Bluff Spring Mountain Loop • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 04 2025
		DesertNymph • Triplogs 122

Hiking	17.50 Miles	3,266 AEG

Hiking	17.50 Miles
	3,266 ft AEG

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00blackout

Because once up Terrapin this year wasn't enough....

Headed out to do a long loop that's been on my "should revisit" list. Swung by J's place to pick him up before sunrise, saw some cars at the Carney Springs Trailhead, and arrived at the Peralta lot to find only three other cars there. As we were driving out, we noticed that the winds had apparently decided to build as sunrise approached. Sure enough, as we got out of the car, we were shocked with the cutting breeze...I guess the good news is we would surely warm right up tackling cardiac hill straight away!

As expected, cardiac hill certainly got us warm, but sweat plus the breeze wasn't a good pairing. In an attempt to temperature regulate, I opted to peel off my wicking layer and continue onward with my windbreaker - this proved to be semi-successful, though I was then stuck with the windbreaker sleeves clinging to my sweaty arms...better than being stuck either freezing or overheating, I suppose. Oh the joys of re-discovering out how best to temperature regulate on the fly

We had talked briefly about hitting this loop clockwise vs counter-clockwise. I didn't have any strong opinions on the matter...loose rocky nonsense on a grade is not particularly delightful in either direction. J seemed interested in hitting in CCW, so that's what we opted for. Sections of the Dutchman trail are playing peek-a-boo with tall grasses, requiring a fair bit of attention to ensure good foot placement. Saw a bit of color on the trees at the various springs as we passed. The sun had finally climbed high enough and the wind had mostly disappeared by the time we made Oak Spring, so we had a quick break to shed layers back to our more typical hiking attire before continuing onward to Charlebois and a quick visit to view the master map (thank you for showing it to me, J - I suspect I wouldn't have easily found it on my own!).

After a break to refuel near the spring, we continued on our way, eventually entering the burn region. I don't have strong memories of what the area looked like pre-fire, and I don't seem to have any photos from "way back when" to give myself a refresher. J showed me a photo of the big stately saguaro that was just off trail that is no more

Soon enough, we found ourselves at the junction with Terrapin. Same as my previous visit, I was hitting this section late in the day after covering some decent miles. The climb up this time was easier - I'd like to think my conditioning has improved significantly since the last time I gave it a go. Still slow, but didn't seem to require the stops that I recalled having to make the last time I did it. When the trail gets close to the watercourse in the section before Bluff Saddle, things got a little faint at times with the overgrowth obscuring the way. Once we closed the loop, it was an easy return to the trailhead, making our way back down cardiac hill during golden hour.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Belt of Venus

Autumn Foliage Observation Light

Wildflowers Observation Light

Pools to trickle

Light flow

Charlebois Canyon

Light flow

Gallon + per minute

	Oak Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Didn't find the actual spring, but there is plenty of flow in the nearby creekbed.

_____________________

Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually

Dec 04 2025

00blackout

Routes 41
Photos 5,425
Triplogs 207

51 male

Joined Mar 14 2016
Gold Canyon, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 04 2025
		00blackout • Triplogs 207

Hiking	17.50 Miles	3,266 AEG

Hiking	17.50 Miles
	3,266 ft AEG

no routes

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DesertNymph

It's been a tough week for me personally, after learning on Tuesday that I had been laid off. One positive from that is I could hike more and possibly hit my personal goal for the year. I've done this loop multiple times, and after seeing Joe and The Eagle do this loop last week, I thought it would be good to hit it up again. S and I arrive at Peralta TH a little after 7 with only 3 other cars in the lot. I live 15 minutes away from the TH, and there was zero wind at my house, but the wind was pretty gusty when we got there, and it was freezing pumpkin cold with it. I had never done this loop CCW, so I figured it would be a nice change of pace, completely forgetting about the torturous climb up to Terrapin Pass, where I cussed and complained the entire way, good thing S was ahead of me and did not get stuck listening to it.

Bluff Springs
I despise cardiac hill (going up and down) as it gets your breathing heavy right off the start. A little brushy on the way down and a bit worse in Bluff Canyon, more grass than anything. The trail is good all the way through.

