This loop hike up the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle, to the closest overlook to Weaver’s Needle, then to Geronimo Cave and eventually down the Bluff Springs Trail to where one starts, packs a huge bang for the buck. In less than six miles, a hiker here experiences expansive vistas, creek crossings, fantastic rock formations, climbs through narrow rock passages, slides down steep rock faces, a cave and some tricky but fun route finding.

On a clear and still January weekday morning, four Trailblazers and one guest started the steep climb up the Peralta Trail, gaining about 1,400 feet in two miles.

From the saddle, we pressed on to our lunch spot with a spectacular view of Weaver’s Needle. Amazingly for this popular trail, on this day, we had it all to ourselves.

Rested and fortified, we began the Cave Route portion of the hike, which requires some route finding, bouldering and scooching.

En route to Geronimo Cave we passed more impressive and colorful rock formations.

We then continued on, zigzagging through fun rock passages and keeping a lookout for cairns until we eventually reached the descent on the Bluff Springs Trail, which easily led us back to the Peralta parking lot.

Total distance hiked was 5.9 miles with an elevation gain of 1,601 feet.

Many thanks to Bruce, Sharon, Anna and Ray for being such great, interesting and fun hiking companions this wonderful day!