Nine loyal hikers enjoy the fantastic rock formations, vistas and legends on the ridge east of Peralta Canyon. “The climbing is in spurts,” Ted explains as we start from Peralta Trailhead on a warm, clear morning.

The Bluff Spring Trail, re-routed to connect with the Dons’ Trail, takes us up to a pass near the end of the ridge east of Peralta Canyon. Although we’ve hiked only 1/8 mile, we’re already high above the trailhead. The pass provides a fine view of the Quarter Circle U Ranch.

We turn north and continue climbing on the the Bluff Spring Trail. Soon we can see Geronimo Cave up on the ridge ahead, Coffee Flat to the right, and the Peralta Trail far below us on the left.

Climb me if you dare.  I’m the Devil’s Slide.
This is mighty steep.  Are you sure it’s the trail?

Cardiac Hill is our next climb. We reach a divide near the balanced rocks, where everyone stops to rest and take pictures.

From here the Cave Trail meanders along the ridge, going generally northwest. Much of the route is over bare rock, with cairns to mark the way. The trail braids in several places where the main route isn’t at all obvious.

Geronimo Cave is closer. We climb over rocks to find ourselves at the base of the Devil’s Slide.

Slickrock fingers extend down from the cave to where we stand. Two of them are marked by cairns as possible routes to the top. Ted took the one on the right last time, but today we try the left one. It’s steep. Fortunately the rock surface is rough, providing plenty of hand and footholds. Halfway up, the slope moderates briefly and we all stop to rest.

The formation of lava columns behind us is the Chimney. The cave is just ahead of us, around the bend. But at this juncture our leader isn’t feeling well. Ted needs to lie down and rest for a few minutes before walking on.

A side trail takes us up to Geronimo Cave. The cave is shallow, but it provides a grand overview of Peralta Canyon and a good place for a picnic lunch.

Northwest of the cave, the side trail rejoins the Cave Trail. Our original plan was to walk north another half mile to the Weavers Needle overlook. But our leader needs to go over to the Peralta Trail and head down. Everyone decides to go with Ted.

The connector trail is poorly marked. After casting about, we eventually find it and walk west to join the Peralta Trail just above Calico Rock.

What a contrast! Our descent on the Peralta Trail is steady, providing fine views of Geronimo Cave, fantastic lava formations on the left, and hoodoos atop the rugged ridge on the right.

The trail crosses the streambed three times on our way down, providing shady spots to rest under great boulders and thorny desert trees. Soon we reach the parking lot at Peralta Trailhead and begin our drive back to civilization.