Dutchman
It's a Savannah near Bluff Springs with hidden rocks ready to snap your ankle every chance they get. Brushy near Holmes Spring, this section always drags for me; it's kind of blah and long. We did not stop at La Barge, but a little bit of color started there and at Oak Spring. Quick break at a nice camping site near Oak Spring, and we continued. S had never seen the master map, so we made a quick detour to check it out and then headed up to Charlebois. The spring is full of decent-looking water, like it always is; had lunch at the campsite near the spring and continued. A little before the Calvary junction, we hit the Siphon fire burn area, which fried the huge Saguro that was right off the Dutchman. The trail through the burn was good, as it's been travelled pretty frequently, it would seem. The burn ended a bit up the Dutchman, stopping just before some of the riparian areas before Terrapin; however, it did make it to the huge swimmer that used to be a pretty cool spot.

Terrapin
I have a love/hate relationship with this trail. The climb up to the pass completely sucks, but I really enjoy the rock formations on the Bluff Spring end. We took a break once we made it up to the pass to catch our breath and my legs. From the pass to Bluff Saddle, the trail is brushy, and you need to keep your eyes open for carins to help through some of the areas.

Uneventful hike back to the TH, getting back a little after 5. This is the most miles I've done on my ankle since injuring it. While it was very sore after 5ish miles, it felt fine the day after. It was good to get out in the Supes to try and clear my mind. Thanks S, for joining.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

Pools to trickle

Medium flow

Charlebois Canyon

Medium flow

Gallon + per minute

	Oak Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Tons of water in the creek.

_____________________

Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.

Dec 01 2025

The_Eagle

Guides 42
Routes 1,727
Photos 15,354
Triplogs 2,856

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 01 2025
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,856

Hiking	16.19 Miles	2,932 AEG

Hiking	16.19 Miles	7 Hrs 53 Mns		2.23 mph
	2,932 ft AEG	38 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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

It’s Superstition season again.

A 7:10 start with the sun just starting to rise, temps in the 50s, and a light breeze blowing—how does it get any nicer? There was a van in the parking lot with a camera crew of some sort just getting packed up; we would see them again at the end of our hike. Not a clue what was going on there. The road in to Peralta was in mostly great shape, with only a couple of areas where you needed to slow down to avoid some rutting.

Bluff Springs Trail #235
There’s been a bit of work at the beginning of this trail to fix some washouts. Cardiac Hill still gets the heart pumping. Sure feels like more than a 500' climb.

Terrapin Trail #234
We opted to do this balloon loop clockwise to avoid the steep, loose drop from Terrapin Pass to the Dutchman Trail. This worked out well. There are a few areas on the Terrapin Trail where we actually had to consult our GPS; it’s a bit thin in spots.

Dutchman Trail #104
The Dutchman is a collection of friendly grades, running water, large trail-side boulders, and hints of fall. We took a break for lunch in a dry spot across from Oak Spring in LaBarge Creek, amongst the colorful cottonwoods.

We took the Dutchman back to the Bluff Spring Trail, where we ultimately retraced our steps back to the TH.

We did not see a single person the entire day until we were within 2 miles of the TH. Temps were perfect all day. I don’t think we went more than 15 minutes without seeing and/or hearing water. There were quite a few areas of wildflowers of all types. Get out and enjoy all the greenness of the Supes.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

Wildflowers Observation Light

	Barks Canyon	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle

	Bluff Spring Mountain Canyon	Light flow	Light flow

	Music Canyon	Light flow	Light flow

_____________________

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

Dec 01 2025

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 837
Photos 14,737
Triplogs 5,938

male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 01 2025
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,938

Hiking	16.42 Miles	2,941 AEG

Hiking	16.42 Miles	7 Hrs 52 Mns	2.25 mph
	2,941 ft AEG	35 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

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

Overall, the road in is of zero concern. Supa smooth for the majority. The second of two major washes slows down the low riders momentarily.

The trail up Cardiac Hill is easier for two-thirds because of trail work, erosion fill, and use. The turn off for Cave Trail #233 is distinctive. A little flow crossing Barks and less near Peralta Rock Gap. Summer sounds of crickets and large swarms of gnats, but they were not annoying. Yellow skipper butterflies.

Bruce was cool enough to do any hike I desired, short of a death march. He's long wished to do this loop clockwise, as he despises the North-South Terrapin ascent. Just passing the Terrapin turn, I figured, why not, so we turned around.

Clockwise was intriguing, as I haven't felt that disorientation in the Supes in eons. I'd rather hike either direction in warmer to hot weather with a breeze than calm fairweather, but to each their own.

White Rock Spring to Holmes is a jungle in areas. Luckily, we cruised by all the side trips. I enjoy checking them out when it's dry, but it's pointless with abundant pools and canyons trickling.

