth year. It was cold in the morning at the start, especially when the wind was blowing. The fleece hoodie wasn't keeping me warm, but as soon as we started going uphill I was plenty warm. Took the loop counterclockwise again like last time. The start on Bluff Springs Trail is a bitch. The giant stair steps kill my knees. But it's easier to do it going up when the legs are fresh than down when the legs are tired. Terrapin Trail was overgrown in places and a machete or hedge trimmer would have come in handy. But it was passable. It warmed up nicely when we got to Terrapin and I shed the hoodie and traded the knit cap for the wide brim hat. At the north end of the loop shed the long sleeve shirt for the rest of the hike. It was perfect hiking weather.

Very pleasant hiking without running into other people. Saw very few people on most of the trail until we got to Peralta Pass where it was very crowded. Passed by burned area on Peralta trail where I guess there was a fire last year. Always sad to see. But it was a fairly limited area at least it seemed that way from the trail. Also this is the driest I've seen this trail. No water at all in most of the streams, and even in Barks Canyon the rocks were only a little wet in places. Didn't see any critters despite the trail being empty. Of course this trail is so rocky that it's hard to look anywhere but down without tripping and slipping, so there might have been all kinds of animals that I never saw.

All in all a great day of hiking.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Weavers Needle
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Dec 22 2024
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 Guides 2
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 Triplogs 402

62 male
 Joined Dec 02 2014
 Mesa, AZ
Weaver's Needle Loop from Peralta THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 22 2024
adillingTriplogs 402
Hiking12.82 Miles 2,848 AEG
Hiking12.82 Miles   8 Hrs   31 Mns   1.76 mph
2,848 ft AEG   1 Hour   13 Mns Break
 
Partners partners
00blackout
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Another trip around the needle.

I met up with Jason at his house in Gold Canyon and we arrived at Peralta TH a little before 7am. There were already quite a few cars in the lot. We opted for a CCW loop and started up cardiac hill.

Bluff Springs Trail is in good shape. Steep as always at the start. The grass was pretty high along Barks Canyon area. We made to the Terrapin/Bluff Springs junction just as the sun was starting to kiss the ridges.

Terrapin is in pretty good shape. The typical catclaw before the saddle was there, but I’ve seen it in worse shape. The hike up to the saddle is an up and down activity, but the hike down to the Dutchman is the reason we did this CCW. That’s a steep section best done with gravity as your friend.

We made it to the Peralta/Dutchman junction and took a little break before the long trudge up to the Fremont Saddle. The 1 mile section between Terrapin and Peralta was one of the few sections in the Western Supes Jason hasn’t hiked. So, he crossed that off.

The hike up Peralta was the same non-stop up and up. The Siphon fire made it to parts of the lower Peralta Trail. You could see the ugly brown scars starting from the ridgeline going down. It was the usual “mosaic” burn pattern. Some places roasted beyond life, right next to green trees and live cacti. As we got close to the needle, the fire damage subsided. But, it did come back as we got near Piper Springs. It didn’t seem to cross the trail at any point. Once we made it to the Pinon Camp area, all signs of the fire stopped.

Jason hiked down to check out Piper Springs. He saw a trickle flowing. That was literally the only water on this entire loop. Areas that usually had some water were all bone-dry. I cannot recall seeing this place so dry in December, ever.

We made it to the Fremont saddle and saw 3-4 groups. Some out at the Lone Pine and some at the saddle. We came across some others going up and down from the saddle. I am wondering where all of the people that were parked at the TH were hiding as we saw nobody along the loop except for 1 solo hiker near the Peralta/Dutchman junction doing the same loop clockwise.

