Hike | Weavers Needle Loop – Arizona Hikers Guide

• Length:  12.2 miles (round trip)
• Trailhead Elevation:  2,400 ft.
• Gain/Loss:  +1350 ft.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Rating: 6/10
• Solitude: Moderate
• Season: Spring/Fall/Winter
• Dog Friendly: Yes (not recommended)

The Weaver’s Needle Loop hike is a great alternative to the very popular Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle up and back hike.  I prefer taking the counter clockwise route (going up Bluff Springs and Terrapin and then coming down Peralta Trail) but can obviously be completed either way.  I recommend this loop hike to anyone in good physical condition and hikers who can understand basic trail navigation signs.  If you are new to hiking may I suggest the shorter Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle hike. 

The loop hike begins at the Peralta trailhead where you can find a large dirt parking lot and restroom facilities.  From the lot you have three distinct trails to choose from and are clearly marked.  To the left is Peralta trail #102, in the middle is Bluff Springs #235, and to the right is Dutchman’s Trail #104.  When I complete the loop, I typically will start in the morning and go counter clockwise to beat the mid-day sun.  This description is based on my counter clockwise version of the loop.

The trail begins at the northern part of the parking lot.  Take Bluff Springs #235 trail for two miles.  This trail will immediately go uphill and then will become more gradual.  At the two mile mark you will see a sign that says Terrapin Trail #234.  Take this trail which will begin heading almost due north for another three miles.  When you get to a junction turn onto Dutchman’s Trail and start heading west for about 1 mile.  Dutchman’s trail meets up with Peralta trail and will start heading back south.  Take Peralta trail up and over the Fremont Saddle and into Peralta Canyon.  You will stay on this path back to the trailhead which is about 6 miles away.

Directions: Drive east on US Highway 60 (approximately 8.5 miles past Apache Junction) to the Peralta Road 77 turnoff. The Trailhead is about 8 miles north on this road.

This is an enjoyable hike and offers some of the best views of Weaver’s Needle.  I highly recommend this hike for those who are looking for a different hike and a great workout from Peralta trailhead.

• Parking is free
• The parking lot will be packed on weekends so get there early.
• Bring a camera
• Passenger car is ok, high clearance is a better choice but not neccessary.

Let me know in the comments below and I will do my best to do a personal write up about it! Your comments and feedback are appreciated and taken seriously.