I had to stop about eight more times than Bruce. It became apparent he was not hydrated for a 26-30 miler.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Phlox Dodder Sacred Datura Wavyleaf Thistle

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Two to three more weeks for the cottonwoods.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Flattop buckwheat, wolfberry, Parish Goldeneye, lots of exhausted fairy duster. Hints of filaree, which typically means a better-than-average wildflower season. Indian paintbrush, isolated Calypso, large fields of the base leaves of invasive California poppies...

Pools to trickle

Pools to trickle

	Charlebois Canyon	Dry	Dry
	Dry at the trail crossing. Water is guaranteed on this date up near the spring and down in LaBarge.

	Music Canyon	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	Didn't go close to it, but I guarantee there is water.

_____________________

- joe

Nov 02 2025

rehlers

Routes 5
Photos 58
Triplogs 48

male

Joined Apr 18 2002
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 02 2025
		rehlers • Triplogs 48

Hiking	14.80 Miles	2,748 AEG

Hiking	14.80 Miles	7 Hrs 58 Mns	1.86 mph
	2,748 ft AEG

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Overall trails in decent shape. Some parts of Terrapin were a bit faint. On dutchman trail, the only really bad looking burn area was about the 0.5 miles east of junction with Bull Pass. Everything east of that, including all the spring locations, were not affected by the fire. The section of Bluff Springs trail north of the Terrapin junction had a lot of tall grass growing over trail. Not much bushwacking on any of the trails, just a few encroaching branches and cat claws here and there.

Everywhere was really green, even in the few burn areas on this loop.
Plentiful water was flowing in all the creeks.

_____________________

Sep 27 2025

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 845
Photos 22,618
Triplogs 2,032

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 27 2025
		chumley • Triplogs 2,032

Hiking	16.27 Miles	2,747 AEG

Hiking	16.27 Miles	6 Hrs 24 Mns	2.76 mph
	2,747 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

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Bark at Dutchman Crossing

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John9L

Stormy weather and cooler temps made it seem like a few miles in the soup could be nice. Not as humid as last weekend and temps stayed in the 70s all day with cloudiness dominating about 75% of the time (the other 25% happened whenever we were climbing a big hill

)

Wasn't sure what to expect with water, and was happy to find flows in places I wouldn't have expected. Peralta was dry. Barks was producing nicely. Bluff Spring Canyon and all the side drainages were nice higher up, less lower down. Surprisingly, LaBarge canyon was bone dry and had not even seen a hint of flow over the duration of the storm. It must just be a sponge of sand down there after a summer of little rain.

Charlebois had nice flow and downstream of there LaBarge was intermittent. The nicest flows of the day were on the way up Terrapin with flow in the drainages on all sides (and trail) all the way to within a few feet of Bluff Saddle, and then immediately flowing again on the south side and down from there.

I'm sure I had seen Wally's photo recon, but forgot or didn't realize the location ... the Marsh Valley, Calvary, Bull Pass, Dutchman area is absolutely obliterated. Pure moonscape. I didn't realize the burn had extended this far south. Ouch.

A good storm passed just to our east as we finished up, grazing us with wetting rain, but not quite enough to be completely drenched. Lightning stayed about 3-4 miles away which was nice. I rarely head out this way anymore unless conditions provide something unusual. Today worked for that.

Light flow

Peralta Creek at #102 Crossing

Light flow

	Bluff Spring Canyon	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	Occasional pools, especially upstream. Fewer pools farther down.

	Bluff Spring Mountain Canyon	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Some of the strongest flow seen on the day.

	Charlebois Canyon	Light flow	Light flow
	Flowing nicely. LaBarge Canyon below Charlebois was flowing intermittently with numerous deep pools.

	Crystal Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Canyon was flowing lightly

	LaBarge Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	A thicket of growth if you try to get to it. Ground was wet, sound of water dripping from spring above.

Dry

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

Nov 17 2023

pseudalpine

Guides 72
Routes 1,173
Photos 1,470
Triplogs 1,523

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 17 2023
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,523

Hiking	15.29 Miles	2,760 AEG

Hiking	15.29 Miles	5 Hrs 47 Mns	2.82 mph
	2,760 ft AEG	22 Mns Break

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Always overgrown trails after a summer of minimal usage. The worst section (very brushy) of this loop was the Dutchman Trail through Needle Canyon. As we finished, several volunteers were working Bluff Springs near the parking area. Nice to see Mike again. We appreciate the group efforts! I doubt you'll see this, but Amanda Miller from South Carolina, I found your busted phone, driver license, bank and casino cards on the Peralta Road heading out.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dog

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Charlebois Spring Weavers Needle

