| when | Trip Report : February 9, 2014 | ||
| Trip Report : December 2, 2000 | |||
| Trip Report : January 17, 1998 | |||
| where | Superstition Mountains | ||
| the hike |
This is the most popular trail in the Superstitions
because of its climactic view of Weaver’s Needle from
Fremont Saddle. The route follows the Peralta Canyon stream
bed and crosses at various places. There is constant
topographic, vegetative, and scenic variety along the entire
trail. Early on, two small abandoned mines greet you. About
100 yards along, you pass a vertical stone wall to the left.
Growing on this wall are two rare plants, Gila paritili and
maple leaf mirandia, the latter found only in the
Superstition and Usery Mountains. The ascent is gradual and
crisscrosses the stream bed. Various shaded spots offer cool
respite at the crossings. Large scrub oaks and sugar sumacs
provide the shade, while canyon wrens provide the music.
Deer vetch shows its small, bright yellow orange flower.
As you ascend farther up the trail, Geronimo Cave comes into view on the right along a line of yellow volcanic tuff. The trail ascends away from the stream bed and up a series of switchbacks directed through layers of multicolored volcanic tuff, ash, and agglomerate. Various shades of purple, buff, orange, pink, brown, and cream permeate the landscape. Much of the trail is now on bedrock. This is a good spot for sitting and looking out over Peralta Canyon and part of Coffee Flat Valley. The vertical “people” rocks on the western canyon edge come into prominent view. Look up for ravens, hawks, and vultures. A “one eyed monster” lurks along the trail. More pastel colored bedrock leads you past the monster and on to Fremont Saddle. Here we are greeted with a spectacular view of Weaver’s Needle. This is where we will stop for lunch. We will return via the same route. An alternative return route would be along the Cave Trail back to the trailhead. |
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| distance | 4 1/2 miles round trip | ||
| time | 4-5 hours | ||
| EC | +-1400' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 2410' (Peralta Trailhead) to 3766' (Fremont Saddle) | ||
| type | round trip | ||
| starting at |
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| on trail | 100% — Peralta Trail #102 | ||
| rating | "C" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs allowed | no | ||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
||
| weather | Apache Junction | ||
| meet | 8:00 AM at Home Depot in Mesa on the SE corner of Power and US 60. | ||
| drive | Take US 60 east to the Peralta Road. Turn left onto Peralta and drive 6 miles to the trailhead. Peralta Road is a graded dirt road, suitable for family sedans. |
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| updated August 5, 2016 | © Copyright 2016, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |