While everyone else is making a beeline for Weavers Needle, you can take the trail less traveled over to Miners Needle. Beginning at Peralta Trailhead, the Dutchman’s Trail features expansive desert scenery and greenery after rain as it rolls along the foothills of the Superstition Wilderness. After turning up canyon to a saddle, you’ll leave the trail and make the climb up to Miner’s Needle where a sheer drop-off will take your breath away. Only rock climbers will be able to get to the true summit, but the views from the saddle will be plenty to satisfy everyone.

---

Trail Description

While Weavers Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Superstition Wilderness, it’s not the only formation worth a visit. Been there, done that? Put a visit to Miners Needle on your to-do list. We headed out here because we knew this area would be filled with greenery after the recent rains we had, but a trip to the upper saddle at Miners Needle is a great hike even in the dry season.

Dutchman’s Trail #104

From the Peralta Trailhead, you’ll start off on the Peralta Trail but almost immediately turn right onto the Dutchman’s Trail. This trail is a favorite among those on horseback, so you know it won’t ever get too steep or treacherous.

The trail first climbs over a hill before settling into a nice rhythm of gentle ups and downs. To your right, you’ll be treated to a wide open view of the desert landscape. To your left, the cliffs and hoodoos so common in the western Superstitions.

A few years ago, this area looked dead and desolate after it was severely burned in a wildfire. While you will see the remains of the saguaros that were burned in the fire, you’ll also notice that the desert has rebounded nicely. We went a few weeks after significant rain, and the desert was green and blooming with brittlebrush.

At around 2.8 miles in, you’ll pass the junction with the Coffee Flat Trail. Keep left to stay on Dutchman’s Trail where you’ll continue up some long switchbacks before the trail heads left to go up the canyon. You won’t be able to miss the Miners Needle formation off to your left.

This part starts gaining more elevation, as the trail hugs the contours of the canyon.

Miners Needle Spur Trail

Once the Dutchman’s Trail reaches a saddle, you will have to leave the trail before it heads off to the right. You’ll need to find the unofficial trail over to Miners Needle, which shouldn’t be too hard to spot. It may have rocks blocking it to keep people on Dutchman’s Trail, but you’re a rebel aren’t you?

Sometimes, this trail is obvious and has nice cairns. Other times, you’re just finding the best path along a mostly brushless rockscape.

You may have noticed a small arch on one side of the Miners Needle formation. This is called the eye of the needle, and it’s the location of a rock climbing route.

Miners Needle

When you get close to the needle, you’ll have your choice between the higher saddle to the right or the lower saddle to the left. Both are special in their own way and worth a visit. Come on, you’re in the neighborhood!

A short but steep hike up to the upper saddle will take your breath away, both literally and figuratively, as you abruptly find yourself on a precipice that drops dramatically into the valley below. It’s a little unnerving!

The lower saddle is equally impressive but has a little more flat space to move around for those who like a secure place for their feet.

You’ll have an impressive view in front of you and behind you, and you may even get a glimpse of Weavers Needle on your way down.

---

Map & Directions

Location Superstition Wilderness, Apache Junction, Arizona

From Phoenix, take the US60 east to Peralta Road, and turn left. Follow this normally well maintained road to the end, keeping left at the fork. A passenger vehicle can make it unless there has been a lot of rain recently.

Fees/Passes None

Trailhead Facilities Vault toilets available

Download KML or GPX

---