Guide to Peralta Trail #102 in the Superstition Mountains
The Peralta Trail is one of the most scenic and accessible trails in the Superstition Mountains. It offers a great day hike that can usually be completed in a single morning or afternoon stretch.
And while the road leading to the trailhead may not be paved, it's still smooth enough for pretty much any vehicle.
However, getting there is still a little confusing for some. Here, we'll offer a quick guide to finding the Peralta Trail and what you can expect once you get there.
Peralta Trail Quick Facts:
- Length: 6.2 miles
- Cumulative elevation gain: 1463 ft.
- Type: In and out
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee/Permit: No
- Restrooms: Yes, primitive
- Paved parking: No
- GPS Coordinates: N 33˚23.859', W 111˚20.874'
Peralta Trail, or Peralta Canyon Trail?
There has been confusion about the trail's actual name. Google Maps labels it the "Peralta Trail." AllTrails calls it "Peralta Canyon Trail." So which is right?
The US Forest Service officially labels it as Peralta Trail #102. The actual trail sign also confirms its name as "Peralta Trail 102."
Directions to Peralta Trail in the Superstition Mountains
You'll need to park at the Peralta Trailhead to reach the Peralta Trail. To get to the trailhead, just take US 60 east of Phoenix into Gold Canyon, AZ. Once you're there, look for "Peralta Road" on the left. The gravel road ends at Peralta Trailhead.
Then, head to the northeast corner of the trailhead, start walking down the trail, then take a left almost immediately to begin the Peralta Trail (there is a sign).
Google Maps will take you straight to the trailhead if you enter it correctly. However, some hikers confuse it with Peralta Regional Park. They'll often begin typing "Peralta" into the search bar, then click the first suggestion that pops up. Unfortunately, that suggestion isn't always correct.
The regional park requires a day-use fee. That has confused many hikers (and even Google's AI overview) into thinking that a fee is required to park at the Peralta Trailhead. To be clear, the trailhead is completely free.
It's also worth mentioning that the Peralta Trail does not go through Peralta Regional Park.
For more details, read our guide to Peralta Trailhead parking.
How Long is Peralta Trail?
Peralta Trail is 6.2 total miles, beginning at the Peralta Trailhead and ending at the Dutchman's Trail #104.
However, few hikers actually trek the entire trail. Most turn around at Fremont Saddle after catching an epic view of Weaver's Needle. Here's a quick look at the hiking distance of the Peralta Trail's most iconic landmarks from the Peralta Trailhead:
- Fremont Saddle: 4.5 miles roundtrip
- Lone Tree: 5.5 miles roundtrip
- Robber's Roost: 6 miles roundtrip
- Palomino Mountain: 13 miles
Remember, some of these hikes (such as Lone Tree) require connecting with other trails.
Water, Gear, and Safety
Experienced hikers will need around 2L of water for this trail (and maybe an extra bottle to be safe). Bring more if you're not accustomed to 5+ mile hikes with elevation gain.
It could also be worth bringing a lightweight water filter. The depth of water sources can vary (if there even are any), so we recommend the easy-to-use Sawyer filter.
Footwear
Like every trail in the Supes, Peralta is covered with loose rocks. You'll need solid ankle support to prevent injury. We recommend mid-cut hiking boots for this trail. You'll get the ankle support needed without the cumbersome design of high-cut boots.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen is essential in the desert (hence why we offer it with each guided hike). We recommend a minimum of SPF 30 that's free of parabens and enriched with vitamins. Yes, the Peralta Trail offers some shaded areas for brakes, but most of it receives constant sun exposure throughout the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The Peralta Trail is a straightforward hike overall, but it's still easy to make a few mistakes that could have big consequences.
Relying on Natural Water Sources
This is a popular hike to catch small streams and ponds. However, water is never guaranteed - even if it did rain recently. Always pack enough of your own water and remember to turn around before it's depleted to its halfway point.
Hiking Off-Trail
The Peralta Trail is usually pretty easy to follow, but there are a few spots where it's easy to accidentally go off-trail. This is especially true if you're hiking during sunrise or sunset.
We recommend downloading the All-Trails app, then downloading a local map within the app. This will help you stay on track when the trail becomes tricky.
Missing the Side Trail to Lone Tree
Lone Tree is one of the most popular landmarks in the area, but it isn't actually on Peralta Trail. You'll need to connect with Cave Trail #233. Unfortunately, it's not marked. You'll find Cave Trail to the right just before reaching Fremont Saddle.
Best Time to Hike the Peralta Trail
Your overall experience on the Peralta Trail will depend on the time of day you visit (which can also vary by season).
Best Time to Avoid the Sun's Glare
Don't let the map fool you: the Peralta Trail may largely run north and south, but it skews east and west enough to keep the sun in your eyes most of the day.
I experienced that first-hand this morning: I wanted to see the sun rise over Weaver's Needle and Lone Tree. I enjoyed great views of both, but the sun was in (or just barely above) my eyes most of the way back down.
As of this writing, it's mid-December. Also, as of this writing, the best time to avoid the sun's glare is - roughly - late morning to mid-afternoon. I would estimate that to be about 11:30am - 2:30pm for your descent.
