Tonto N.F., Arizona
Superstition Wilderness Traverse
Two nights in a desert range with almost no one in it.
Closures & alerts
Checking official closures and alerts…
Straight from the managing agency, but postings lag. Always call or check the park page the week you go.
Hard
Difficulty
22 mi
Distance
4,200 ft
Elevation
1.25 h
Drive time
Nov – Mar
Best season
Trail map
Trail to take
Superstition Wilderness Traverse — 22 mi · Hard
The map loads automatically. Open Trailforks below for trail names and difficulty ratings.
Overview
Peralta to First Water, over Fremont Saddle and past Weavers Needle. Water is the whole puzzle here, which is exactly why the trails stay empty.
Permits: No permit. Free dispersed camping in the wilderness.
Where to camp or stay
- Tonto NF dispersed camping rules
Free dispersed sites — no booking.
Popular sites open on a booking window months ahead and sell out fast.
Highlights
Weavers Needle from Fremont Saddle
Dusk from a saddle camp
Absolute silence after dark
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Peralta to Boulder Basin
Climb to Fremont Saddle, drop into Boulder Canyon, camp near a seasonal spring.
Day 2
Basin wander
Slow day exploring side canyons and old prospector camps.
Day 3
Out via First Water
Easy morning miles to the trailhead shuttle.
Packing list
Checked against your gear closet — 5 items to sort out.
- 6L water capacity
- Gaiters
- Long pants for brush
- Bear-free food bag
- Satellite messenger
Add gear for this trip
Suggestions shift with the trip length, activities and the forecast above.
3.5 L
Per person, per day
2 L
Heaviest carry
4.4 lb
Water weight (2.2 lb/L)
4.4 lb
Gear 0.0 lb + water
- Sources unconfirmed — this assumes one mid-day refill. Check conditions before you go.
Food plan
- Cold-soak lunches
- Two hot dinners
- Instant coffee
Weather & conditions
Next few days
National Weather Service
Alerts & notices
No active National Weather Service alerts for this location.
Forest Service · Tonto National Forest — Superstition Wilderness
- • Stage restrictions on campfires are common May through the monsoon onset.
- • Seasonal water sources are unreliable — plan to carry all water.
Land-manager notices are curated; the Forest Service and Park Service don't publish an open alerts feed, so confirm on the official page before you drive.
Nearby camping
Gear recommendations
Know before you go. Routes, distances, elevation and conditions shown here are estimates and may be inaccurate or out of date. Trail conditions change, and closures happen. Check with the managing land agency, carry a topographic map and compass or GPS, tell someone your plans, and know your limits — you're responsible for your own safety in the outdoors.