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| Hiking | 20.00 Miles |
2,870 AEG |
| | Hiking | 20.00 Miles | | | |
| 2,870 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I did this a bit differently: Peralta Trailhead to Dutchman's Trail to Charlebois Spring, then to La Barge Spring and from there ro Dripping Spring
Day 1
Taking care of a few last errands left me with a late start at the Peralta trailhead. There were two rangers posted there. I discussed my route, and they gave me the latest water report.
The climb up to Fremont Saddle taxed me more than I expected -- I've been preparing with high-elevation-gain day hikes, but it's a different story with full pack and 3 1/2 liters of water.
Lunch at the saddle refreshed me, and the gentle descent was easy on my legs. I encountered a few people in the two miles after the saddle, but after that, my sole encounter was with a small (but exuberant) group of Boy Scouts. Peralta Canyon was beautiful, with wildflowers in a profusion of colors. Along the way, I passed a huge four person tent, empty except for the tent bag, a half a box of macaroni, and a half-filled jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce. I'm sure there's a story there.
At the junction of Peralta and Dutchman trails, so I watered up and headed east. I reached Charlebois Spring at 4:30, and set up camp. Although the area is said to be popular, I was alone for the night.
Day 2
I woke up at 4:30, and hit the road at 7:30. I filtered water at La Barge Spring, which was as plentiful and good as its reputation. While there, I met Curtis, who was there with a trail maintenance crew that worked on the Red Tanks Trail. He gave me several suggestions, which were all excellent.
The crew's work was top notch -- for the three miles of the Red Tanks Trail that they covered, I encountered none of the catsclaw that so many people complain of. I also had few difficulties navigating. And the scenery was stunning. Water was readily available.
La Barge Canyon was even prettier, but quite a workout. Although the trail description emphasized the narrow trail and high drop-off, I didn't find them particularly disturbing.
The remaining four miles of the trail were a trial. Catclaw and other spiny flora frequently grew into the trail, and at a few spots, nearly obstructed it. Water was rare, and fairly nasty, until I reached the canyon floor, where it was running nicely, and tasted decent. There were several lovely campsites near the intersection with the Coffee Flat Trail.
Day 3
I headed east on the Coffee Flat trail. There was quite a bit of stream crossing, but most of it was well marked. The water remained plentiful fot the first mile or so, before the trail broke away from the streambed. After that, views were stunning, and wildflowers plentiful, but there was no shade.
I continued on the Dutchman's Trail to the Peralta Trailhead. The trail was well groomes and eady to follow. There was one small pool along the way. It looked decent, but could dry up any day. |
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Wildflowers Observation Substantial
As I've never been to the Superstitions before, I have no way to gauge in comparison, but they seemed abundant and varied. |
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Red Tanks Canyon |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | Easy water in the lower portion of the canyon. | | _____________________
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