Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide

PERALTA CANYON

If a gradual climb through the Superstition Wilderness to a great view of Weavers Needle appeals to you, this is your hike.

HOW TO GET THERE

This hike is located in the Superstition Wilderness East of the Phoenix area.

From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East, leaving the city limits.   After leaving Apache Junction, continue about 8.5 miles, turning left onto Peralta Road (FR 77). After starting out as a paved road, this quickly turns into a maintained dirt road. The trailhead and parking appears after 7 miles on this road.

RATING

Be Aware of: Steady elevation gain.

30 yr old Recommendation: Continuous climb through fun desert to a great view of Weavers Needle. This is an easy hike. Although the elevation change isn't tremendous, but is gradual. This is a good desert hike near the Phoenix area.

Not too young kids will be OK for a while, but might peter out toward the end. Better leave Grandma at home.      

DETAILS

Elevation change: about 1400 ft slow ascent to the view

Distance: 5.0 miles round trip.

Time: It took us two and a half hours with a 30 minute stop at the top for exploring and lunch.

Time of year: Fall, Winter, Spring (or really early morning in Summer)

Solitude: This is a very popular hike. Don't expect much solitude here. Once at the top, you can find a semi-secluded place along the rim. Expect to meet 100-130 people on this hike during a weekend.  

Map: Click here for a map

This hike features a well marked trail, wonderful Superstition Wilderness desert, and a great view of Weaver's Needle. There's several trails that start at the Peralta trailhead. Make sure you pick the trail that says "Peralta Trail".  This trail stays near the bed of Peralta Canyon, occasionally crossing the wash. As you continue your climb, you will eventually reach a saddle that marks your turn around point. You'll know it, because as you approach the saddle, the imposing Weaver's Needle comes into view. Snap a few pictures and head back.

If you liked this hike, you might want to try some of the other hikes in the Superstition Wilderness. For example, the Duchman Trail (TR104) to Dripping Springs starts here, as well as the Lost Goldmine Trail.

[Weavers Needle from Fremont Saddle]

This hike was completed in February, 2003

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