Autumn Foliage Observation Light

Quart per minute

6 archives

Feb 04 2023

00blackout

Routes 41
Photos 5,425
Triplogs 207

51 male

Joined Mar 14 2016
Gold Canyon, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 04 2023
		00blackout • Triplogs 207

Hiking	17.30 Miles	2,610 AEG

Hiking	17.30 Miles	9 Hrs 22 Mns	1.85 mph
	2,610 ft AEG

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The plan yesterday was to hike Bluff Spring Mountain with Pickles, but she has been under the weather past couple of days so plans changed, so I decided to hit up the Bluff Spring Mountain Loop. 20 cars already in the parking lot when I arrived at Peralta at 7am. Started up cardiac hill (I hate this part), headed down into Barks Canyon and started up Terrapin. It's been awhile since I've been on Terrapin, I had forgotten about the initial ascent. Made it to Terrapin Pass and started the steep, slippery section down. From there I jumped on the Dutchman. This section of the Dutchman is my favorite section of this trail in the Supes. So green, lush and full of water unlike some of the other sections. Made my way through La Barge Canyon where I encountered a larger group of campers near the creek. Hiked up Charlebois Canyon to the spring, which had a nice pool as always, however I did not stay there long as the buzzing of hundred's of bee made it a bit unsettling. I was surprised however to not see one person camping in this area, of all the time's I've been to Charlebois there are always numerous campers, weird. I did find a blue tarp and some sleeping pads that someone had left hanging. Took some time to look for the Master Map. I failed the past couple times I've been here but was not leaving today without finding it. After some bushwhacking down a hill and through some catclaw forests I found it. Spent a few minutes there then bushwhacked back up to the Dutchman. Made a side stop at La Barge Spring, which was the most disappointing area of the day. This used to be a lush riparin area with a spring box overflowing with water. While there was still water here in the creek, it was clear the creek here has flashed many times, I was not able to find the spring box and the lush bushes are mostly gone. Hopped back on the Dutchman to Bluff Spring and back to my rig, clocking in at 17.3 miles. It was one of those hikes where I just wasn't feeling it. For whatever reason I had zero energy the entire day, my legs felt dead, but I pushed through it, just made some parts a grid especially any type of climb and with the temps being in the mid 70's definitely did not help, it was warm for sure. But still a great day in my favorite wilderness!

Medium flow

Medium flow

Medium flow

Gallon + per minute

_____________________

Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.

2 archives

Dec 22 2021

LJW

Routes 154
Photos 1,505
Triplogs 266

31 male

Joined Jun 02 2019
Phoenix, AZ

Bluff - Picacho - Coffee Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 22 2021
		LJW • Triplogs 266

Hiking	25.19 Miles	5,623 AEG

Hiking	25.19 Miles	11 Hrs 6 Mns	2.56 mph
	5,623 ft AEG	1 Hour 15 Mns Break

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Bluff Spring Mountain Summit

Ely-Anderson Trail

Whiskey Spring Trail #238

Red Tanks Trail #107

Coffee Flat Trail #108

Dripping Springs from Peralta

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Headed to the Supes for a handful of summits I'd stared at in the beginning of the year. Wanted to loop Bluff Spring Mountain with Coffee Flat Mountain. I included Picacho Butte because it's right there, along with Miners Summit since it's on the way. Got started from Peralta an hour before sunrise and headed to Bluff Spring Mountain.

Bluff Spring to Terrapin to SW ridge. Got through the cliffs with minimal scrambling and only a little brush to contend with. It was very steep, but sunrise views over Weaver's Needle distracted and slowed me down. Preferred that ridge to the Ely Anderson Trail. The ascent was a fun climb and ridge walk, the other was a rough descent down a drainage and around the mountain. The route is well cairned but the grade is only good lower down, up high it's lost to the grass.

Dutchman trail passed the only folks of the day. Walked around the grassy backside of Miners Summit and decided to go up. It's steep but short-lived. Down to the trail junction and up Whiskey Springs to the saddle. Then I started the part of the day I was most looking forward to, the Coffee Flat Mountain ridgeline. Started with peak 3748. The views up there were some best of the day. The ridgeline started open and grassy but there was some maneuvering around the rocky ridgetop at times. A little bushwhacking and slow travel. There are three big ascents once on the ridge. Two are on the way to 4562. They are steep but there's really no bushwhacking.

Skirted around 4562 and went for Picacho. Surprisingly awesome summit, despite the added climb. It was cool to look over all the places I had been on the trails that wind through the bottoms of the canyons and over the passes in the labyrinth of rock we call the supes. Got back up on the high ridgeline which was tough. Went back for the sections I skipped and carried on for Coffee Flat Mountain.

