Peralta Canyon to Weavers Needle Summit - Superstition Wilderness
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- The first time I stood on the Freemont saddle and got my first look at Weaver's Needle, I never imagined one day I would be standing on the summit, looking back at the saddle. I watched Jerry Arizona's videos and realized quickly that if I wanted to duplicate that feat, I had to first learn how to rock climb AND I would need to meet some experienced climbers who can lead the way.
I buckled down and started training. I spent the next couple of years hiking longer and longer distances, pushing myself to build both stamina and confidence by willing myself up and down hundreds of thousands of feet of elevation gain/loss. I also joined a climbing gym, alternating training between hiking and climbing every other day. After a year of climbing indoors (significantly tougher grades of climbing than Weaver's) I was ready to give it a shot.
I posted in an AZ Climbing FB group asking if anyone would be willing to lead me up, on an overnight adventure. Adding jokingly that your gonna be in a RUclips video, in case that's not your thing. As is often the case with social media, I was dumped on immediately by a couple of guys who thought no climber would ever drag a stranger up Weavers and then camp with him. I was informed that I needed to pay for a guide. They cracked jokes with each other, at my expense, and it seemed evident to me that the climbing community was not be as welcoming as the hiking community has been. I was seriously discouraged. I just deleted the post and started thinking about a plan B.
Directly after that post, a paramedic friend and canyoneering guide (Cody Jordan) reached out. He said he saw that post and he'd be happy to take me up. A couple of weeks later, he took me out to the Mines, a climbing site East of Superior for my first outdoor climbing experience/lesson. It was awesome! Summer was approaching fast and with busy schedules, we didn't have time to make a run for Weaver's before the serious heat hit. I look forward to climbing more with Cody in the near future.
Flash forward. In researching the infamous Motherlode scramble/climb in the Four Peaks, I found a number of extreme videos from Troy Dixon @walkingwithawookie1097.
He was traversing the Motherlode (without a rope) and climbing Weaver's using rope to rappel, but otherwise free soloing all the way up. Troy, like Cody and most of the outdoor adventure folks I have met, was more than happy to join/lead me on this adventure. A kindred spirit to be sure. He was just as excited to show me the ropes as I was to learn. Finding a free weekend at the end of October, we decided to give it a shot despite the dry conditions and unusually late 100 degree temps. With proper planning, its not quite enough to stop us, so LET'S GO!!!
The adventure includes a 4 mile hike up and over Freemont Saddle via the famous Peralta Canyon, to one of a few small camp areas near the trail on the west side of the Needle. This is dry camping, all water and cold beers needed to be humped in. Add camping and climbing gear and the heat...just getting there isn't easy! Additionally, there's a pretty steep approach and 3-4 pitches of easy trad climbing, depending on your route. We came, we saw and we....climbed!
This was my first multi-pitch climb of any kind, and my first time even seeing trad gear. What an amazing learning experience! Can't wait to see what's next.
Thanks to Jerry Arizona for the inspiration! @JerryArizona
Thanks to Cody Jordan for reaching out and taking me outside!
Huge thanks to Troy Dixon for leading this expedition. It was better than I hoped for, and it definitely won't be our last. This is just the beginning!
And finally, thanks to Jack @bikerjack1 for laying down the challenge. I'm about 25lbs lighter (but not any younger!) so.... in your face! LOL!
Guitar covers by @KfirOchaion
Misirlou - Pulp Fiction Theme
Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb
Coldplay - Yellow
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been to Fremont Saddle many times and felt the same way you did about climbing Weaver's Needle. At 70, I think I'm past my prime but I really enjoyed following in your video footsteps. Great job and thanks.
You just keep checkin' them off! Congrats on a great accomplishment and another great video! Let's Go!!
Thanks Jim! I’ve literally got a list you know. Lol! Let’s go!!!
Your adventurous spirit is only rivaled by your ability to capture these beautiful moments. Great video my good man. Definitely looking forward to more hiking and climbing adventures😁
Thanks Troy, couldn’t have done it without your help! I’ll be in touch soon to coordinate calendars, can’t wait to see where the next adventure will be. Let’s go!!!
Great Job! Enjoy all your stories and video of the experience!
Thanks Slag, glad you’re enjoying them!
nice dude! Troy is definitely a large individual haha. Looking forward to meeting you!
Wonderful... My thumbnails have grown short watching your nail-biting video. It was beautiful overall. While it kept me wondering , I liked the intro of @walkingwithewookie1097
I can appreciate what you have accomplished, as I did hike the Brown Peak. The exciting part was climbing up the chute. This is in no comparison, Kudo to your effort and what you do to motivate others(like me). I missed your get-together at Picket Post, I was hiking R2R. Looking forward to connect and get some energy vibe from you 🙌👍🙏
Thanks, I appreciate it! Stay tuned, hoping to get another subscriber hike put together soon, hope to see you there.
Oh heeeeelllllll no! 😂
But seriously, that was awesome.
Lol! C’mon Lori! We all need a little more heeeelllll YES our lives! 👍
Awesome song. And Hike. Comfortably Numb!
Excited to see the results of this after talking with you about it!
You and me both Brandon! This was one heck of a thrilling adventure. Lucked out meeting Troy, super cool guy who just happens to know the needle like it’s in his backyard. Get that gear together… we’ll be out there soon!
@@MoonJuiceHikes Almost got all of it, tent and quilt are on the way!
