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Weavers Needle Summit - Tonto National Forest
| Summary: |
A hike/climb to the summit of
the most prominent landmark in the
Superstitions. To do this hike you will need:
helmet, harness, webbing, carabiners, rap rings,
and a 200' rope (or a 100' rope and a 100' pull
cord). You should also have someone in your
party that is an experienced climber (at least
one report puts the climb at a 5.6, though I
suspect it is less). You can also do this climb
by coming in from the east along the Terrapin
Trail. Supposedly this route is easier, but I
have not done this hike. |
| Directions: |
From Phoenix, drive east
on the Superstition Freeway (U.S. 60) past Apache Junction. About
4.5mi beyond the end of the freeway at milepost
204, turn left following the signs for the
Peralta Trailhead. The road is initially paved
as it heads through a housing development, then
becomes well graded dirt. At the
signed fork 5.4 miles from the highway, bear left following the sign, and continue another 2 miles to the parking area at the road's
end (complete
with an automated fee station & restroom facilities). |
| Road Conditions: |
Passenger Car |
| Navigation: |
Easy - as long as you spot
the trail to the base of Weavers |
| Length: |
~6.5
miles |
| Date Hiked: |
May 2003 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Warm
and sunny |
|
Required Skills: |
 |
| Hike Description: |
From the Peralta Trailhead,
pick up the Peralta Trail which starts just
behind the brown information sign.
For the first 1.5
miles or so, the trail follows Peralta Creek,
crossing it a few times along the way. The trail
then ascends the bank on the left and begins
climbing more steeply with a few switchbacks at
the end to Fremont Saddle, which has nice
hoodoos on your left and a great view
overlooking Weavers Needle (2.3 miles).
Continue following the trail down
the hill on the other side of the saddle. You
are looking for a prominent use trail which
leads to the base of Weavers and the start of
your climb. This trail begins just south of the
notch that separates the smaller southern spire
of Weavers from the larger northern one. This
same spot is just north of where the hoodoos on
the ridge to the right cease. There will likely
also be cairns marking this right branching
junction. When you find this trail, turn right
and cross the wash you have been following,
passing through a bit of brush. Then continue
following the well cairned trail as it ascends
the boulder and scree slope to the base of the
Needle. Just before reaching the base, the trail
winds left around a prominent outcrop, then
climbs right towards the notch between the two
spires. This is your route. Begin climbing the
steeply sloped rock towards the notch. Once in
the cleft, begin climbing straight up towards
the big choke stone at the top. Good hand and
foot holds abound (as well as a few old pipes
anchored in the rock), however, it would be
prudent for the first climber to place
protection and belay others in the group. Once
at the choke stone, you can go under it, or
around on either side. Under is easiest, so
that's the route I took. The hardest part is
over and once on top of the choke stone, you'll
have great views to either side of the needle.
Your next climb is a vertical 12' pitch, also
with great holds. Following that climb, a bit of
scrambling will bring you to a ledge and the
last actual climb, which offers no more
difficulty than the other two. A short walk will
bring you to the summit and stunning 360 views.
Sign the register and when ready head down to
the 3rd climb. Just to the left of where you
came up are two bolts linked by a chain. Use
this as an anchor to rappel 60' to the ledge you
were on earlier. Follow the trail down to the
12' pitch & down climb or do a short rap off a
rock on the left. There are two bolts on the
choke stone that can be used as anchors for your
final rappel down the cleft. Scramble down the
rest of the rock, then down the scree slope
(watch your footing, the rocks are loose), then
back to the Peralta Trail which you can follow
to your car. |
| Rating (1-5 stars): |
The author completed this hike solo, at a
quick pace, in 5 hours (note: larger groups will
take longer, perhaps much longer). |
| Maps: |
Beartooth Maps - Superstition Wilderness Topographic Map |
| Photos: |
Click picture for larger view, click your browser's 'Back' button to return to this page. |
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