Hike | Bluff Springs Loop – Arizona Hikers Guide
Bluff Springs Loop is a nice little loop hike in the popular Superstition Mountain range. This hike connects with three trails and begins at the Peralta Trailhead. This hike features views of hoodoos, the eye of Miner’s Needle, and a nice spring either towards the beginning or end of your hike depending on which way you travel.
Length: 9.4 miles (full loop)
Elevation: 2400
Difficulty: 2.5
Rating: 2.5
Solitude: 1.5 (saw around 26 hikers on a Saturday)
Trail Description:
This hike begins at the popular Peralta Trail. If you plan on doing the hike “forwards” you will begin on the Bluff Springs Trail #235 and continue clockwise on the loop. If you decide to go “backwards” begin with the Dutchman Trail #104 and continue counter-clockwise. I will continue this description with the counter-clockwise version (which I prefer). As I just mentioned, you will take Dutchman Trail #104 toward the east. This trail will take you on a short incline before a gradual descent into Barkley Basin which is a beautiful valley with thousands of Saguaro cacti and beautiful views of surrounding mountains. You will head almost due east until you see a sign prompting you to either go to coffee trail or towards the Miners Needle which is on your left. You will begin a stint of switchbacks which will now point you towards the north west. At this point, look up at Miner’s and take in the view of the “eye”. It’s not magnificent but still a pretty cool rock feature.
At around 4 or 4.5 miles you will come to a junction with Whiskey Springs Trail but continue on the #104. You will summit and descend into another valley and onto the #235 Bluff Springs Trail. At this point, there are various options to finish the hike. This description takes you through Bluff Springs and back down to the starting point and parking lot. Other choices include taking Terrapin Trail #234 which also leads to the parking lot, scramble to the west for really cool views of Weaver’s Needle, or connect to Peralta trail to make an even bigger loop.
The next 4 miles or so are beautiful. You will pass through the creek bed 2 or 3 times and hopefully there will be some nice pools to view. Making the descent back to the parking lot on #235 makes for some awesome views of the canyon, hoodoos, and water. Take your time finishing because there is loose rock and is quite steep in places.
My Thoughts:
If you are looking for a quick getaway from the Valley and don’t mind seeing fellow hikers on the trail this is a great little hike. I really like Barkley Basin as well as finding water in the desert. Those are the highlights of the loop to me. The only real con I have about this trip is that it becomes very crowded on weekends. I recommend going on a week day if you can, wear long pants, and plan for around a 4-6 hour hike. Take in the views and bring plenty of water. The best time to do this hike is in the fall, winter, and early spring months. If you go in the summer, start before the sun comes up.