Always a treat to hit this one as the needle looks like a different formation from each side. The elevation is also broken up nicely which makes the +2800 ft aeg seem more manageable. I hope we get some rains soon. It is TOO dry out there.
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling
 
Dec 21 2024
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 Guides 17
 Routes 297
 Photos 1,808
 Triplogs 276

female
 Joined Mar 11 2002
 Gilbert, AZ
Bluff Springs Trail #235Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 21 2024
VashtiTriplogs 276
Hiking9.75 Miles 2,253 AEG
Hiking9.75 Miles   7 Hrs   15 Mns   1.48 mph
2,253 ft AEG      39 Mns Break
 
Partners partners
DesertNymph
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Beautiful day to be out hiking!! So glad to try a new trail! I've never been on crosscut, so decided to try it today. So glad to have read the @DarthStiller triplog saying that the official route is not accurate for the descent to Peralta. I used the mentioned route from @adilling, and it was perfect! Thank you! 😁 The crosscut trail was super easy to find and is well defined the entire length from terrapin to Peralta. Follow the cairns when descending to Peralta and also use @adilling route.

Parking lot was almost full on arrival to Peralta Trailhead. We headed out and saw no one on bluff spring, terrapin, or the crosscut. We saw our first people on Peralta right at the crosscut junction. We saw 2 more single hikers on Peralta before Fremont saddle. After a snack, we headed down on cave and saw 2 more people at devil's slide. They were having trouble finding a way up. They watched us come down, but after a while, they gave up and turned around. :(

Beautiful day for a hike if a bit hot for a December day! 😁😁😁
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Dec 21 2024
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 Routes 43
 Photos 2,133
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female
 Joined Dec 09 2024
 
Weavers Needle Crosscut, AZ 
Weavers Needle Crosscut, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 21 2024
DesertNymphTriplogs 82
Hiking9.89 Miles 2,260 AEG
Hiking9.89 Miles   7 Hrs   16 Mns   1.39 mph
2,260 ft AEG      9 Mns Break
 
1st trip
A fantastic loop with gorgeous views of this area of the superstitions. Few other hikers encountered - a large bonus given how full the parking lot was and the number of vehicles in the "caravan" out Peralta Road on our way out.

It has been decades since I've hiked in the superstitions, and it's nice to be reacquainting myself with the area. Many years ago, I'd hiked the full loop around Weaver's Needle - the Crosscut makes for a shorter day, and gains some up close views of the rocky wonderland at the base of Weaver's Needle. Weaver's Crosscut was surprisingly easy to follow - we followed the obvious path, which deviated from the pre-downloaded route (I downloaded from another app/site). Cave Trail was harder to follow in some areas (especially post the Devil's Slide feature) where it traveled on areas of rock escarpments. I admit I would not have anticipated the Devil's Slide was a part of the route if not for my hiking partner, who had hiked the trail previously. If hiking on the weekend and looking to escape the traffic on Peralta, Cave was a welcome alternate route though certainly not for everyone given the need for route finding and navigating the Devil's Slide feature.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually 😆
 
Dec 19 2024
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 Guides 264
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55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Weaver's Needle Loop from Peralta THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 19 2024
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking13.39 Miles 2,882 AEG
Hiking13.39 Miles   7 Hrs   8 Mns   2.06 mph
2,882 ft AEG      38 Mns Break
 
Partners partners
The_Eagle
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
With the standard wave of pseudo backpackers, powered by corporate apps empowering give-me, I had a 20+ mi loop to report on two lesser reported and one of the never-shared water sources. Then figured it was best to ease back into bigger hikes.

The road all the way to the Overflow / Horse Trailer / Bus lot is super smooth now.

Elected to go against the grain and do this hike clockwise as we always hit it CCW. The hike up to Fremont Saddle was better than anticipated, it usually seems to drag as the end of the hike heading down.

The only hiker we passed all day was on the flip side past Fremont. A female backpacker in flip-flops. She said it was warmer last night than the night before, after Bruce asked. Later saw two hikers in the distance and that was it all day.

Anticipated the Siphon burn heading down. Finally entered one pocket. Albeit burned, seemed kinna trivial surrounded by world-class geology that entertains the eye more than chaparral.

Piper was the only spring on the day to check out. The lid is jammed unless you're stronger or you BYO crowbar. It's still at least 3 to 4 ft deep as it has been for eons. Satisfied, but give-me without contributing back for the next guy idiots still bring out the second half of the fourth verse in Get in the Ring... Lol

7.20mi - 10:53am | 3h 36m
Bruce mentioned earlier(cried like a 2-year-old), and at this point, I'd have to agree with him... it's a touch warm for December 19th. Hopefully, Linda is safe from the wrath of the sun.

