Our First Big Hike of 2026

Weaver’s Needle Loop: Our First Big Hike of 2026 (and the One We Felt for Days)

This was our first official hike of 2026, and our first difficult one of the season. We hiked Weaver’s Needle Loop back on April 27, 2024 when we were not as experienced, and we were definitely off on distance and time because we did not have proper navigation.

This time was different.

This time we came fully prepared, and confident. We were still not 100% sure if we were going to go all the way around. We decided we would see how we felt as we were hiking. But we showed up ready for whatever the mountain decided to hand us.

What we packed (and why it mattered)

Each of us carried two 50.7 oz waters, plus food fuel, headlamps that we could wear on our hats, flashlights, matches, and anything else you could think of for safety. Poles in hand. Backpacks secured. Good socks. Belts. Hiking shoes. The whole setup.

We signed in at the trail around 12:10 pm and got moving.

And yes. We are two years older now. That part matters too.

The route we took, in plain English

We started at Peralta Trailhead and climbed up to Fremont Saddle on Peralta Trail.

From there, we committed to the loop and continued beyond the saddle, eventually connecting into the rest of the route that brings you around through the Superstition Wilderness and back down Bluff Spring to return to Peralta.

This matters because the direction you hike this loop changes everything.

This time we started at Peralta and ended by coming down Bluff back to Peralta, and the last 5 to 7 miles were the toughest. Not because we were unprepared. Because the trail is a lot of loose rock with bad footing, and we did a big chunk of that in the dark.

Every now and then you need to stop and make sure you are on the right trail, and always double check at intersections. Out here, it is easy to drift onto a camper path or a wash line that looks correct until it suddenly does not.

The desert was thriving, and it made the trail harder

The trails were overgrown, super green, and wet from dew and rain. The desert was thriving. Cactus were full of water and beautiful. Wildflowers everywhere. The weather felt like a gift.

But all that growth also made things tougher.

Bushwhacking showed up on sections that are usually smoother. The rough stone areas were slippery. There were switchbacks we forgot about. Elevation climbs and dips that feel like a rollercoaster.

It was spectacular. And it demanded attention the entire time.

The start felt humid, then the canyon changed everything

When we started, it was in the mid 50s, but very humid, just shy of 100 percent. It was a little uncomfortable at first.

But as we moved deeper into the canyon, the sun was not beating down hard, the clouds were not super thick, and the air got dryer and cooler. The fresh air out there was unreal.

This is a beautiful and challenging route that leads to incredible views. The trail begins by climbing steep and rocky, then drops into sections that feel like an oasis, including crossings where we had running water in the washes. Not constant, but enough to surprise you and make your footing more interesting.

The crowds fade after Fremont Saddle

When you start, there are a lot of hikers headed to Fremont Saddle.

Once you pass the saddle, you are practically alone for miles.

That silence is part of what makes this loop special. It is also why you need to be prepared, because you cannot count on constant help out there. We did see campers spread out throughout the route, not heavy, but enough to feel safe every 5 to 6 miles.

We also had a few timely human moments that gave us confidence we were tracking correctly.

We hit our first real pause at the Boulder Canyon Terminus Rock Butte, and it was the perfect spot to refuel. We grabbed our first food break right there, soaked in the wide open views, and took a few minutes to just be present before pushing on. Of course, we had to snap photos too because that rock formation felt like a natural trail marker and a reminder that this hike was going to be something special.

When we were almost to the Dutchman sign area from Peralta, we passed a young hiker planning to camp and he gave us a heads up that the sign was near. Then right as we were getting there, we came across a jogger. So we knew we were on our way.

Night hiking begins, and the real adventure starts

We got about a mile up from there when the sun went down, so it was night hiking from about 5:30 until the end.

The moon was about 98 percent full and shining bright. Every so often you could hear wildlife like bats, crickets, toads, and the occasional campsite down near a wash or way out in the canyon.

There is something about moving through the Superstitions at night that feels intense and peaceful at the same time. You are fully present. Every step matters.

Where we got uncertain, and how we got back on track

When we were just under 3 miles from the end, we were not 100 percent confident how to get down and across to get on the main Bluff Spring trail to head to the parking lot.

It was dark.

But we saw a fire out where we needed to be, and then a camper shouted. They must have noticed our headlights moving around up top. They guided us and let us know we were going the right way, and one of them met us down at the crossing.

We went to their campsite for a quick reset, and they switched headlamps with David because they had a charger. That help was huge. We were good to go.

When we reached the wash, it was fuller than usual due to the weather and our feet got a little wet. But we kept going.

Fatigue, a tight abductor, and two falls

By that point we were feeling it. We had been hiking for hours and miles.

Right before we got to the area where we got guidance, my abductor started to tighten up. Fortunately I worked through it and kept moving.

Each of us had one fall.

My husband fell when we were heading down to meet the camper. Mine happened later, about a mile and a half from the parking lot. Our headlamps did not last like they should have, so we ended up using flashlights for part of the trail.

And here’s the big lesson.

Big lesson learned

Make sure headlamps are fully charged before every long hiking trip. This is a must for safety.

It is not easy holding poles and a flashlight and keeping your footing on loose rock in the dark. We did it, but it is not ideal.

Our stops were minimal, and our fuel was perfect

We only really stopped two times for food, and three times to potty. So we did really well with time.

And the snacks we took were perfect.

• Sunflower seed butter and banana and chia jam sandwiches
• Boiled eggs with sea salt
• Greek coconut yogurt
• Yummy trail nut balls, all raw

My husband also took lots of pictures before it got dark, plus a few moon shots. We do not have a night vision camera, so we could not capture the night section the way it felt, but the memory is locked in.

About the distance

One thing I want to clarify for anyone planning this loop.

The hike truly is a little over 13.5 to 13.7 miles. Not under 12 and not 12.5.

You have to take into consideration the little side trails created from campers, the overgrowth forcing micro detours, and the wash choices. The overall path is the same, but when you look at other hikers and maps, the average is closer to 13.5.

If you look at my map of the loop, the green line is the loop trail. The bright red circle is the start (parking lot) of the Peralta Trailhead. The dark red circles are the two stops we made to eat and regroup. The orange circle is where we were somewhat lost in the dark, but in the right spot.

The takeaway: Thrive Beyond 60 is not just a tagline

We are definitely sore these last two days, but we are also amazed with our ability, our preparedness, our stamina, and our adventure.

And here is the part that feels the most meaningful to me.

We recover so much quicker now than we did a couple years ago.

That is not luck. That is lifestyle.

Because going into hikes like this, we are not just thinking about the miles. We are thinking about the days after. We have built routines that support recovery on purpose, including better hydration habits, smarter food choices, consistent strength and movement, and overall habits that keep our bodies resilient. Even when we are tired, even when we take a spill, even when the last miles are loose rock in the dark, we bounce back faster than we used to.

We were prepared. We wore the right gear. We carried what we needed. We were in shape for it. And we are two years older.

So yes, there is a lot behind Thrive Beyond 60 and heart pumping fun. We live it.

Want my hiking fuel system and checklist

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We keep all our hiking trips, scenic adventures, and travel notes organized right here in our Travel and Adventure tag: https://www.plantbasedflex.com/tag/travel-adventure/

Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle, especially if you have existing conditions or take medication.

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