GIANT SAGUARO HIKE

BLUFF SPRING TRAIL to the GIANT SAGUARO

Superstition Wilderness

Giant Saguaro, Jan.11, 2014

Although it’s not the largest  ever discovered, the colossal cactus known as “Giant Saguaro” along Dutchman’s Trail is a commanding presence.  Balancing a massive, Medusa-like crown of spiny arms and isolated in a landscape where neighboring saguaros sport more modest profiles, this impressive plant grabs the spotlight.  But, it might not stand for much longer.  An ominous gray scale on its north side and what appears to have been a lighting strike in its core may spell its doom--who can say.  The probability that this cactus has been around for hundreds of years is a testament to its tenacity.  Whether it stands for one more year or another century, hikers with a love of natural curiosities should pay it a respectful visit.  The hike to the saguaro, begins at the Peralta trailhead on Bluff Spring Trail with the (infamous) climb of “cardiac hill”---a nearly 800’ ascent in less than a mile--and although the route has many ups-and-downs, this is the most challenging segment. Stay on Bluff Spring Trail to the 3.1-mile point, head north (straight ahead) on Dutchman’s Trail and follow it 1.7 miles to the giant saguaro.  You can’t miss it. EPITAPH 2016: The giant saguaro is officially dead and down.

water in Bark's Canyon

LENGTH: 9.7 miles round trip

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 2153' - 3184'

"Cardiac Hill"

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go east on US60 to just past milepost 204 in Apache Junction, turn left at the "Peralta Trailhead" sign and follow Peralta Road (FR77) 8 miles to the trailhead. Six miles of FR77 is dirt with some washboard sections passable by carefully driven sedans.

INFO: Mesa Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, 480-610-3300

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35523&actid=50

BLUFF SPRING LOOP

BLUFF SPRING LOOP Superstition Wilderness This scenic loop hike begins on the Dutchman’s Trail, which swings around the spires of Miners Needle and ascends 840 feet to the junction with the Whiskey Spring Trail. From there, continue on the Dutchman’s Trail down into a series of washes and gullies in the shadow of Bluff Spring Mountain where the desert flora changes from subdued to a palette of vibrant greens. Yucca, agaves, and cholla, frame views of the distant twin summits of Weavers Needle. Strategically placed rock cairns help in navigating drainage areas where water from seasonal rains and perennial springs lingers even in the driest months. Pick up the Bluff Spring Trail and follow its undulating course along the ridge overlooking Bark’s Canyon. Hundreds of feet below the trail, the rugged canyon is softened by lush vegetation cascading like spilled paint from the cliffs into a wash. Contorted shadows of hoodoos and eroded remnants of 35-million-year-old volcanic events play on the canyon walls. At the Terrapin Trail junction, stay on the Bluff Spring Trail, which crosses the canyon and descends back to the trailhead. LENGTH: 9 miles ELEVATION GAIN: 1500 feet (accumulated) RATING: Moderate GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take US 60 east to about 8 miles past Apache Junction and look for the brown “Peralta Trailhead” sign on the side of the road. Turn left here onto Peralta Road (Forest Road 77) and drive 8 miles to the trailhead.