Peralta Trail - Superstitions

A Peralta Canyon Trail hike into the Superstition Wilderness in the Tonto National Forest

Early March is usually wildflower season in the desert, and another great excuse to visit the Superstition Wilderness in Tonto National Forest.  The Superstition Mountains rise in the far east end of the Phoenix metropolitan area, bordering the Salt River to the south as it makes it descent into the flatter Valley.  Winter rains have not only contributed to an abundance of flowers, but they've greened the normally dry desert plants and trees in and around the Wilderness.

The Peralta Canyon Trail (#102) rises high into the mountains, rewarding the climber with panoramic views of Weaver's Needle at Fremont Saddle.  The hike to the saddle is about 5 miles round trip, and is moderately difficult if you keep a fast pace.  With enough patience, food and water, a beginning hiker would enjoy the outing immensely. The landscape is dramatic, with weathered granite rock formations and lush Sonoran desert flora.  A stream flows through the canyon, creating many pools, waterfalls and woodland oases.

This hike reminded me that hiking to enjoy birding sometimes prevents me from enjoying the actual hike. While there were plenty of birds, the landscape was so beautiful and dramatic I replaced my zoom lens with my macro lens to instead focus on the stunning views. Nonetheless, I still noticed a lot of phainopeplas, flickers, house finches, black-throated sparrows, kinglets and even scrub jays higher in the mountains.

The Superstition Mountains and lush desert in morning light.

Closer to the range, the morning light shadows the composite of cliffs and canyons.

The eight mile drive through the forest to the trailhead offers spectacular views of saguaro groves.

More saguaro cacti.

The trail is a steady ascent, with rock faces on all sides.

The trail cuts through this panorama at its lowest point, crisscrossing a stream on its ascent through some woodlands.

Morning light and pool reflection in the canyon.

Along with other wildflowers, Mexican gold poppies were abundant on the upper half of the trail.

Almost to the saddle, looking down the trail. 

Destination reached with view of Weaver's Needle from the Saddle, a couple miles away as the crow flies, several miles more if you hike there. I did notice some ravens flying in the area, along with scrub jays.

Panoramic view from the Saddle. Note the lone pine tree on the ridge to the right. 

Another hiker resting and enjoying the view.

Indian paint brush flowers were mostly at the higher elevations like Fremont Saddle.

The descent gives you a chance to meet some afternoon hikers and enjoy new perspectives.

A wider view of the previous photo's landscape.

The wilderness seems to have no limits in this view.

Faster hikers ahead on the descent.

Another perspective of the previous photo's landscape.

A flowing stream crisscrosses the lower half of the trail. 

A bird shot for the birder.  Before putting down the zoom lens to enjoy the scenery, I got this shot of a black-throated sparrow.  He's relatively common in the desert, with markings that would inspire tribal face paint. Go Sparrows!