Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Peralta Trails

    4.9 (31 reviews)

    Peralta Trails Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Peralta Trails

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Vladmir T.

    Great Reprieve From The City! After a rain this is one excellent place to get out of the city and TAKE A HIKE! The rain brings out the green and the happy scents in this area with more green already in place than most desert areas. You wind your way through valleys and up and down mountains until you reach whatever destination you are heading for that particular day in an array of wildlife and peace and quiet. This last trip we hiked to Fremont Needle which is the monolithic rock that looks like a thumb to me... There are several caves in this area and some mines to explore also if you are so inclined! Weekdays are my favorite hiking days since there are not so many people on the trails. Don't forget lots of water since there isn't much to be found if you run out. All in all a great spot! Now... GO TAKE A HIKE!

    View from the top
    Kaitlyn W.

    Maybe it's because I'm new to AZ and this was my first hike in the "desert" but I was blown away by the views here. We took Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle and would ranks this as moderate. While not a difficult or dangerous hike, you will get some cardio in as you go up and a few spots require climbing around some boulders, nothing crazy though. There was a wide range of skill and fitness level on the trail. We went out early afternoon on a weekend and it was not too crowded. We took 2 dogs and they loved it and made tons of friends. Be sure to use the restroom before you go and bring lots of water! There is nothing at the trail head. Also, it is a gravel road leading out to the trail, most cards should not have an issue making it out there but good to be aware of. Enjoy the hike and the views!

    Pictures don't do it justice! Must experience this in person!
    Doreen N.

    We were looking to do a nice scenic hike on a Sunday. We heard that Peralta Trails had jaw dropping phenomenal scenic views within the Superstition mountains. To get to the head of the trail, there was about 8 miles of unpaved semi-rocky roads. I drove a sedan, but wished I had taken my SUV instead. Nevertheless we did make it. We read that the trail was considered moderate and about 5 miles roundtrip. The terrain started off pretty easy and then gradually became rock steps in certain areas. There was a plethora of great photo-ops along the trail. We unfortunately got caught in the rain and we were in the middle of a torrential downpour getting super soaked not even half-way to our summit. The rainwater made the hike more treacherous and what used to be pathways became mini rivers and waterfalls. We didn't want to give up because we had come so far already. The rain did let up for 20 minutes where we scooted quickly and found a cave as a shelter. That was when the hardest rain came pouring down, but we were safe. It certainly felt like an episode of Naked and Afraid, desert edition and clothed. We were shivering in the cave when a passerby saw us and told us that we were only 5 minutes from the peak. At this point, we had been hiking for about 2 hours. We persevered and made it to Weaver's needle where we had the most astounding view. Suddenly the rain stopped completely. The trek to the peak was definitely not an easy feat, but the view was well worth it. Going down was a lot easier and we made it down in just a little over an hour. The cave saved the day for us and I would love to come back on a sunnier day! :)

    Snow at the top of Peralta...view of Weavers Needle in the background.
    Seth W.

    This trail is a very popular with what my buddy calls "Lululemon hikers"...college girls in their yoga pants out on day hikes...which is cool with me. However on this day there was over 16" of snow at the top of Peralta Trail and the trail was either frozen hardback snow/ice (causing tons of people to slip/slide and fall) or the lower part of the trail was literally flowing water....both situations are quite rare in the Arizona dessert. The views are great, its a beautiful trail...simple 6 miles round trip to the saddle (shown in the photo.) to view Weavers Needle.

    View of Weaver's Needle from the top
    Kayla E.

    This is one of my favorite hikes in the Phoenix valley. Pretty easy to find. Just take US 60E past Gold Canyon to Peralta Road and follow it all the way to the last parking lot at the end of the road. There is about 7 miles of washboard gravel road which can definitely be done with a car, but just be careful in a few spots so you don't bottom out. The hike is about 5 miles round trip if you just go the the saddle with the great view of Weaver's Needle. It took me about 2.5 hours with a few breaks. Not too difficult with the first part of the hike having some shaded areas which is nice when it's hot out. You get great views of the superstition mountains all around, and if you go after a recent rain, there will be water flowing in the stream that you cross a few times (there are rocks to cross on so your feet don't get wet)

    Weaver's Needle from the top of the trail
    Carly S.

    This was a beautiful hike! Different than lots of other around the valley. Lots of plants and bushes at the bottom so the scenery is a nice change from just dirt and rocks. The drive was about 1 hour from South Scottsdale. Very easy to get to - take the 60 all the way to Peralta Road, turn left onto Peralta and it takes you directly to parking areas. ***Peralta Road turns into a dirt washboard road that you drive along for about 8 miles! It took us about 3 hours total. We did spend a decent amount of the time at the top climbing though! There is a bathroom at the beginning of the trailhead but no running water.

