Fremont Saddle/Weaver's Needle (via Peralta Trail)

Hi all!

Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle/Weaver's Needle is one of my favorite hikes. The trail to the "needle" you see pictured is a gradual incline with unique vegetation, rock formations, and amazing views. I like to describe it as a cross between desert and forest. It is rated the #1 trail in the Tonto National Forest by alltrails.com. It is considered moderate: about 5 miles round trip with approximately 1400 feet of elevation gain. Don't be intimidated by the elevation gain--it is not a race, and the views are well worth the effort to get up there.

Expect the hike to take 3.5-4 hours. We will take breaks as needed. Note hiking time can vary depending on the group and the time we spend taking in the beautiful views at the top of the trail.

The trail is located just off the US-60 a bit east of Apache Junction (in Gold Canyon, AZ). We will meet at the Peralta Trailhead at 8:00 am. The road to get to the trail turns into dirt at one point but low clearance and/or 2WD vehicles can easily use it. We can set up a carpool location if need be. Directions: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Peralta+Trailhead/@33.3973498,-111.3500979,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x872bcc24f0891055:0x1ac79406d4ed986!8m2!3d33.3973498!4d-111.3479092

IMPORTANT ITEMS TO BRING: PLEASE bring at LEAST 3-4 liters of WATER per person. It is recommended that adults bring 1 liter of water for every hour of hiking. Hydration packs (Camelbaks, for example) are recommended. Also bring a healthy snack to replenish your electrolytes, such as salted nuts, jerky, wheat tortillas and peanut butter, boiled eggs, dried fruit, etc. Salt is important to replenish your electrolytes as you sweat while hiking. The final important item you should bring is SUNSCREEN. The trail is shaded in some areas but exposed to the sun in others.
OTHER ITEMS TO BRING: trekking poles, hat to protect yourself from the sun

MORE DETAILED TRAIL INFORMATION:
Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/peralta-trail-to-fremont-saddle
Hikearizona: https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=88

Please let me know if you have any questions about the hike!