Where to See the Blooming Desert

monster · Joined: 23 Sep 2003 Posts: 34 Location: Flagstaff

I would like to get down to the desert (from Flag) this weekend with my family to see the desert in full bloom. Does anyone have suggestions on where I could park, hike a few miles and camp among saguaros and wildflowers? I only have Sat night to camp. I am hoping that the rain the desert gets today won't make the roads too muddy to travel!

GTG · Posted: 3/25/2005, 10:06 am Post subject: if it were me

I would drive to the Peralta trail head and hike out on the Dutchman Trail. You could do the Bluff Spring loop. That's about 8 miles or so I believe.

GTG
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Melissa · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Mesa, AZ

M,
The east side of the Superstitions is terrific! If you want a neat overnighter with great flowers and a magnificent view of Weaver's Needle, I'd suggest First Water Trailhead to Dutchman's Trail 104. The trailhead is north of Apache Junction on 88.
Another FANTASTIC place for wildflowers is in White Tanks Park. The trail that took my breath away was the Ford Canyon Trail. This trail was amazingly beautiful 4 weeks ago when some of the flowers weren't blooming yet, it must be awesome by now!
Have fun!
Melissa

Melissa · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Mesa, AZ

OOps, I meant the West Side of the Superstitions (a hazard of living in the East Valley, I guess...always saying "East".)

monster · Joined: 23 Sep 2003 Posts: 34 Location: Flagstaff

Can you tell me if the Supersitions are getting much rain today? Will I need to be prepared for mud? Water crossings?

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

Daddee · Posted: 3/25/2005, 12:36 pm Post subject:

I'm out here not too far from the base of the Superstitions (East Mesa) - and we're not getting enough rain out here to even turn the dirt over.

I wouldn't worry about it. You'll see a few trickles coming out of the higher cliffs, but I don't think you'll have any problems with mud or flowing washes or any of that.
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Melissa · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Mesa, AZ

We hiked the Superstitions last weekend under the same conditions we are experiencing today, and although we got rained on for a little while, it was still mild enough to not cause a chill. I would recommend for every hike, however, that you pack an emergency poncho in your pack. Water crossings are no problem at all - and the roads are all graded well enough for a passenger vehicle to maneuver, even after a good rain.

DesertDog · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 402

Just got back from a hike up Peralta Canyon to the saddle. We didn't see enough rain to dampen anything. Peralta road in to the trailhead is in as good of shape as I've seen it. The flow of water has abated quite a bit in the last couple of weeks, but there's plenty to be found. None will likely impede your travel on the road or the trails.

MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

you wanna see saguaros?
visit Saguaro Natl Monument.
wanna see wildflowers?
check out the old road between Punkin Center and the 288 (a-cross road) where there is plenty of solitude on the Salome wilderness border

thats it
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Trishness · Posted: 3/25/2005, 6:42 pm Post subject:

I was at LDSP two weeks ago and the wildflowers were pretty nice but nowhere near peak. That park is very "family friendly" and there are numerous easy trails to explore. Lower Siphon Draw was blanketed nicely in Mexican Gold Poppies so I'm sure it's even better now!

Mr. Green

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Daryl · Posted: 3/27/2005, 7:31 pm Post subject:

Did the Bluffspings loop Satuday. Flowers are in full bloom. Even the hedge hogs are open! (PS GPS said 9.8 miles)

I've heard Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a site to see right now.
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monster · Joined: 23 Sep 2003 Posts: 34 Location: Flagstaff

Thanks for all the suggestions. We did the First Water trail to Duchmans. Very nice. Saw a gila monster lumbering along the trail!