Great video, Brevan. Awesome views of a truly outstanding area. Absolutely stunning.
Thanks Alan! I know you got some good views of the Needle when you were out in the Supes on the GET… for whatever reason, I wanted to stand on top of that thing the moment I saw it!
Congrats on setting out the goal and making it. I’ve had Weaver’s summit on my list for over 10 years now. Eventually!
One step at a time my man… if you want to meet at the climbing gym in Gilbert sometime, I’d be happy to go with. Great workout and lots of fun. I live less than 5 mins a away!
@@MoonJuiceHikes I'm definitely up for that! Never been to a climbing gym before, so it's not too late to embarrass myself at one, lol.
I got to add this to my list! Looks FUN.
Super fun. I go often, if you want a lead… let me know and we’ll make it happen!
hey there glad to see you are still at it. no way i could do this... amazing. take care.
Hey Rogers! You’d be surprised what you can do, one step at a time.
How fun. Not something I want to do, but love watching your adventures. November 3rd 4th and 5th Kim and I will be camping in the sups. Dutch Hunter rendezvous is there at the Don’s camp. Great bunch of people. If your free you should come out Saturday they have speakers. It’s all about the gold and the stories of the superstitions. Also found a new trailer I’m going to try.
Oh how cool Chris! Sounds like a fun time. Hope Kim is recouping, so you guys can get ready for the next meetup (a little milder this time!). See you soon.
Another great adventure! Nice work MoonJuice.
Stepping up my game Bjorn!
You can tell the video looks awesome. I dig the addition of the aerial shots. What type of drone are you using?
@@bjorn_outside oh, that’s a BFFYT. It’s the lightest weight and easiest to operate! 😂🤣😂 (Borrowed Footage From RUclips)
@@MoonJuiceHikes well played! Love it.
You lived! Awesome adventure, isn’t it?
Did I mention I slept up there?
Oh man, it was incredible! I’m definitely going to do that one again. Props to Troy, had no chance of getting up there without him. Can’t wait to do it again. Maybe next time we’ll haul up a couple of tents? Until then, I’ll be scanning your videos for inspiration…
Weavers Needle - That's pretty impressive - Nuts but impressive -
that hike up that trail sucks in the heat.
Oh, I can’t even imagine what a sufferfest that would be!
So, after the trip, did you feel that you needed the ropes or could you have made it to the top & down without them? It's hard to tell from the video how steep this is and if there are any longer routes to the top that do not require ropes?
Good question. Truth be told, I’ve been up 4 or 5 times since this video. Definitely need a 70m rope. The only people I know of who have solo’d the needle still used ropes to rappel down. Very experienced climbers could definitely climb it without ropes. However, down climbing the first pitch would be insane to me. Near the chock stone, it’s totally vertical and requires a couple of moves that are more like 5.7-5.8 moves. Certain death if you fell from there. As far as I know, this is the only route to the top. Otherwise it’s easy climbing. Really awesome! I’ve got the rope and extra gear if you want to go…
@@MoonJuiceHikes I actually live in Peralta Trails and have hiked to the top of Fremont saddle many times. I've done a number of hikes and backpacked in the Superstitions however I wanted to do one of the difficult ones like Super Ridgeline, Battleship or the top of Weavers needle. I saw Jerry Arizona and his trip to the top of Weavers Needle, and I think your video ended up in my RUclips feed. Let me know how to get in touch with you if you are heading back up. I'd enjoy the adventure.
Shoot me an email and lets see if we can make it happen. brevenclark@gmail.com
Damn u already wanna make the climb then u start with the Pink Floyd. Now i gotta do it!
Go get it Ralph! If you want me to lead you up, shoot me an email and let’s make a plan!
Juicy !!!! wuzs up dude??? Knee is almost healed gettin ready to hit the trails soon - He is my official invite to you to the Dutch Hunter thing - The 19th Annual Dutch Hunter Rendezvous will be held November 3rd, 4th & 5th , 2023 at the Dons of Arizona
Base Camp. This is a co-sponsored event with the Dons of Arizona & The Dutch Hunters. The event is open
to the public and is Free. Camp opens on Friday, November 3rd around 11am for you to setup camp and then
mingle and visit with the Dutch Hunters it is pretty laid back with storytelling, digs, finds, equipment use and
anything you want to know. All you need to do is ask. Camping is available and encouraged so that you can
enjoy the weekend visit & learn. The “Main Event” with guest speakers is scheduled for Saturday, November
4th in the evening around 7pm either in the Amphitheatre or at the Large Ramada. Sunday morning
everyone packs up to go home. They are usually cleaned up, trash picked up and ready to exit the camp
around 12 Noon.
This event is a pack it in and pack it out event for your trash, as there is no dumpster available onsite.
Pack up the Wife learn everything you ever wanted to know about the "Supes" chris and I will be out Friday - Sun come on out whenever works with your schedule -
Yo Kim! Good luck with the knee, hopefully it’ll be good as new. Sounds like you’ve got a fun weekend planned! Unfortunately, I’ve got plans already for this weekend. You guys have fun, hopefully you can hit a few smaller trails out there.
Husband, you amaze me!!!!! However, I didn’t like the pretend “near death fall” not funny!!!!! Too bad everyone doesn’t know that you landed your ass into a cactus!!! Lol
Wife, I thought we agreed not to talk about it? 😂😂😂😂
You 2 are way too cute!