March 23, 2023

By Tim Briese

5.8 miles, 1600’ elevation gain, 4:50 roundtrip time

The Peralta Trail is a very popular and scenic trail in the Superstition Mountains northeast of the Phoenix metro area. It climbs up a rocky canyon to the Fremont Saddle, which affords a spectacular view of the impressive Weavers Needle. Teresa and I hiked this trail back in 2009 and knew it was a good one. We were eager to see it again this year because prolific winter rains had made the desert exceptionally green and flowery.

We drove the dirt Peralta Road from US 60 to the trailhead on this beautiful March day, stopping to take photos of the lush green desert along the way.

a view of the desert along the Peralta Road

a field of poppies with the superstition mountains beyond

As expected the trailhead was packed with several dozen vehicles but we managed to find an available spot a short distance back down the road. Late in the morning we headed up the trail.

on the early part of the peralta trail

We hiked through lush desert flora with impressive rock formations and canyon walls all the way. Puffy white clouds in the deep blue sky were perfect to enhance our photos.

a stream we crossed along the way

Numerous other hikers were coming and going on the trail. The trail seemed much rougher and rockier than we remembered it from before but I must admit we were younger then. The trail climbed steadily about 1400 feet up to the Fremont Saddle where we were treated to a marvelous view of the Weavers Needle.

weavers needle from fremont saddle.  the single tree at the far right is called lone tree.

We continued on a more faint side trail northeast almost a half mile out to a point called Lone Tree for an even more commanding view of the Needle. The point is named for a solitary pine tree that frames a view of the Needle.

weavers needle from lone tree

After enjoying a late lunch there we headed back down the trail and returned to the trailhead.

on our way back down the trail on this beautiful afternoon

a view back up toward fremont saddle

After the hike we found a spectacular spot nearby to set up our chairs and rest while enjoying a beautiful view of the cliffs above.

After resting a while we drove a few miles back to Gold Canyon for the night.