Lone Pine & Weavers Needle

With the rising temperatures here getting to unbearable levels - I had been keeping my eye out for any day that was not expected to be sweltering. And when I saw that one day with a high of 75 degrees; I knew I was going to take the chance to get another hike in!

Weavers Needle has been one of my bucket list views since moving out here to Phoenix. I had done some research prior to the move and other people's photos had easily put this hike on my radar. So, with the weather finally in a spot where I was comfortable - I packed myself up early and headed out to the trailhead. I wanted to get there early in case other hikers also had the mindset to get a good hike in while the weather was cooler. I needn't have been worried though - the trailhead had about 6 other cars there when I arrived at 9am!

My favorite thing about hiking in the Superstition Mountains though is how diverse the scenery is! Not only can you seen the mountain range long before you reach it, but the road in is unpaved and covered in dirt which somehow just adds to the whole experience. You have large colored rocky outcroppings, boulders, cactus', shrubs, and somehow; they all combine to make something so stunning.

This hike was one I had attempted before and turned around on due to it being too hot for me (I have since learned I am not meant to dwell in the desert - at least not beyond the winter months). So, to come back and actually complete my quest had my heart happy!

My goal was to get to a spot where I had a great view of Weavers Needle - little did I know that once I got out there, I would want to go even closer. I was told by a ranger at the trailhead to stop and check out Lone Pine. It's an extension off of the Weavers Needle trail so I happily took it - I could see the tree! And as there are not many tree trees out here in the desert it was easy to spot and incredibly odd to take in. It truly was a solitary pine tree in the middle of this rocky desert basin of sorts.

To say this hike was rejuvenating would be an understatement - I had been finding myself in more funks as of late and needed to get myself outside and in the sun! And the amazing views, great weather, and sense of accomplishment this trail provided was exactly what the doctor ordered!