There is a little peak on the ridgeline I had to climb and bushwhack around, but otherwise it's pretty straightforward. The final push to the summit is open and doesn't take long. The top is wide and flat and without going to the sides pales in comparison to the ridgeline. Went down the north ridge which is steep and a bit of a climb but there's breaks in the cliffs , so there's nothing too crazy. Down the first drainage and to Red Tanks divide. Circled back on Red Tanks, Coffee Flat, and Dutchman. One of my favorite hikes I've done in the Superstitions but a lot for one day. The Coffee Flat ridge on its own is an undertaking.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bluff Spring Mountain La Barge Canyon Malapais Mountain Miners Summit Superstition Mountain 5057

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Peaking in La Barge and Randolph Canyons

Red Tanks Canyon

Pools to trickle

3 archives

Dec 17 2021

DixieFlyer

Guides 100
Routes 1,570
Photos 16,476
Triplogs 1,459

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 17 2021
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,459

Hiking	16.58 Miles	2,961 AEG

Hiking	16.58 Miles	7 Hrs 57 Mns	2.40 mph
	2,961 ft AEG	1 Hour 2 Mns Break

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I had not been to the Peralta TH in over 9 months, so I figured that I was overdue. The destination this time was Charlebois Spring. We did a lasso loop CCW from Bluff Spring>Dutchman>Terrapin>Bluff Spring.

The first part of the Bluff Spring Trail seemed to have more loose rock in it than before -- perhaps due to monsoons, but I am just guessing. I don't care too much for that trail.

Once we got to the Dutchman Trail, it was somewhat overgrown much of the way over to Charlebois. It wasn't all THAT bad, but you'd get snagged by some catclaw in a few places.

Charlebois Spring was a nice spot to have lunch. We sat by a nice pool of water. There was nobody else there, which was a bit surprising. I tried to find the master map but didn't have any luck. While looking for the map we came across a bobcat who was not camera shy.

I was reluctant to go back on the Terrapin Trail, fearing that it would be really overgrown. However, much to my surprise, there had been some recent trail maintenance on Terrapin and it was clear sailing. There was a little bit of grass that I brushed up against a time or 2, but there no catclaw to deal with. I'll dare say that the Terrapin Trail is the best trail in the Supes right now (of course that's not saying much...lol).

The weather was near perfect for hiking, and it was a nice day to be out in the Supes!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cottonwood

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bobcat

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Inscriptions

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Charlebois Canyon

	Charlebois Spring	Gallon per minute	Gallon per minute
	I did not go to the spring itself, but there were some nice pools of water down below the spring.

	Music Canyon	Dry	Dry
	I did not go up into Music Canyon, but the pool down below the canyon at the Dutchman Trail was bone dry.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Mar 27 2021

FOTG

Guides 37
Routes 567
Photos 10,963
Triplogs 1,065

male

Joined Jan 21 2013
AZ

Weaver's Needle Summit

Weaver's Needle Summit

Phoenix, AZ

Hike & Climb		Mar 27 2021
		FOTG • Triplogs 1,065

Hike & Climb	20.06 Miles	4,288 AEG

Hike & Climb	20.06 Miles	14 Hrs 48 Mns	1.57 mph
	4,288 ft AEG

Onsight II • Trad • Not good

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Weaver's - Base of the Needle

Peralta Trail #102

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Walworthjordyn

Pro: a few small cams

I finally decided to give the west side of Weavers a try and then after Weavers, Katie and I continued on for a bit of a western Supes super loop.

We met Jordyn at the Peralta Trailhead just after six and were on our way to the west chimney shortly after. I don’t know why I thought approaching Weavers from Terrapin would be a good idea, but that is what we went with and it definitely added some work to the approach as we had to complete a sometimes attention getting high traverse around Weavers northwest corner. I was not happy about the added time, but we did come across some pretty intriguing caves/old mines along the way.

From the base of the obvious west chimney we roped and “racked” up at the chains that mark the beginning of the second pitch. The first pitch is an easy class four scramble. I placed a few small cams and exited out the left side of the chock stone for the 5.4 finish. Going under the chockstone is rated at easy 5th class and going to the right is rated 5.2. We left the ropes at the rap anchors above the chockstone and we soloed the standard route to the top.

After realizing how close Peralta was, we chose to scramble back down to Peralta for our descent vs traversing back around Weavers NW corner. From Peralta, Jordyn took our rope and small rack and headed back to the trailhead. Katie and I then headed towards the Dutchman Trail, which we took all the way to Charlebois Spring. There were several backpackers camped along the trail to Charlebois and near the spring. After an extended break at the spring, we continued on with our loop. We made a quick detour up Music Canyon along the way out and finished just before 9:00 p.m. to a bright full moon.

