Weavers Needle Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

This hike features great desert scenery in the historic Superstition Wilderness. Hikers will circumnavigate Weaver Needle on this 13-mile loop. The loop offers amazing views of Weaver Needle. In spring, the trail has an abundance of wildflowers blooming; this is probably the best time of year to hike this loop.

Bring more water than you think you need and start early!

This is a difficult hike! Plan on a lot of time and an early start. I did this hike in a clockwise direction which really doesn't matter much, but I recommend this direction to get the steepest part of the hike done first. Most people just do an out-and-back hike to Freemont Saddle to view Weavers Needle. This is the first section and very steep. If you are doing the loop, plan on a 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. start. Much of this first section will be in the shade at this time.

From the Freemont Saddle, the trail descends to the left. I enjoyed this section as you have great views of Weavers Needle the entire way. The trail is also relatively easy to follow at this point. To continue the loop, the Peralta Canyon Trail will meet the Dutchman Trail #104. Take the Dutchman Trail to the right for one mile. This has a difficult, rocky uphill section.

After one mile on the Dutchman Trail, you'll reach a post with a sign directing you to the Terrapin Trail #234. The Terrapin Trail is a tedious section of the Weaver's Needle Loop that can feel like it drags on forever. Additionally, there is a portion of the trail where Weavers Needle isn't visible, and since the Terrapin Trail never heads in the direction of the needle, you'll want to have a good trail map to navigate the area.

Along the trail, there are several side trails that branch to the right. Taking these will lead to views of Weavers Needle. There is one side trail that is a bit deceiving as it looks like you are continuing on the Terrapin Trail. If you climb a steep saddle to a view of Weavers Needle, you likely ended up on this side trail by accident and will want to retrace your steps to pick up Terrapin Trail again. You can use the Hiking Project mobile app to make sure you stay on the right trail.

Eventually, you'll come to the Bluff Springs Trail #235 junction. From here, you are on the trail back to the trailhead, but this section is longer than you think. Much longer. Every time you crest a hill, you'll think you'll see the parking area, but you'll still have another hill to go. This was a bit defeating, but keep hiking and you'll eventually end up back at the trailhead parking lot.