    Allyson J.

    Wow wow wow. There a few trails here, the one we took is a bit less traveled. You have to pass through a small barbed wire walkway in the wilderness line fence, but then you start ascending the mountain and end up at the most beautiful cave - "The Wave Cave". On a beautiful spring weekend, there were still only about u other people we saw during our hike. And once we made it to the cave we had it all to ourselves! It was amazing. Great hike, even greater views. Just lookout for snakes and grazing steer!

    Darry W.

    Peralta Trail starts at the Trailhead off Peralta Road. Beware the asphalt ends after about a mile turning off of the US 60. It's somewhat maintained but will rattle your teeth for the next 7-8 miles. There are 2 trailheads before you reach Peralta Trailhead. Carney and Lost Goldmine TH. If you aren't sure where you are, keep driving as Peralta TH is as far as you can drive. Once you reach Trailhead you have option to use 2 gender neutral bathrooms. They aren't always pretty but serves its purpose. From the start you have 3 different options of Trails you can take. Peralta Trail, Bluff Spring Trail and Dutchmans Trail. So please read info board and get your bearings. The Peralta Trail as you face Trailhead from parking lot will be your farthest left option. Peralta Trail like all the trails in Superstition is great. It is somewhat crowded depending on time of day and year. It's dog friendly but please bring a leash. I go early to let dogs go unleashed and not bother other hikers. Once suns up, you will pass others so please be mindful of that. Some dogs are friendly, some not so much. Some people are dog friendly, some not so much. As with hiking on any trail bring water. There is not water fountains which our last time out some other "hikers" were mad about. (This blows my mind. Hiking in Arizona and people want water fountains). This trail heads north, northwest and about 6 miles you reach Upper Black Top Mesa Pass. You can continue on which will be for a different trail review, turnaround and go back same path or do a loop and head back to Trailhead via Bluff Spring Trail. If you choose to do the loop, take Dutchmans Trail to the east until you reach Terrapin Trail and go south. Take Terrapin Trail until Bluff Spring Trail. Bluff Spring will take you back to Peralta Trailhead. If you do your research you will see things most people never do. But please be respectful of the things you see or find and leave things as you find them. 1. Don't ever underestimate the desert. Plan your trip, tell someone where you are going and look at weather report. 2. Water, water, water. It seems like I'm always having to give someone water as I come across some poor souls who had no business hiking. 3. Hat, sunscreen, proper shoes/boots. 4. Be realistic of your physical limits. 5. Pack out what you pack in. It drives me nuts why people throw their bottles and wrappers on ground. Yes, I'm one of those people who pick your crap up. Honestly I love the Superstition Wilderness area and at this point have hiked the majority of trails in the region. People should read up on the history of these mountains and you will be intrigued with the history from the original inhabitants, early settlers and of course the gold folklore. Put your smart phones down and read up on. Put down your video game controllers and grab your backpack and go be adventurous. Peralta Trail is just one Trail of so many in this region that offers magnificent views, natural wonders, caves and some other surprising things if you are the Indiana Jones type. That you will have to find out for yourself as I also keep my secret findings to myself. I have learned to be able to preserve something unique, don't publicize it.

    Susan K.

    Wonderful hike for out of town guests. Not a regular hike for me due to distance but a friend asked me to sweep for out of town guests. Due to the rain the landscape was green and lush. It is best to use a vehicle that you don't care about because the trail starts five miles down a dirt road. The Rocky trail is worth the beautiful desert vistas. Elevation is 1500 so it is a good idea to be somewhat on shape.

    Part of the views along this great trail in Gold Canyon.
    Jennifer S.

    Great hike that's not as intense as superstition mountain. The views are amazing and make it up to Weaver's needle.

    Awesome view of Weaver's Needle
    Gene T.

    7 Miles down a washboard gravel road just outside of Gold Canyon AZ, lies a trailhead known as the Peralta Trail. People come here in droves to hike this trail This hike has it all. There are steep challenging parts and mostly flat, catch your breath parts. About a 5 mile round trip, this hike is filled with beautiful desert landscape and rugged mountain views. The climax is at the top, well known as "The Saddle". Here you get a prime view of Weaver's Needle. Legend has it, The Lost Dutchman mine is within eye shot of this peak. Any way the view alone is worth the trek. We hike it several times a year. Here are some tips. We have hiked this trail early in the morning. The pro is that it's cool when you start out. The con is that you are in the sun the whole hike, and by the end it gets pretty toasty on a late spring day. We have hiked it late in the afternoon. That time of day is the hottest part of the day. You spend the first half of the hike on a steep incline in the sun. The benefit of doing this is that the second half of the hike is nearly all shaded as the south ridge blocks the afternoon sun. Even sweeter is on the return trip, It's down hill and the whole trail is shaded by the late in the afternoon. This is a popular hike, so you will have to share the trail with many other hikers. This is one of my favorite hikes. There will be as many return trips as this old body can do.