A nice 20 mile jaunt through the Supes with an iconic summit along the way. The lack of water out there was a little depressing, but there is enough to backpack, the desert is green and it feels like spring out there. We encountered a hillside of poppies on our descent to Peralta and encountered significant poppies lining the trail and hillside along the trail shortly after beginning the gradual climb from the LaBarge Spring area.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mexican Gold Poppy

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
A hike into La Barge Spring right now would net you a modest wildflower show along the trail as you approach the intersection of the Dutchman and Red Tanks Trail. Its short, but sweet.

Pools to trickle

	Charlebois Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	full as usual, no fire damage near.

Music Canyon

Pools to trickle

	Music Canyon Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	A few nice pools and some trickling water

	White Rock Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	A few small pools of standing water

_____________________

3 archives

Jan 30 2021

survivordude

Routes 61
Photos 1,008
Triplogs 224

45 male

Joined Aug 19 2009
The Basin

Phoenix, AZ

Backpack		Jan 30 2021
		survivordude • Triplogs 224

Backpack	14.80 Miles	2,748 AEG

Backpack	14.80 Miles	2 Days
	2,748 ft AEG

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This could have easily been a day trip, but I wanted a little more wilderness immersion so went for an overnighter. Got the last parking spot at Peralta at 7:30AM and made my way up cardiac hill. You know that feeling you get when you know when you are in good hiking shape? Yeah.. good stuff. Made it up to Bluff Saddle in one hour. After this is when the burn area starts. Pretty much all gone until the Red Tanks junction. From here down to Charliebois was hit and miss, however the beautiful Oak Spring area was hit pretty hard.. Charliebois was untouched. Made it there in 3 hours flat and had the place to myself for a few hours until all at once, it seemed, there were about 6 different groups looking to stay at my camp spot. Good thing, this area has several good camp spots w/in 1/2 mile of the spring. Master Map is still enigmatic. The whole stretch of Dutchman from Charliebois to Terrapin junction was untouched by the fire and was very lush and scenic, as usual. The Terrapin trail was a different story.. The fire break was the Terrapin. Everything to the east was good, everything to the west was burnt. Not sure if that was how the fire burned or how it was fought.. Slightly before the first saddle, it was completely burnt the rest of the way, which really sucked because after all that climbing on that trail, there was ZERO shade the whole way. Passed through the land that physics forgot on the way back. Im sure all the water is all gone by now.

_____________________

“There is nothing that exists outside the thought of the immediate moment.”

Jan 17 2021

The_Dude

Guides 1
Routes 136
Photos 1,367
Triplogs 364

47 male

Joined Jun 10 2011
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 17 2021
		The_Dude • Triplogs 364

Hiking	17.79 Miles	2,999 AEG

Hiking	17.79 Miles	26 Hrs 22 Mns	2.18 mph
	2,999 ft AEG	18 Hrs 13 Mns Break

no photosets

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Weaver's Needle Loop from Peralta TH

Red Tanks Trail #107

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Falke

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

This trip was going to be after Xmas, but we had to postpone. No worries, weather was fantastic for the loop. My buddy Michael and I started out from the Peralta auxiliary lot (knew the main lot would be full) about 1030 on Saturday. Ran into a few groups on Bluff Springs, quite a few backpakers out and about. Trail was nice until about a mile in, then it was burn scar all through the Terrapin trail. We stopped for a lunch break at about 1230 where we could find some shade next to a small cliff. Views picked up once we got on the Dutchman, hiking was beautiful and untouched by fire all the way to Charlebois. Passed a bunch of good camp spots, but we wanted to get water and put on a few extra miles to make Sunday shorter. Water at Charlebois was cold and clear, quite tasty. There were 3 or 4 groups by the spring so we continued on. Took a side trip to check out the Master Map for the first time, thanks to Trekkin Gecko for her track to help get us to the right place! Passed through Oak spring area, all the sweet spots were taken there, and at La Barge. We continued onto Red Tanks for about a mile trying to find a spot, but no such luck. Circled back to Oak Spring and grabbed a solid spot after all. My buddy was trying out his hammock for the first time, and we shared a nice scrub oak and giant sugar bush to get us both hanging. Great night, probably about 43 or so overnight but we were toasty. Leisurely morning in camp, and got on trail about 930. The rest of the hike was in burn scar until we hit the downhill on Bluff. Great trip!

