PER001
Location: 33.3973885, -111.3479462
Sign the register at the Peralta Trailhead and begin the uphill hike on trail 102.
PER002
Location: 33.3976326, -111.3478546
Turn left at this junction following trail 102 up Peralta Canyon. This section of the route is heavily traveled and easy to follow.
PER003
Location: 33.4005241, -111.3486023
Less than 0.25 miles from the trailhead is the first of many wash crossings.
PER004
Location: 33.4035301, -111.3487625
Follow the trail across another sandy wash.
PER005
Location: 33.4043922, -111.3497162
A third sandy wash cross on the trail.
PER006
Location: 33.4058037, -111.3520508
Stay right to avoid multi-trailing. Erosion and user-created trails can degrade trails in fragile, heavily-traveled desert environs.
PER007
Location: 33.4068642, -111.3529892
The trail crosses another wash, but a canopy of shady trees provides a nice place for a rest break.
PER008
Location: 33.4103813, -111.3560104
A fifth wash crossing marks the beginning of the steep canyon ascent toward Freemont Saddle.
PER009
Location: 33.4134521, -111.3610153
The trail skirts a seasonal spring, there is usually water here, but it's an unreliable source during scorching summers.
PER010
Location: 33.4157333, -111.3648148
Freemont Saddle is a worthwhile destination offering stunning views of Weaver's Needle, just 1.2 miles to the north. Though this route continues to form a loop, this spot is a popular turnaround point and a great place to stop for lunch.
PER011
Location: 33.4167824, -111.3627472
Turn right at this unmarked trail junction to join the Cave Trail, a faint and lesser-traveled route toward Geronimo Cave and the trailhead.
PER012
Location: 33.4122772, -111.3543243
Veer left to skirt the nose of a cliff before beginning a descent toward the valley floor. Sticky shoes will ease your path down the steep slickrock toward the valley floor.
PER013
Location: 33.411232, -111.3525009
A few cairns mark the slickrock path but route-finding skills are key on this difficult-to-follow trail. Aim your route for this saddle-top waypoint before dipping into and climbing out of the valley below.
PER014
Location: 33.4089394, -111.3517227
Another route-finding waypoint, continue southeast on unmarked slickrock from here. In 200 feet, veer left to pass between two large rocks flanking a faint trail.
PER015
Location: 33.4080696, -111.3478928
Use this cairn-marked as another route-fining waypoint, and stop for a moment to appreciate the sweeping desert views from here.
PER016
Location: 33.4074211, -111.3468552
Drop down a rock shoot and follow the trail to the right.
PER017
Location: 33.4065933, -111.3467331
From this rocky saddle, you'll begin a steep descent almost due south. The prominent landmark, Squirrel Rock, will be on your left.
PER018
Location: 33.4049263, -111.3461151
Turn right at this T-junction to join the Bluff Spring Trail for the last 0.7-miles to the trailhead.
PER019
Location: 33.4001999, -111.3454895
A giant cairn marks this hard right-hand turn toward the parking lot.
PER020
Location: 33.3980942, -111.3473663
Turn right on Dutchmans Trail. The trailhead is just 100 yards to your left.
Trailhead Facilities
Location: 33.3973656, -111.347908
The trailhead, at the end of a long dirt road, has plenty of parking and a restroom. © Rich Rudow
Upcanyon Views
Location: 33.4076385, -111.3536911
The ascent of Peralta Canyon offers views of hoodoos and a preview of Geronimo Cave, perched high on the right-hand cliff. © Rich Rudow
Geronimo Cave
Location: 33.410614, -111.3569489
Geronimo Cave overlooks the Peralta Trail. © Rich Rudow
Peralta Trail
Location: 33.4107361, -111.357048
© Rich Rudow
Hoodoo City
Location: 33.411293, -111.3580856
Hoodoo rock formations become more prominent and interesting as you ascend the Peralta Trail. © Rich Rudow
Spring
Location: 33.4133339, -111.3610077
This spring is often flowing and although it might provide an emergency water source, it may be unreliable in the summer. © Rich Rudow
Slickrock
Location: 33.4140167, -111.3613281
The trail zig zags up the steep canyon headwall on buff-colored slickrock. © Rich Rudow
Weavers Needle
Location: 33.4158974, -111.3637314
From Freemont Saddle, you'll catch spectacular views of Weavers Needle, a popular climbing destination. © Rich Rudow
Weavers Needle
Location: 33.4159317, -111.3638306
A 360-degree panorama from Fremont Saddle makes this a worthy day hike, indeed. © Rich Rudow
Cave Trail Navigation
Location: 33.4145164, -111.3587494
The Cave Trail is cairn-marked in most places, but several large slickrock sections can make route-finding difficult. Geronimo Cave is on the right side of the rock formation on your left. © Rich Rudow
Alcove
Location: 33.4128418, -111.3557053
This alcove is just one of several features in the large rock formation that houses Geronimo Cave. © Rich Rudow
Inside Geronimo Cave
Location: 33.4127007, -111.3551483
From the ledge inside Geronimo Cave, you'll catch incredible views of the Peralta Trail over 600 feet below. © Rich Rudow
Geronimo Cave
Location: 33.4126816, -111.3551331
© Rich Rudow
Slickrock Navigation
Location: 33.4123421, -111.3540726
Walk down the steep slickrock and around the mushroom-shaped rock toward a small valley below. © Rich Rudow
Bathtub
Location: 33.4121513, -111.3534317
Use this distinctive bathtub formation, often containing a few inches of water, as a landmark and waypoint on this difficult-to-follow slickrock portion of the route. © Rich Rudow
Gauntlet
Location: 33.4087676, -111.3508558
Pass between these massive rocks to join a faint trail. © Rich Rudow
Agave
Location: 33.4074059, -111.3473663
The trail splits two agave plants. Be careful, their sharp leaves are waiting to stick you as you pass. © Rich Rudow
Squirrel
Location: 33.406044, -111.3465652
Squirrel rock is very prominent feature as you hike down the steep hill to the valley below. © Rich Rudow
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