Dead grass along most of the hike but it is especially thick heading up Terrapin. If not throughout to Bluff Spring Trail.

Synopsis
Great little loop without the drive. Still didn't care for the last mile and a half but the morning hike up to Fremont was a total winner.

Siphon Fire results on this hike were minimal. Hikes originating at First Water TH have never been high on my list. It'll green up in 2 years, then another inevitable grass fire will torch the lunatic fringe.

The parking lot was a fourth full when we finished but we didn't see the people. Wave Cave シ was packing 'em in.


water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Piper Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Still 3 feet deep or more. Plenty of water for a large group. The metal lid is jammed so you only see a tiny amount. The stick test confirmed the same deep results as always.
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- joe
 
Dec 19 2024
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 Guides 41
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69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Weaver's Needle Loop from Peralta THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 19 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking13.46 Miles 2,842 AEG
Hiking13.46 Miles   7 Hrs   8 Mns   2.04 mph
2,842 ft AEG      32 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Partners partners
joebartels
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
40s and windy to start the day. Temperatures rose to the low 80s, and the wind mostly died down as the day went on.

Joe planned a clockwise loop around Weavers Needle using Peralta → Dutchman → Terrapin → Bluff Springs.

Peralta Trail #102
The trail was in mostly good condition, typical of the Superstitions. This was the only trail of the day that showed evidence of burn from the Siphon Fire. The burn was minimal, and if we get any winter or spring rains, it will likely be mostly covered up. We spent some time checking out Piper Spring. There's plenty of water there, but it takes some effort to remove the two lids and collect it.

We passed one female backpacker heading out after spending a few nights in the wilderness.

Dutchman Trail #104
We were on the Dutchman Trail for a bit before making our way to the Terrapin Trail. No evidence of fire damage anywhere along this section.

Terrapin Trail #234
We climbed up the Terrapin Trail a bit, looking for shade, and stopped for lunch. While eating, we spotted a couple of backpackers below on the Dutchman. After lunch, we continued the climb, gaining two saddles five or six times. This was the warmest part of the day. Once again, no fire scars were visible.

Bluff Springs Trail #235
The section of Terrapin leading up to this trail can be thin at times. By this point, we were on the home stretch. We passed our last hiker of the day as he completed Cardiac Hill.

It felt great to get back out to the Superstitions. From what we saw today, the minimal fire scars wouldn't deter us from hiking in this area again.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Piper Spring

dry Barks Canyon Dry Dry




water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Piper Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
Hard to find the actual water. Located under a 2'x 2' sheet of metal and then under another cover. The pool there is at least 2' deep.
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Dec 14 2024
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 Guides 27
 Routes 670
 Photos 12,111
 Triplogs 857

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Weaver's Needle CrosscutPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 14 2024
DarthStillerTriplogs 857
Hiking8.33 Miles 2,147 AEG
Hiking8.33 Miles   5 Hrs   25 Mns   1.59 mph
2,147 ft AEG      11 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I've never hiked the Weaver's crosscut before, mainly because I thought it was a bushwhack with no trail. Turns out there is a trail and it's pretty easy to follow. The views along there are also really nice.

I did the loop counterclockwise from the Peralta TH, heading up Bluff Springs Trail in the dark. Looking back I could see the stream of headlights along Peralta Road with the hordes heading in. The first sunlight that hit me was on the Terrapin Trail, soon after I saw a deer up ahead on the trail.

The junction with the crosscut and Terrapin is marked pretty well with a cairn and the trail is very well defined. The little hidden valley along that trail reminds me of the hidden valley in South Mountain. It was really cool to get new views of Weaver's Needle, not to mention the closest views I've ever had.

I downloaded 3 tracks that were posted, and the were all nearly identical. The last section heading down to the Peralta Trail, I started to follow the trail I was on, but I noticed that it was going off track, heading north, and going downhill fast. I didn't want to overcommit if I had to bail with a big climb back up, so I followed the track(s). That descent has no trail whatsoever, and it's a pretty rough bushwhack. There was a group of people at the junction of the crosscut and Peralta, two of which were heading up a trail. When I talked to the other 3 who sat and waited on Peralta, they told me those other 2 hikers were headed up the crosscut, so I'm thinking I should have stayed on that trail. Another reason to head back and do this again one day.

