Bluff Springs-Dutchman Loop

This is a beautiful hike. It's one of my favorites. You'll love it if you are a regular hiker that hikes for the joy of being in nature and meeting new people. It is NOT a good hike for beginners or hikers that have a need for speed.
Difficulty: intermediate length and lots of elevation climbs make it a challenging but doable hike for experienced average hikers
Length: 9.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft approx.
Trail Description: It is long hike with multiple demanding elevation gains and descents. I hike at a steady but "slower" pace, (speed is so subjective, so think... averaging around 2 mph on challenging terrain, not sidewalks, slower on steep inclines, faster on the rolling sections).
We'll start at the Peralta Trailhead but follow the path towards Bluff Springs. It goes up a very steep incline and down the other side possibly seeing a bit of water as we walk through Bluff Springs Canyon Creek area. There is a variety of level-ish, rolling, and small inclines as we get deeper into this gorgeous area with some minor route -finding. We'll turn right on to the Dutchman Trail and follow it up and around MIners Summit. We can take a snack break at the summit. Then we will descend into an area with lots of interesting views before starting our final climb up and over the ridge and back to the Peralta trailhead.

Come Prepared: wear your hiking attire, make sure your hiking shoes/boots are in good shape, a minimum of 3 liters of water, the hike downloaded on your phone, snacks, your own first aid kit (bandages, tweezers/comb to remove cactus needles, duct tape for equipment & minor body repairs), knowledge about the trail- download the trail on your favorite app: Alltrails, Gaia, ?
DOGS: Please leave the furry friends at home.
Release of Liability:
*The organizer of this event is a volunteer and not a professional guide. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. Each person who signs up for and participates in this hike/event is responsible for his or her own safety.
* By signing up for and participating in this hiking event you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with this activity and freely accept all such risks.