Superstition Mountain Hike Take Two

Well this morning I got an early call from the mobile glass company telling me they would be on location between 0730 and 0830 to repair my broken window. Better than that, the window was replaced before 0830 so that left me plenty of time to head back to the scene of the crime to once again attempt my climb to the top of Superstition Mountain.

Unfortunately today, unlike yesterday was nearly a clear sky and hot hot hot. It was around 95 degrees today in full sunshine so it was not as easy weather-wise to be climbing around in the mountains. Once again I found that there were very few people on the Peralta trail as there were only four vehicles in the parking lot. Of course there was a nice pile of broken glass were my smashed window was the day before. Tempting fate I parked right beside it. As well I hid behind some Joshua trees and waited to see if anyone went near my vehicle. After about 15 minutes of that I gave up and hit the trail. At the end of this post you can find both video and photos of my climb.

I brought three one liter bottles of flavored water with me and found by the half way point I was sucking down water much quicker than I planned for. The vertical climb wasn’t all that bad, but the trail in spots demanded lots of climbing over rocks and debris. There were reams of small lizards and many songbirds about. I even saw a roadrunner or two but was unable to capture them on film – just as the cartoon suggests – they are fast! I also came across five turkey vultures eying my tasty flesh should I stumble down one of the ravines. They took off fast when I reached for my backpack to get out my camera. I’m guessing many locals take potshots at them! Though over 30 people have died in this area – many of them looking for a lost gold find.

It took about one and half hours to reach an outcrop overlooking what is called Weaver’s Needle. It’s a really attractive looking rock formation and is some 1000 feet high by itself. Reading on the net some rock climbers like to make their way to climb it. Rather ballsy if you ask me! There were lots of odd rock formations that looked like a giant had been playing by piling rocks one on top of another. It was amazing to see them and it’s even more amazing that they just don’t fall over. The fauna was scrub bush, various types of cactus and Joshua trees. There were plenty of flowers on the many different species of cacti so it was very pleasing on the eyes and at times the trail was covered in a pleasant aroma.

I did find myself sucking wind during the hardest uphill climbs. The heat was definitely not something I was used to. It sure sucks the energy out of you and reminds you that this is harsh unforgiving country. You also have to watch where you step as there are diamondback rattlesnakes about, though thankfully I only saw one bolting across the road during the drive to the trail head.

The hardest part of the entire day was the final half kilometer or so. The trail was poorly marked and nearly non-existent. I basically bushwhacked to the final outcropping overlooking Weaver’s Needle. It felt good to be there and the view was beyond stunning. I highly recommend anyone who finds themselves in the area to take the time to make the climb. But be careful. Not only do the cacti look evil with all those spines and thorns, I discovered at least one species has spines that have barbs like a fish hook! I got three on my shin and while the first two were not hard to pull out, the last literally came out with a spurt of blood. Fun stuff those cactus. This nasty discovery kept me from crossing without a trail to the very top of the mountain. One bloody wound was enough thank you very much.

[Show as slideshow]

1. 

   mack says:

   August 17, 2009 at 9:06 pm

   Nice post and video. Superstitious Mountain lies to the east of Apache Junction Arizona. You can meet the mountain lions, amphibian forms, black bears, bobcats, coyote and javelina while visiting Superstition Mountain. It is cruel play area with tortuous highs and lows in temperature. In the months of September to June climate is reasonably moderate. Dont fail to visit deserted ghost towns, chronological museums and hiking tracks. You can enjoy activities like fishing, boat rides in Verde River, Canyon and Saguaro lakes. For more details refer journeyidea.com/superstition-mountain/