Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains

If you don’t know what Weavers Needle is you’ll be well acquainted with it after this hike! It is a tall, isolated rock that has become an iconic formation in the Superstition Mountains due to its uniqueness in appearance. The rock is so large that you can see it from miles and miles away while hiking other trails. Basically, it is one of the most popular formations in the Superstitions you should be aware of. And now you are- yay!

The Weavers Needle Loop Trail does exactly as it sounds- it is a large loop that circles around the rock formation. The trail takes you deep into the Superstitions, giving you a variety of stunning views along the way.

If you’re looking for a moderate all-day hike you may love this one. So let’s begin!

WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP STATS

Distance: 12.5 miles
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 2,561 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Superstition Mountains
Trailhead: Peralta Trailhead
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Local Tip: If you aren’t up for a 12.5 mile hike but still want to check out the famous Weavers Needle, you can hike part of the trail up to Fremont Saddle and then back for a much shorter, yet still scenic hike.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can track the directions here to Peralta Trailhead or follow them below!

From Phoenix, head east on the US-60. Eventually the freeway will turn into a two lane road going each way and turn left on E Peralta Rd. You’ll drive past some neighborhoods and then the road will turn into dirt.

Follow the dirt road and signs for Peralta Trailhead. After a few miles you’ll dead end at the trailhead parking. Peralta Trailhead is at the end of the parking lot!

WHEN TO HIKE WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP

Everyone knows Phoenix gets HOT and you definitely don’t want to be out hiking under the open sun in triple digits. Rule of thumb- November through May are usually the best months for hiking in the Phoenix valley.

The winter months- December, January, and February- are the best months to hike in the Superstition Mountains. Temperatures usually range between 50-70 degrees with mornings being chilly. You’ll want to start early because you’ll have 0 shade and the sun goes down much sooner during the winter, limiting how much daylight you’ll have!

Pro Tip: If you enjoy backpacking this trail has many backpacking sites that will bring you away from the crowds.

I always recommend tracking yourself or following an already made track so you can check in and be sure you’re on the right path. Below is a screenshot of my track from Weavers Needle Loop!

Preparation saves lives. Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app.

You can download my Weavers Needle Loop track and gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind!

HIKING WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP TRAIL

First thing first- which way do you start the loop?

When I began my hike there were two park rangers at the Peralta Trailhead so I asked them which way they suggested hiking the loop. Without hesitation they both said start to the right and go clockwise. I trusted their expertise so I went with that.

After having done so I believe it was the best choice for I felt it may have been easier. If you’d like more of a challenge, maybe counterclockwise is worth a shot!

Hiking clockwise, you’ll climb about half of the elevation in the first two miles to Fremont Saddle. This is where you’ll get your first views of Weavers Needle! From the saddle you’ll follow the trail on the left.

The trail descends and then levels out as you loop around Weavers Needle and through some of the aftermath of the wildfire from summer of 2020. The vegetation has begun to regrow, but there are still many parts that are completely charred, making it easy to lose the trail.

Backpacking sites seemed abundant in this area! I made a mental note to return one day and actually stay the night. I did come across several backpackers heading back to the trailhead that were out of water on this hike. It is very important to take note that there are very rarely any water sources in the Superstition Mountains! Always bring more water than you think you’ll need.

Eventually the Peralta Canyon Trail intersects with the Dutchman Trail #104 where you’ll turn right. Once you come to another fork in the road you’ll want to turn right again at the sign for Terrapin-Trail #234 which is where you’ll loop back towards the Peralta Trailhead.

This is where you’ll begin climbing the remaining elevation of the hike and it can get difficult depending on your fitness level, but it goes by fast! And sooner than you know you’ll be back at the trailhead and have completed 12.5 miles!

Nearby: Check out The Wave Cave, just down the road from the Peralta Trailhead!

Quick Tips

Start clockwise for an easier hike.
Begin early. The trailhead parking fills up fast and it is a long hike!
Water sources are not guaranteed in these mountains. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need!
Download the GAIA GPS App to track yourself and stay on trail. There are several intersections that can become confusing.
Bring sun protection- you’ll be completely exposed to the sun.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON HIKING WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP

I had a blast hiking Weavers Needle Loop. It was long and rewarding yet not too challenging. Every turn brought different rock formations, terrain, and views which made the trail interesting!

Having Weavers Needle in sight 95% of the time was nice because I always knew where I was and the formation brought an odd sense of comfort while hiking deep in the wilderness. There were only a handful of other hikers on a Saturday so it is a great option to get away from the crowds.

All in all, I’ll be back. But next time I’ll be spending the night at one of the many backpacking sites I hiked past!

As always, please be considerate of the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no trace.

Arizona, Dog Friendly, Hike, Moderate, Phoenix Metro, Superstition Mountains