	Charlebois Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Fantastic water, cool, clear, and tasty.

	Crystal Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Some funky pools, but could be filtered.

	LaBarge Spring	Gallon per minute	Gallon per minute
	Good water available as usual.

	Music Canyon	Light flow	Light flow
	Some small pools, looked OK.

_____________________

Feb 01 2020

jacobemerick

Guides 38
Routes 189
Photos 1,644
Triplogs 248

male

Joined Dec 09 2014
Gilbert, AZ

BSM Loop w Peralta, AZ

Hiking		Feb 01 2020
		jacobemerick • Triplogs 248

Hiking	16.77 Miles	3,311 AEG

Hiking	16.77 Miles	5 Hrs 52 Mns	3.10 mph
	3,311 ft AEG	27 Mns Break

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Wanted to get in more miles this weekend but still had the hard morning limit, so the inner Supes it was. Boy howdy are they pretty right now.

Started in the dark with a quick climb up to Fremont Saddle - it's one way to beat the crowds. Tumbling down the other side towards Dutchman was fairly awesome, with the nice views of Black Top Mesa and Palomino and Yellow Peak, plus the waking sky. Everything is green and the water's still flowing, etc. Dutchman felt a bit rough compared to Peralta, still easy to trot along and nothing that'll scratch too hard. Ogled up at Bluff Springs Mountain a few times, dreaming of past adventures up there. By the time I reached Charlie Boy I was starting to drift a bit so I went off-trail to that map that shows you where the gold is and had a breakfast break before tackling the long return. Starting bumping into people along Bluff Springs. Parking lot and overflow were packed, lots of people doing the saddle today.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] East Boulder Canyon

_____________________

Jan 11 2020

The_Eagle

Guides 42
Routes 1,727
Photos 15,354
Triplogs 2,856

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 11 2020
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,856

Hiking	16.33 Miles	2,711 AEG

Hiking	16.33 Miles	8 Hrs 23 Mns		2.23 mph
	2,711 ft AEG	1 Hour 3 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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

Another pre-dawn start, with about 20 minutes before sunrise.
Everywhere there was a wash or a canyon, there was running water on this hike.

Bluff Spring Trail
Cardiac hill seems a lot easier in the dark. It didn't take long to take the chill off the morning.

Terrapin Trail
We opted for a CW loop around Bluff Spring Mountain. This is the direction to go on this loop. Terrapin always seems to drag on going the other direction. We passed 3 groups of backpackers on their way out, after a night camping.

Dutchman Trail
In Needle Canyon, to Marsh Valley, and into La Barge Canyon. Still hints of fall color and running water everywhere.
We had to make the mandatory side trip to check out Charliebois Spring. We did lunch with a great view of La Barge Creek, just off the end of Peters Trail.

At La Barge Spring I noticed a couple of trail cams aimed at the spring box. I did my best to help them fill up the memory card. There are no signs of fire in this area, other than all the rocks being shaded in Slurry Red.

Back on Bluff Spring trail we took a break on a rock out cropping with a nice viewpoint into Barks Canyon.

Great to be out in the Supes again

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Charlebois Spring

Autumn Foliage Observation Light

	Barks Canyon	Light flow	Light flow

	Bluff Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Spring is back another 50 ft pipe is broken they still have it directed into a bucket

Peralta Creek at #102 Crossing

Light flow

	LaBarge Spring	Gallon per minute	Gallon per minute

Light flow

_____________________

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

Jan 11 2020

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 837
Photos 14,737
Triplogs 5,938

male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 11 2020
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,938

Hiking	16.05 Miles	2,520 AEG

Hiking	16.05 Miles	8 Hrs 22 Mns	2.20 mph
	2,520 ft AEG	1 Hour 4 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

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

Wave Cave trailhead was like Kaibab trailhead an hour before sunrise. Kinna cool IMHO, kinna funny. Peralta trailhead was maybe a lonesome dozen cars. Cardiac Hill is virtually effortless in mid to upper thirty degree temps fending off sweat and filling the lungs with crisp air.

Creeks were easy to ford with light flow. At the Terrapin junction we made a decision to go CW instead of CCW as we've done many times. Albeit no less traveled, the experience felt refreshingly new. Only minor nuisance catclaw(entire hike), overhangs declawed from use. Wore shorts because that's how we roll in paradise. Not a scratch.

Transitioning from Needle Canyon to LaBarge Canyon the hike grasped my attention. Perfect temps, light, landscape and Autumn on the farewell pendulum swing of the season.