    Ashley P.

    This is a great trail. It's a nice hike but doable for dogs that are learning to hike (like mine)! Honestly this is probably my favorite hike I've done in the Superstitions. Perfect distance with a great reward view of weavers needle. We even saw a spot where you can camp at the top. Pack a lunch and head here with your four-legged friend!!!!

    Weavers needle under lone pine

    Love peralta! Ventured to Lone Pine recently and the view of weavers needle was even more impressive than at Freemont Saddle! Love hiking this area...love the Supes!

    View from the saddle

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 2
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric B.
    892
    544
    1033

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vladmir T.
    1771
    1656
    5085

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kaitlyn W.
    420
    31
    44

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Did anyone lose a car key on the trail this week? If so, please call Paul on 602-885-1611.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gene T.
    4996
    957
    729

    10 years ago

    Helpful 28
    Thanks 0
    Love this 19
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ashley P.
    309
    184
    92

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joanna S.
    87
    71
    51

    12 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gwen W.
    41
    47
    4

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John C.
    379
    1173
    9360

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Awesome trails, good camping spots. Good 4x4 trails, only down side is 700 new home expansion is to take place in the state trust land.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Peralta Trails

    Review Highlights - Peralta Trails

    The hike is about 5 miles round trip if you just go the the saddle with the great view of Weaver's Needle.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 490 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Pass Mountain Loop Trail - Pass Mountain

    Pass Mountain Loop Trail

    4.6(9 reviews)
    13.3 mi

    I came here on a Saturday morning to run, and I arrived at the parking lot at 10:15AM. Note that…read moresince this is inside Usery Mountain Regional Park, there's a $7 per motor vehicle. The parking lot was entirely full and street parking was pretty full too, but luckily I snagged a spot right at the trailhead as a car left. I went clockwise on the trail, and the map at the beginning says this trail is 7.5 miles (but actually if I add up the mileage on the map, it's 7.6 miles). The views before going down were good but once I went to the back of the mountain, the views weren't very good. Completely unshaded, most people are going counterclockwise so I ran into a lot of hikers, a few bikes, and even a horseback rider and his horse. Some parts of the path are a bit rockier than the others, but all manageable for running.

    I spend much of my time on this trail running, especially if I want something that provides a lot…read moreof varied terrain and isn't too crowded. Wind Cave is an awesome workout, but it is typically a lot more crowded. A good portion of the trail is runnable, which is nice. For a moderate running pace, two hours should be fine. In talking to people on the trail, it seems that hikers typically plan 3.5-4 hours to do the whole thing. Maybe longer if you stop at the saddle to have a snack and enjoy the views for a bit. Speaking of that, there are several places to stop and enjoy the views, especially on the backside of the mountain, and it is really beautiful when the desert blooms. I was out here a few years ago when we got snow on January 1, and that was pretty cool to see. These days, I mostly see hikers, although there are some adventurous mountain bikers -- there is an interesting climb (or descent, depending on your chosen direction) just before/after the saddle. I've seen people carrying their bikes on that one. I think tackling this trail clockwise on a bike might be best, although I typically run it counterclockwise to get the rougher parts of the trail out of the way first. The trail is pretty rocky in spots between Blevins and the saddle. It is good to note that you can jump on this trail either from the Wind Cave or Blevins (Trailhead Staging Area) parking areas, but the marked trailhead is at the Blevins parking lot. There is nowhere to get water, except at the Wind Cave trailhead, which, depending on where you park, could be your start/end point. It is best to bring all that you'll need, especially in the summer. This is a loop trail, but there are really no shortcuts out of the trail, so you either plan to do the whole thing or pick a spot to turn around when you're halfway done with hiking. (The trail does connect to the Cat Peaks trail about a mile from the Blevins trailhead, and forks off to connect with the Arizona Trail, but once you're really into the trail, there are much fewer options.) As for shade, the only real shade is provided during certain parts of the year and times of day at the saddle. There are some trees and, if you can crouch in the shadow of some rock formations, you can find a little. Beyond that, it is pretty sparse. I suggest starting early in the morning. Keep an eye out for wildlife. I have scared several deer and jackrabbits in addition to the usual lizards, squirrels and occasional rattlesnake. There is a $6 fee to enter the park by car ($2 if you bike, walk, or run in) and the Maricopa County Parks pass is good here.

    Photos
    Pass Mountain Loop Trail - Life

    Life

    Pass Mountain Loop Trail - So pretty

    So pretty

    Pass Mountain Loop Trail - Huge saguaro

    See all

    Huge saguaro

    Peralta Trails - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...