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Weaver’s Needle: The Best Backpacking Trip in Arizona + Essential Gear

When exploring the American Southwest, you can’t miss hiking in the Phoenix metropolitan area, especially to Weaver's Needle. Southern Arizona and the regions around Phoenix are home to the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The only place in the US where the stunning Saguaro Cactus is native and plentiful. Whether you’re traveling from Las Vegas to Southern Arizona, or just looking for an awesome outdoor experience around Phoenix, I’ve got the perfect spot for you. 


Sunlit peak in rugged desert landscape, under a clear blue sky at sunset. Warm orange tones dominate, creating a serene, majestic mood.
Weaver's Needle at Sunrise

There are all kinds of different deserts in the Southwest, but there is something special about the Sonoran. It’s vastly different from the deserts you’ll find in Nevada, Utah, and California. 


To get a true taste of the Sonoran backcountry, consider backpacking the Peralta Canyon Trail to Fremont Saddle. This hike is known for jaw dropping views of Weaver’s Needle, an iconic rock formation in the Superstition Mountains. 


This hike is gorgeous from start to finish, it’s a must-do in the area. If you’re up for spending the night, you can backpack this trail to see the Needle light up during sunrise. 


You can reach Phoenix from only about a 4.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. However, this backpacking trail is located on the eastern edge of the city, adding on another hour of drive time. But I assure you, the views at the end of this trail will make the road trip all worth it. 


If you’re already on board to check out this one of a kind trail, keep reading to find out everything you need to know before hiking.


Cacti dot a desert hillside under a blue sky with the moon visible. The landscape is arid and serene, dominated by earthy browns and greens.
Saguaros on the trail to Weaver's Needle

Gear Needed for Backpacking Weaver’s Needle



Best Time of Year to Hike to Weaver’s Needle

If you’re familiar with summer in the Southwest you know it can get extremely hot. In the summer months in Phoenix (May-September) temperatures can soar well past 110℉ making for some seriously dangerous conditions on the trail. To stay safe you’re going to want to backpack this trail in the winter and spring when temps are nice and cool. 


Plus, springtime brings colorful wildflowers to Arizona. You will see them dotting the landscape all around you as you hike this trail. 


Tent on rocky terrain at sunrise, surrounded by desert landscape and mountains. Prominent rock formation in the distance, clear sky.
Setting up camp near Weaver's Needle

What Time of Day Should You Begin this Backpacking Trip?

You will want to have your campsite completely set up and have dinner made by the time the sun sets. So then when it gets dark all you will have to do is crawl in your tent and go to sleep. 


It’s not easy to cook and set up your tent in the dark so you want to plan your hike to where you have a good few hours to get everything set up before sunset. I would recommend starting this hike no later than noon or 1:00. On average, you can expect the hike up to take 1.5-2.5 hours. 


If you’re typically a slow hiker, ease on the side of caution and start earlier. It might take you longer than you expect carrying a heavy pack on your back. In the winter and spring, the sun will be setting earlier around 5:30-6:00 so keep that in mind as well.


Getting to the Peralta Canyon Trailhead

There are several trails that can take you to Weaver’s Needle. The most common route to take is Peralta Canyon to Fremont Saddle. Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead. You’ll find this trailhead deep in the Superstition Mountains, near the town of Gold Canyon outside of Phoenix. 


You’ll be taking highway 60 through Phoenix and Gold Canyon to get to the trail before turning onto E Peralta Rd. It’s at the very end of Peralta Rd where you’ll find the trailhead. It’s really a beautiful drive. You begin in the suburbs and end in what feels like a remote desert surrounded by Saguaros.


From downtown Phoenix to the trailhead, it is just about a 1 hour drive.


campfire in front of a desert butte at night
Campfire in front of Weaver's Needle

Is High Clearance Required?

I wouldn’t say required, but you will have an easier ride with a truck or high clearance SUV. I remember seeing a few sedans in the parking lot, but the road to the trailhead is all gravel with some larger rocks and pot holes scattered around. 


On your way to Peralta Trailhead, you will pass an overflow parking lot about a quarter mile from the main lot. If you’re in a sedan, this would be a good place to park if you don’t mind hiking a little extra because the road after this lot gets rougher.


Permit or Fees Required?

No. There are no permits or fees required to hike to Weaver’s Needle. You can park at the trailhead and hike for free. This trail and area is part of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness BLM land. Meaning recreation activities here are completely free. 


Hike Stats & Info

  • Mileage: 6 mile round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft.

  • Out and back trail


This hike is more difficult in nature due to the rockiness of the trail and the steep inclines. You will have to do some mild rock scrambling at times. If you are a more experienced hiker you should have no real issue on this trail, but it will still get your heartrate up. The views at the Saddle will make this trek worth it. 


The most challenging part is hiking up with all your gear on your back. Especially since you have to carry up all your own water, this can be very challenging. So make sure to take lots of breaks when you need them. 


The trail is fairly easy to follow, but it can’t hurt to have your AllTrails map up just in case. 


A hiker with trekking poles looks at a rocky peak under a clear blue sky. Wearing a tie-dye shirt and green backpack. Desert landscape.
Overnight backpack to Weaver's Needle

Where to Camp Near Weaver’s Needle

The Peralta Canyon Trail to Fremont Saddle is actually a pretty well-known backpacking route in the Phoenix area. There are quite a few different campsites at the end of the trail. The most popular one, Lone Tree, can be easily spotted from the main viewpoint at the Saddle because the campsite is right next to a tree surrounded by nothing else.


If someone is already camping at Lone Tree, don’t worry. There are plenty of other flat places to pitch a tent that still give you amazing views of Weaver’s Needle. You can walk around on all the rocks and explore until you find a spot suitable for you. If you don’t want to be quite as close to the cliff edge, there are sites further back as well. Since this is on BLM land you can pretty much set up your camp anywhere. Please be respectful of the environment and practice LNT principles.


Conclusion

For outdoor enthusiasts traveling through the Phoenix area, backpacking to Weaver’s Needle is a must-do activity. 


This was actually my first time ever backpacking on a trail (despite being an avid hiker) and it turned out to be a great introduction to backpacking in the desert. The Peralta Canyon Trail is challenging enough to feel rewarding, yet accessible enough for beginners.


If you’re passing through Arizona and want more than just a scenic stop, pack your gear, and hike to Weaver’s Needle. You’ll leave with sore legs, a full heart, and a newfound appreciation for just how alive this landscape really is.


Anna is a travel blogger passionate about exploring the world's natural beauty while on a budget. Her blog offers information on budget-friendly travel including road trip itineraries, hiking guides, and unique destinations across the US and beyond. Her mission is to make travel more accessible so everyone can experience the joys of connecting deeper with our Earth. 


You can find more about her and her travels on her blog www.soulsummittravel.com or @soulsummittravel on Instagram. 






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