Marsh Valley to LaBarge Spring was the prime bite. We explored Charlebois, lunched on the outcrop at Peter's junction then checked on LaBarge Spring.

A quarter mile of the easternmost bend of Bluff Spring Canyon was the only burn area on the entire loop. Singed chaparral. Cheatgrass is blanketing the area. Bust out the purple spray paint, it's invasive!

Great hike.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Catclaw Acacia

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bluff Spring Charlebois Spring

Autumn Foliage Observation Light

	Bluff Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Further back now since pipe is broke

	LaBarge Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	20 gallons a minute

_____________________

- joe

Jan 04 2020

AndrewAZ

Guides 1
Routes 1
Triplogs 24

45 male

Joined Feb 27 2012
Cochise County

Boulder Canyon Trail #103

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 04 2020
		AndrewAZ • Triplogs 24

Hiking	19.70 Miles	2,748 AEG

Hiking	19.70 Miles	9 Hrs 45 Mns	2.02 mph
	2,748 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

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Cavalry Trail #239

Peralta Trail #102

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none

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From the Peralta TH on the way out: Bluff Spring Mtn Tr to Dutchman, then past Red Tanks Jxn and Peters Jxn on Dutchman to Cavalry and turning around at the Calvary/Boulder Jxn. On the way back: Boulder Canyon to Dutchman to Peralta to the TH. My Green Mountain map says it's 19.7 miles.

Cold at the start, but a little too warm in the late morning and the afternoon once the sun was on me. As I expected/hoped for, there was plenty of water everywhere. Many water crossings, including some tricky ones. I managed to keep my feet dry all day, but had there been another 2 inches of water in some of them, staying dry would've been impossible.

I encountered a group of ~15 women at the Dutchman/Cavalry Jxn. That's the exact same spot I encountered a group of women hikers a few years ago when doing a super loop. Whichever hiking club that is, they're consistent (as am I, apparently).

I don't think I had hiked that stretch of Boulder Canyon Tr before. That was the only brushy trail of the day, although it wasn't too bad.

I didn't see much wildlife. I blame that on the repeated helicopter flyovers, including lots of hovering around a mountain more towards AZ 88. I assume that was related to the road closure.

This was the first hike in my Topo Ultraventure 2s. One small hot spot on the outside of my left heel, but that's it. Not bad for new shoes. I'm not sure about their durability, and who knows how they'll feel after a week straight on a long trip, but so far I'm a fan. Much better than the Sportivas I had or the Altras I have.

_____________________

Nov 03 2019

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 15
Photos 7,285
Triplogs 5,247

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 03 2019
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,247

Hiking	15.64 Miles	3,150 AEG

Hiking	15.64 Miles	6 Hrs 16 Mns	2.62 mph
	3,150 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

no routes

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trekkin_gecko

Kelly suggested getting away from South Mountain
The nerve!
Been too long since we did a good Supes hike
Chatted with Wally in the parking lot
Very little fire damage seen all day
La Barge and Charlebois springs are both doing fine
catclaw per usual
Fun hike
Thanks Kelly

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Arizona Sycamore

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Charlebois Spring LaBarge Spring

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

	Charlebois Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Looks good

	LaBarge Spring	Gallon per minute	Gallon per minute
	Excellent flow

_____________________

“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

Nov 03 2019

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 692
Photos 7,512
Triplogs 4,780

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 03 2019
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,780

Hiking	15.64 Miles	3,150 AEG

Hiking	15.64 Miles	6 Hrs 16 Mns	2.62 mph
	3,150 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

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johnlp

hit john up for a hike in the supes this morning
originally discussed weaver's needle loop, but decided on bluff spring mountain loop once we got to peralta
we found waldo at the trailhead

nice to see you, wally
up bluff spring, then dutchman
checked out labarge spring, the master map and charlebois spring along the way
terrapin and back on bluff spring
nice temps all day with some high clouds and a breeze later on
trails were mostly good with a bit of catclaw encroachment so shorts were fine
nice to be back out on some of these trails; it's been awhile
saw just a little bit of fire damage along dutchman, shortly after the end of bluff spring trail
some retardant dropped in labarge canyon and on the mountains above
bluff spring is a big mountain
good audible on this one, john

Gallon per minute

LaBarge Spring

Gallon per minute

_____________________

hazhole

1 archive

Feb 23 2019

John9L

Guides 6
Routes 194
Photos 6,012
Triplogs 1,659

male

Joined Mar 12 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 23 2019
		John9L • Triplogs 1,659

Hiking	16.00 Miles	3,000 AEG

Hiking	16.00 Miles
	3,000 ft AEG

no routes

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