The hike back was the usual. There was a huge group of very loud tourists at Freemont Saddle posing for pictures and making a huge racket. Definitely in violation of the 15 person group limit. The traffic on Peralta after that was a pain. I was the fastest hiker of everyone going in my direction, which I'm not used to.

There was a volunteer at the trailhead greeting everyone and giving info. I told on the illegal group of tourists, at which point he emphasized his volunteer status. Still a really nice hike, perfect weather.
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Dec 01 2024
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 Guides 2
 Routes 127
 Photos 1,478
 Triplogs 129

male
 Joined May 07 2019
 Tempe, AZ
Peralta - Cave Trail Loop, AZ 
Peralta - Cave Trail Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 01 2024
mikemcgTriplogs 129
Hiking6.32 Miles 1,630 AEG
Hiking6.32 Miles   4 Hrs   18 Mns   1.81 mph
1,630 ft AEG      48 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
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It was a lot warmer than expected (80s). The parking lot had a number of open spaces at 1030, which was surprising. We passed a lot of people along the way, many of whom were wearing red sweaters or jackets, which was impressive in those temps. We also passed a US Forest Service Ranger near Fremont Saddle, who was asking everyone if they had enough water, and told us that her goal was, "No rescues today!" There were a number of people at the saddle, so we proceeded to the Lone Pine. Last time we went that way, there was a lot of fire damage. This time it was all green, and more pleasant. There was nobody else at the Lone Pine, so we stayed there for a while, then headed back along the Cave Trail, which is always fun. When we reached the steep drop, Gen chose to slide down the 8 foot chute, and I climbed down the rock face, while 2 people at the bottom observed us to determine which method was less likely to result in death. They chose to ascend the way I went down, and we watched them to make sure they were ok. We finished the loop and headed back to eat. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day, and the views were great as always. There were numerous people on Peralta Trail, and almost none on Cave trail. This loop is always a fun adventure.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Fremont Saddle  Weavers Needle
  3 archives
May 31 2024
avatar

 Photos 9
 Triplogs 1

male
 Joined May 02 2024
 Asheville mc
Superstitions loop (Asheville editon), AZ 
Superstitions loop (Asheville editon), AZ
 
Backpack avatar May 31 2024
DevinKTriplogs 1
Backpack33.50 Miles 7,500 AEG
Backpack33.50 Miles3 Days         
7,500 ft AEG32 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Started 2pm Friday from the peralta trail head. Went up bluff springs trail and deviated on an arroyo early on. That was a good lesson to learn early. Spotted a few water pots while off trail. We found our way back to the intersection with terrapin and continued on Bluff springs to dutchman. Stayed on dutchman until charliebois. This was the make or break for us, and fortunately plenty of water to be had... also a turtle in the water! Very friendly.

Day 2 we continued on dutchman all the way to lost dutchman s.p. The highlight was a large rattlesnake that was clear with us the trail was hers. At the s.p. a very kind ranger welcomed us in. A snickers ice cream plus 4 hr respite under the sunshade during prime heat before round 2. A roadrunner visited us for some water, guessthat is when you knowits hot. 4pm we started the climb up siphon draw. It was slow and difficult. We carried 8 liters each up the climb. The views were fantastic and only got better. Had a cowboy camp on flatiron and a benevolent ringtail fox paid us a visit. Long day. Great day.

Day 3
Started with the sunrise and off to Ridgeline... way finding quite a bit. Sumitted superstition mtn. Then continued on until Dacite (this was a great decision) which j-shaped us back towards weavers needle to the peralta trail at Fremont saddle. Dacite was totally new territory. Really loved it. Finished the loop down peralta to the car.

It was hot and we planned for it. We had 8 liters each at all water fills, plus starting wet. It was no joke out there with the 100 degree heat, however we never felt out of comfort or safety. I sleuthed quite a bit from this community and am grateful for it.

Route
Bluff spring-dutchman-siphon draw-Ridgeline-dacite-peralta
 
average hiking speed 2.08 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 18  Next

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.

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