As I drove into the Peralta Trailhead parking lot, I was surprised to see some new signs. It had been almost a year since my last hike in the Superstitions. Last year this area was free, but this year the new signs indicate it is a $4 fee per day to park here. As is expected for a weekend of Spring hiking originating from this trailhead, it is busy as nearly every parking space is taken. After paying my $4 at the self-pay station I perused the full parking lot and felt glad I had decided not to try the popular Peralta Trail and instead was heading out on Dutchman's Trail (#104).

There are three trails that leave the Peralta Trailhead area. At the north end of the parking lot is a sign pointing left toward the Peralta Trail. My hike began by going right at this sign. Another 100 yards up the trail I came to a "Y" where the Bluff Springs Trail (#235) and the Dutchman's Trail (#104) meet. At that sign I took a right to follow the Dutchman's Trail. This trail climbs a couple hundred feet above the parking lot then turns to the east and out of view of the activity below.

After hiking just 10 minutes, the Dutchman's Trail provides a sweeping view of the huge Coffee Flat desert valley. Along the northern edge of this valley stands the formidable rock formation named Miner's Needle. Though only having hiked a few minutes, I couldn't help but stop to enjoy this truly picturesque view. As I again started on the trail, I began the descent into that valley. After another half-mile I crossed a wash which had a 6 foot wide, 1 foot deep pool in it. Water was running into it, but seemingly disappearing into the very sandy soil. As it turned out. This was the most substantial source of water I found on this entire hike. Another 1/2 mile later the trail began to climb from the floor of the valley, and a mile after that came to the junction of the Coffee Flat Trail (#108) which veers right (easterly). Remaining on the Dutchman Trail, I veered to the left.

From the junction with the Coffee Flat Trail, the Dutchman's Trail begins a steady ascent around the backside of Miner's Needle. From the valley-side (south side), Miner's Summit appears quite impressive with its sheer rock face, but from the northern side appears much more tame as the slope of the mountainside makes it possible to reach all but the last 100 feet or so of the Needle. There is no actual trail to the Needle, but it appears a wash provided a path there for the 5 people I saw rummaging around at the Needle. The 1 1/2 mile climb around the backside of Miner's Needle ends as the Dutchman's Trail meets the Whiskey Springs Trail at a saddle. Dutchman's Trail bears to the left (northwest) descending gradually into a not so dramatic valley. Just a few minutes from the Whiskey Springs Trail (#238) junction, Weaver's Needle can be seen to the west as it peeks above the mountains directly ahead. Also along this portion of the trail is a very impressive grove of Cholla cactus that has grown over 6 foot tall.

Approximately 1 mile from the Whiskey Springs Trail junction I met the Bluff Springs Trail as I climbed from a wash. Though there is a sign here, it is a bit tucked away to the right of the trail, and the Bluff Springs trail actually takes a very hard turn left from this point, making it important to be prepared for this junction or it could be missed.

The Bluff Springs Trail meanders across several washes which have cairns placed to help mark the way through and across. Though I'd seen a few blue jays on this hike, as I hiked through this area I started noticing quite a few cardinals and orioles in addition to the blue jays. After leaving the washes, Weaver's Needle again came into view. After a mile of hiking the Bluff Springs Trail I came upon a sign marking the junction to the Terrapin Trail (#234). I explored the expansive boulder wash in this area for a bit, then continued on the Bluff Springs Trail. A few minutes more, and the Bluff Springs trail opened up to reveal the parking lot several hundred feet below to the southwest, along with an impressive view of Coffee Flat Valley to the east. Though the views from this trail are good, the trail is rather steep in places making it necessary to concentrate more on the trail than the views available.

Getting There: From I-10, take Highway 60 (Superstition Highway) all the way east, until it starts winding southeast and becomes Highways 60 & 89. Five miles from the point where 60 starts its bend southeast, is the turn (left) for Peralta Canyon. Follow the dirt road until it ends, 8 miles later. This road is a bit bumpy in places, but is okay for cars. There are a couple of parking lots. After the first one, the road becomes a little bumpier and narrower, but 1/4 mile down the road is the parking lot where the trailheads are. Go to the North end of the parking lot for the trailhead. Look for the sign pointing to the left which says "Peralta Canyon." Go RIGHT at this sign about about a hundred yards to find a sign which points to Bluff Springs Trail (left) and Dutchman's Trail (right).

Tips: $4 fee per day to park. Take exact change as there is no change available. A porta-potty is available at the southwestern end of the last parking lot. No water is available.

Stats: This loop hike is approximately 7.5 miles. I am not sure of the elevation gain on this hike as of yet, but believe it to be around 1000 feet. There is a bit of up and down hiking to this loop.