You are gravely missing out if you’ve never been into the Superstitions. The rock formations, wildlife, and scenery are some of the best in the Phoenix metro area. The Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle hike is one of the best in the region.

Below we’ll dive into how to complete this gorgeous hike on the Peralta Trail, into the Superstition Wilderness, to Fremont Saddle with a view of Weavers Needle.

A Guide to the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle

Commonly asked questions about hiking the Peralta Trail

Where is Fremont Saddle?

Thankfully, it is only 90 minutes from the Scottsdale area. While not a big deal, the last 10-12 miles are on a dirt road, though it is well taken care of; my Prius had no trouble making it through.

To get to the trailhead, take US-60 until it “ends” and keep going. Next, you’ll turn left onto Peralta Road, which you will take until the road turns to dirt and finally ends. Once you can drive no further, you’re at the parking lot.

How hard is the Peraltra Trail?

I think the Peralta Trail is an easy to moderate hike. At less than five miles round trip to the saddle, it’s a good workout but nothing strenuous. The trail gains 1,300 feet, which comes out to about 540 feet per mile.

When should I plan to hike to Fremont Saddle?

Anytime between October and May will give you the best weather for your hike. Outside these months, you risk warmer temperatures that can lead to dangerous situations. Now, if you hike early in the morning with cooler temperatures, you can do this into May or June.

How long of a hike is the Peralta Trail?

The hike should take you about 70 minutes to reach the saddle. In all, you should budget three hours on this hike to enjoy the views.

The Hike to Fremont Saddle in the Superstition Mountains

To Fremont Saddle and the Weavers Needle Overlook is about a 2.5-mile hike up, and you gain 1,400 feet of elevation through primary switchbacks. The trail is well taken care of, but keep an eye out because a few times, the trail disappears, and you start walking on rock slabs.

Hiking the trail to Fremont Saddle

This hike was fantastic. I put in my headphones, got the jams rolling, and started away. There weren’t too many people on the trail (credit to it being Super Bowl Sunday), which was what I was expecting. (Remember that whole not wanting to be around people thing?)

The first eighth of a mile is flat, giving you a nice warm-up, but after that, it’s UP! UP! UP!

You’ll be tempted to take photos every chance you get but don’t worry; the views continue to improve with each step.

Once you reach Fremont Saddle, Weaver’s Needle can’t be missed. I’m unsure how to describe this rock formation, so I’ll leave it up to you. Regardless, it’s beautiful, unique, and very picturesque.

Reaching the Fremont Saddle and Weavers Needle

With this hike only 2.5 miles and finishing it in 47 minutes plus/minus, I needed more. So, the explorer’s blood in me took over, and I started wondering, trying to find a route to the lone tree you see to my right in the second to the above photo.

I wasn’t sure if there was a trail, but I had to check it out. Luckily, there was a trail, and you better believe I went to the end of it!

Hiking to the Lone Tree

When I came to the end of the Peralta Trail, I found something I wasn’t expecting.

A perfectly placed backpacking camping spot with a firepit already built in. I’m still investigating whether or not you need a permit to stay here overnight, but either way, it’d be pretty cool to wake up at Weaver’s Needle at sunrise.

This was precisely what I needed. I was now off the saddle and away from every other hiker on this trail: just me, the needle, the trees, and a cloudless day.

With everything going on, from national politics to relationships, work, and everything else, I needed time to clear my head.

Mother Nature is the ultimate therapist.

Peace is something we probably all don’t get enough of. We’re surrounded by people and technology all the time, and in the end, it’ll drive us crazy.

So, my one asks of you this Monday is to find some peace for a little bit. Recenter yourself. Focus on who or what matters to you. The person or people who make you smile and light up your world. The activity that brings you joy. The book that sparks your imagination.

You’ll feel better. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

Now that I had peace, it was time for some football. So I scampered down the hike and drove away, ready to take on the world and watch the Eagles beat the Patriots.

Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.

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