Backpacking in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona: Lone Tree at Weaver’s Needle

The Superstition Mountains, located 30 minutes east of Phoenix, are well-known throughout the valley as being an ADVENTURE HUB. In and around the Superstition Mountains, you can hike, bike, ride horseback, rock climb, paraglide if you’re crazy), and backpacking. In this post, we will be reviewing backpacking in the Superstition Mountains.

This was actually my FIRST TIME BACKPACKING. I’m still an amateur. I would call myself an expert hiker and avid outdoor lady, which helped in my preparation for backpacking. I’ve also gone camping a million times it feels like.

BEFORE WE JUMP IN, here’s a little video sneak peek of the views you can get while backpacking in the Superstition Mountains.

Why Should I Backpack in the Superstition Mountains?

You should consider backpacking in the Superstition Mountains because it’s easily accessible to the city, there are numerous trails- short and long, and the views are 10/10. It’s great for beginners, which I was when I did this trail! I think specifically, the Lone Tree Campsite is one of the most beautiful campsites in the Superstitions.

BACKPACKING IN THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS TO LONE TREE CAMPSITE IS PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS

Where is LONE TREE CAMPSITE?

The trailhead to go backpacking in the Superstition Mountains is called Peralta Trailhead. Peralta Trailhead is located 1 hr 13 minutes from Downtown Phoenix. I know it seems like a long time, but it feels quick. Some of the miles are on a dirt road, which slows it down a bit.

I live in East Mesa, and the trailhead is 40 minutes from my house. I also drive a Jeep Wrangler, meaning I can fly down the dirt road haha.

The Peralta Trailhead will lead to Freemont Saddle where you can see Weaver’s Needle and then onto the Lone Tree Campsite for backpacking.

FOR 1 NIGHT OF BACKPACKING IN THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS, WE LEFT AT 3 PM AND GOT HOME AT 10:30 AM THE NEXT DAY.

CAUTION

To get to the trailhead, you’ll need to drive on a dirt road. This road is subject to bumps and washes after the rain. I drive a 4WD, high-clearance Jeep so I’m never worried. 

I have seen many small cars go through the washes, but just be aware. Bring a car you’re OK getting dirty and that you won’t freak out if it bottoms out once or twice. 

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GO BACKPACKING IN THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS?

Given this, go backpacking in the Superstition Mountains in October-April ONLY. We went up in the middle of March. It was 50 degrees at night so we wore baselayers, but only needed a tshirt during the day.

end of backpacking in the superstition mountains

WHERE TO GO BACKPACKING IN THE SUPERSTITIONS?

As I mentioned before, there are multiple places to go backpacking in the Superstition Mountains. Today, we’re talking about the Lone Tree Campsite near Weaver’s Needle and how to get there safely.

BACKPACKING TO LONE TREE

BACKPACKING TO LONE TREE CAMPSITE

I would say the hike to Lone Tree is moderate. It’s a slow, steady elevation gain. It’s still tough, especially with 30 lbs on your back, haha. The scenery is amazing. You won’t be able to see Weaver’s Needle and the campsite until you reach Freemont Saddle, but the views of the canyon are amazing. If Arizona had rain the weeks prior to your hike, you may hear beautiful rushing water in the stream.

HIKE REVIEW

Since this post is focused on backpacking, I’m not going to review the hike itself in detail here, but you’ll find more details in my post HERE.

views at freemont saddle

The popular Weaver’s Needle hike ends at Freemont Saddle, which is in the photo above. This hike is 2.3 miles up. It’s a nice place to take a quick breather before going over to the campsite, which is another 0.5 miles.

FREEMONT SADDLE TO LONE TREE

I love this view- where you can see the lone tree to the right of Weaver’s Needle. It’s a quick 0.5 miles up and down a few mild ridges. Overall, I felt like the hike from Peralta Trailhead to Lone Tree was moderate. Definitely would do it again.

Use the AllTrails App when navigating to Lone Tree. From Freemont Saddle, it is 0.5 miles to Lone Tree. When facing Weaver’s Needle, go right over the rocks and you’ll find a small trail. It’s pretty easy to follow.

all trails app to lone tree

CAMPSITES OPTIONS AT LONE TREE

my tent in front of weaver’s needle

Of course, if you’re going backpacking in the Superstition Mountains, you want to know what to expect with campsites. It’s not a developed campground in any way, which I love about it. But there are a couple of different areas you can camp.

MAIN CAMPSITE- UNDER THE TREE

This is the main campsite. It’s the most beautiful, it’s flat and sandy, and can fit multiple tents if you come in a group. Unfortunately, someone was at the campsite when we arrived- that’s the biggest bummer. But you can’t plan for this!

campsite under lone tree near weaver’s needle

ALTERNATE CAMPSITE- NEAR THE TREE

If you plan to camp at Lone Tree, you still need backups. The first backup is hiking around the tree, but not at the main spot. Personally, we went just to the left of the tree and found a semi-flat spot nestled between the rocks. It was a bit cramped, but we were only staying for 1 night, so it didn’t really matter. And, it was far enough away from Lone Tree, so we couldn’t hear those campers. The views were 10/10, the only thing I would complain about was not being flat while sleeping.

There were a few spots that were flat on the trail over to Lone Tree, but didn’t have the same good views as Weaver’s Needle.

view from my campsite

ALTERNATE CAMPSITE- FREEMONT SADDLE

tent nestled in nature at freemont saddle

24-HOUR BACKPACKING ITINERARY

EVENING ACTIVITIES

3:15 PM– leave our house (mesa, arizona)
4:00 PM– arrive at peralta trailhead
4:15 PM– start hiking after putting everything on
5:20 PM– reach freemont saddle
5:30 PM– reach lone tree
6:00 PM– finish setting up camp
6:15 PM– sunset (photos of course!)
6:30 PM– start dinner on the jetboil
7:00 PM– finish dinner + enjoy the views
8:00 PM– stargazing & astrophotography
8:30 PM– bedtime!

I honestly felt like we timed the hike perfectly. We were able to set up camp before dark and still enjoy the sunset. We were separated really well from the other camper, so we felt like we had the place to ourselves. I especially loved staying up after the sky went completely dark. I am just beginning to learn astrophotography, but I loved seeing Weaver’s Needle surrounded by stars.

MORNING ACTIVITIES

5:30 AM– sunrise
6:30 AM– breakfast and take photos
7:30 AM– pack up
8:00 AM– hike down
9:15 AM– finish hiking
10:30 AM– get home

I loved being able to wake up without specific plans. I woke up to watch sunrise and cook us breakfast. I had fun messing around with taking photos in my sleeping bag haha. I don’t recommend- I fell after it. We packed up camp in 30 minutes and hiked back to our car. We got some yummy breakfast and got home at 10:30 on a Sunday, still plenty time to get ready for the week!

BACKPACKING GEAR

I complied all of my favorite gear for you in one easy place! I try to keep my gear as affordable as possible.

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT WEAVER’s NEEDLE

Backpacking in the Superstition Mountains was amazing. It was great practice, and it was such a peaceful weekend. I love areas that aren’t highly trafficked. If you love hiking in Arizona, here are some other things to read! I won’t be reviewing backpacking gear here, but stay tuned!

Hiking to Weaver’s Needle

See Weaver’s Needle from Black Top Mesa Trail

Flatiron- A Bucket List Phoenix Hike.

Pass Mountain Loop in East Mesa

How to Hike to the Tallest Point in Maricopa County: Four Peaks