I had the pleasure of joining a group of strong hikers this past weekend into the Superstition Wilderness area.  The weather was perfect: mid-60’s and breezy. Our hike leader led the hike from Peralta trailhead to Dutchman’s trail. We passed Miner’s Needle on to the Whiskey Spring trail to Coffee Flat Mountain and then around to the Red Tanks trail.  We THEN had the privilege of viewing one of the largest saguaro on record – 50+ arms.  Our hike leader informed us this magnificent saguaro is fading away – who knows how much longer it will live.  Following are photos I managed to capture during our hike.  Enjoy!

A tarantula on the trail.

The largest saguaro on record with its 50+ arms. 

This was once an arm of the largest saguaro – it recently fell, perhaps as a result of strong winds, and recent rain storms.

The trail and Weaver’s Needle in background