Hiking Weaver’s Needle in the Superstition Mountains
Weaver’s Needle is the goal, but the surrounding land is just as breathtaking!
We hiked the Weaver’s Needle trail at the end of December. We started at sunrise. It was cold enough that I questioned whether Arizona had quietly relocated overnight.
When we stepped out of the car at the Peralta Trailhead, we were bundled up. Jackets zipped to the chin. Hands tucked into sleeves. That early desert cold sits low and still. The air felt sharp in my lungs.
Within an hour, we were hiking in short sleeves.
That is winter hiking in the Superstition Mountains. It does not ease you into the day.
Weaver’s Needle Hike: Quick Facts
Location: Superstition Wilderness near Gold Canyon, Arizona
Trailhead: Peralta Trailhead
Trail Type: Out and back
Distance: Approximately 5 to 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 1,300 to 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours
Best Time to Hike Weaver’s Needle: Fall through spring
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed on leash
Parking: Small main lot with overflow along the dirt access road
Road Access: Passable for most standard vehicles
Permit Required: Tonto National Forest day-use pass may be required
If you are searching for current Weaver’s Needle trail conditions, winter offers some of the most comfortable hiking temperatures. Just be prepared for cold mornings and warm finishes.
Getting to the Peralta Trailhead
The beautiful hike in takes you through lush greenery and wildflowers. Easy to forget you’re in the desert!
The Weaver’s Needle hike begins at the Peralta Trailhead in the Superstition Wilderness. The parking lot is small. Not kind of tight. Actually small.
If you arrive mid-morning on a weekend, you are likely parking along the dirt access road. We arrived at sunrise and had no issue.
There is overflow parking along both sides of the road. The road itself is manageable for almost any standard vehicle. No high clearance truck required. Just take it slow and expect some washboard sections.
Arriving early is not just about parking. It is also the best way to experience the Superstition Mountains hiking scene before it gets busy.
The First Mile on the Weaver’s Needle Trail
The trail starts wide and steady. Classic Sonoran Desert landscape. Saguaros spaced out along the path. Rolling hills ahead. The sky was pale blue when we began, and the desert still felt half asleep.
The cold stuck with us for the first mile. Then the incline kicked in. The steady elevation gain warms you up quickly. Gloves came off first. Then jackets. By the time the sun cleared the ridgeline, we were hiking in short sleeves.
If you are planning the best time to hike Weaver’s Needle, winter mornings are perfect. Just dress in layers and expect to shed them quickly.
Seeing Weaver’s Needle Up Close
The stunning rise of Weaver’s Needle really dominates the skyline!
Weaver’s Needle is one of the most recognizable formations in the Superstition Mountains. From a distance, it looks dramatic. Up close, it feels massive.
You do not summit Weaver’s Needle on this trail. The formation itself is a technical climb. Instead, the Weaver’s Needle hike takes you around it, offering multiple angles as you approach.
As you get closer, the texture stands out. Rough volcanic rock. Deep cracks. Sharp vertical lines that feel out of place against the rolling desert around it.
The closer you move, the more it dominates the skyline. It anchors the entire hike.
This is what makes the Weaver’s Needle trail one of the most popular hikes near Gold Canyon. The destination feels significant without requiring technical climbing skills.
The Cave and Bear’s Highlight
Bear and Nick hanging out in the ‘cave’.
About halfway through the trail, you reach a small cave tucked into the rock.
Bear immediately claimed it.
If there is an opening in a rock anywhere in Arizona, he assumes it was placed there for him. He ran inside, circled twice, and stood there like he had discovered something important.
The cave is shaded and cool. A good place to stop, drink water, and reset. The sand inside is soft and uneven. You can hear sound bounce slightly off the rock walls.
Overall, this is a very dog-friendly hike. The Weaver’s Needle trail is well defined and manageable, especially during cooler months. Just bring enough water for both you and your dog. Even in December, the desert warms up quickly.
Bear loved it. That is usually my benchmark.
The beautiful Aromatic Aster!
Wildflowers in December
One surprise was the wildflowers.
Not a full spring bloom, but enough to notice. Small purple blossoms close to the ground. Patches of yellow lining the edges of the trail.
They felt slightly out of season, but that is part of hiking in Arizona. The desert does not follow strict calendars.
I found myself crouching to photograph a single bloom while Weaver’s Needle stood behind me, completely indifferent to my priorities.
If you are watching Weaver’s Needle trail conditions in winter, keep an eye out for small bursts of color. They are easy to miss if you are focused only on the rock formations.
Final Thoughts on the Weaver’s Needle Hike
The Weaver’s Needle hike in the Superstition Mountains is not the hardest hike in Arizona. It is not the longest either.
What it offers is contrast.
Cold sunrise air. A steady climb that warms you quickly. A volcanic spire that slowly grows larger with every step. A cave that makes your dog very happy. Unexpected winter wildflowers.
If you are planning to hike Weaver’s Needle near Gold Canyon:
Arrive early.
Bring layers.
Expect to remove them quickly.
Bring water.
And give yourself time to actually look around.
We left dusty, warmed up, and glad we started at sunrise.
Bear slept the entire drive home. That usually means we chose the right trail.
If you’re looking for another solid winter hike in Arizona, I wrote about hiking Tom’s Thumb in the McDowell Mountains and how different the terrain feels compared to the Superstitions. Check our other hiking guides for more inspiration.
If you’re more interested in the images than the mileage, you can explore my Arizona landscape photography portfolio for more desert light and mountain textures.
