Trailblazers are ready to brave the Superstitions.

More of the trailblazers in the Superstitions.

Ten hearty trailblazers met and drove to the Peralta parking lot on an early Saturday and easily found a parking spot at 8am. The weather was mild and we quickly shed layers as we proceeded on the Lost Dutchman Trail. We admired the 3 bears and took a break at the junction with Coffee Flats Trail.

Can you see the three bears

We then continued upwards on the trail and around the back, finally reaching a saddle and the intersection with the Whiskey Springs trail. A couple hikers missed a small cairn and took an excursion up a hilltop before finding the trail again. Down across muddy flats came next and finally we reached the less than impressive creek, running but not much, and the intersection with the Bluff Springs Trail.

Hiking toward Bluff Springs

We continued on Lost Dutchman for a minute to find our big shady tree and favorite lunch spot. After some food and rest, we continued on our way, seeing some water around the rocks as well as great views of Lost Dutchman. After the intersection with Terrapin, the fast hikers raced ahead. We all took a minute to appreciate the nice shade and pooling water near the intersection with the unmarked Cave Trail. All that remained was a little up and the precarious and long down of Cardiac Hill.

Taking a picture of reflections

The desert is very green this year

Finally, we saw the parking lot and reached our cars. After quick shoe changes and drinks, some of us stopped at the brand new Peralta Regional Park to check it out. It was pretty empty, but we were able to see the downloadable map of trail near the entrance and we drove the loop around. We will have to return to explore this brand new set of hiking trails.

We need to dodge around the water

Relaxing by the stream