Of course, you can also time this so that the sun is behind you in one direction and above you in the other.
Visiting During the Golden Hours
Peralta Trail is a favorite trek among photographers and videographers. Naturally, they tend to visit during golden hours (the times closest to sunrise and sunset). But which time is actually better for your visit? It depends on your targets.
When to Visit During Sunrise
Obviously, Weaver's Needle and Lone Tree are the trail's most photogenic landmarks (and that's saying something).
The sun will rise behind you if you're facing either landmark from the direction of Fremont Saddle. So, sunrise is the perfect time to capture these iconic sites during the golden hour.
However, the canyon will be flooded with sunlight on the way back down. Not only will it be in your eyes pretty much the whole way back, but it will also overpower most of your shots. You'll need to remember to turn around periodically to get good pictures. You'll also have to backtrack for better trail footage.
When to Visit During Sunset
Sunset will put the sun right in your field of view if you're facing Weaver's Needle from Fremont Saddle. Those last few seconds can be magical if it's not too cloudy or hazy, but it will be blinding up until that point.
However, if you hike to Fremont saddle mid-afternoon and then hike back during sunset, you'll get to enjoy the golden hour throughout Peralta Canyon and the Superstition Mountains for your entire hike down (well, depending on how long it takes you). You may finish in the dark, but I promise it's worth it.
What to Expect on Peralta Trail
Peralta Canyon is one of the most popular destinations in the Superstition Mountains, and for good reason. It's like cramming the epic experience of a day-long 12+ mile hike into a shorter 5-mile package.
Wildlife & Plant Life
Iconic native Sonoran Desert plants fill Peralta Canyon. These include:
- Saguaro cactuses
- Chollas
- Paldo Verde trees
- Mesquites
- Ironwoods
- Yuccas
and so much more!
However, the Peralta Trail also winds through lush desert oases that offer well-deserved shade from the relentless sun.
This unique environment allows many species to thrive. We frequently catch mountain sheep watching us from the cliffs high above. There have also been sightings of lizards, javelina, deer, bobcats, and coyotes. I even caught a ringtail cat walking around in broad daylight once! (They're typically nocturnal).
Just remember to watch out for snakes, spiders, and scorpions. Thankfully, those last two usually only come out at night.
Trail Terrain
Peralta Trail is pretty much like every other trail in the Supes: rocky and rugged. It also gets very narrow, causing branches to overlap in some areas. The include is largely gradual, but it can get steep in a few areas.
We wouldn't say the trail has any real scrambling, but there are a couple of areas where using both hands and feet might be a little easier.
Exposure
Some segments of the Peralta Trail are well-shaded, but most are not. Expect frequent exposure to both sun and wind, especially at Fremont Saddle.
Views and Natural Formations
The walls offer entire forests of saguaro cactuses that lead up to sheer cliffs and unique rock formations. You'll also enjoy a lush green oasis during your hike along the bottom.
There's even a cave that you can crawl into along the way. However, we don't recommend going too deep. There's a spot that can be easy to get stuck in. However, it's a great place to cool off during warmer hikes.
Rock formations are also a favorite feature of Peralta Canyon. There are several that hikers can climb and take pictures with. Oh, and we can't forget the "haunted cactus" at the beginning.
Peralta Trail FAQs
Is Peralta Trail Free?
Yes, Peralta Trail is completely free. Google's AI overview (and other AI platforms) might claim that visitors must pay a fee. However, AI is confusing Peralta Trail with the nearby Peralta Regional Park. The park requires a fee, but Peralta Trailhead does not.
Is Peralta Trail Beginner-Friendly?
No. The trail is solidly intermediate. You don't have to be in perfect shape, but you will need experience hiking 5+ mile trails with gradual elevation gain and limited shade.
Is There Water Along the Peralta Trail?
Sometimes. A wash flows through the canyon floor, so there is often water available for a few weeks after rain storms. However, it is not guaranteed. The trail does often dry out completely.
Can You Hike the Peralta Trail Year-Round?
The trail is open year-round, but we strongly recommend avoiding it during summer. Temperatures can quickly reach triple digits even if you begin hiking well before sunrise, phone reception is scarce, and it takes rescuers time to reach Peralta Canyon. It's best to avoid the trail during summer months.
Final Tips for a Great Experience
- Leave No Trace: please leave the trail just as you found it. The Superstition Mountains are absolutely stunning and breathtaking. Please do your part to keep it that way by packing out everything that you brought in. We've even found some great portable trash bags on Amazon to make it easier (they also double as effective toilet bags).
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When to Turn Back: if temperatures are getting close to triple digits, it's time to turn back. Trust us, you don't want to rely on a rescue from this trail. It'll take time and may cost you a lot of money.
- Visit during the golden hours: you'll enjoy the best views and pictures if you hike within 30-45 minutes of sunrise and sunset. Just remember to bring a headlamp.
Peralta Trail Guided Hikes
If you'd rather experience Peralta Trail with a local guide, we're here to help! Just sign up for one of our guided hikes. We'll get you to Fremont Saddle and back safely while ensuring you have a great time.