Weavers Needle

{{Short description|Natural rock formation in the Superstition Mountains}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox mountain

| name = Weavers Needle

| photo = Weavers Needle-Peralta view.jpg

| photo_alt =

| photo_caption =

| elevation_ft = 4555

| elevation_ref = {{navd88}}{{cite peakbagger |pid=13418 |name=Weavers Needle, Arizona |access-date=2014-02-09}}

| prominence_ft = 993

| prominence_ref =

| range = Superstition Mountains

| listing =

| parent_peak =

| location = Pinal County, Arizona, U.S.

| map = Arizona#USA

| map_caption = none

| map_size = 180

| label =

| label_position =

| coordinates = {{coord|33.4331056|N|111.3704066|W|type:mountain_region:US-AZ_scale:100000_source:GNIS|format=dms|display=inline,title}}

| range_coordinates =

| coordinates_ref = {{cite gnis |id=35931 |name=Weavers Needle |access-date=2014-02-09}}

| topo = USGS Weavers Needle

| easiest_route =

}}

File:Weavers Needle-canyon view.jpg]]

Weavers Needle is a {{convert|1000|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}} column of rock that forms a distinctive peak visible for many miles around. Located in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona, Weavers Needle was created when a thick layer of tuff (fused volcanic ash)—a volcanic plug{{Cite book |last=Tom |first=Kollenborn |url=https://www.ajpl.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Geology-of-the-Supers-2.pdf |title=Geology of the Superstition Wilderness Area |year=1997}}—was heavily eroded, creating the spire as an erosional remnant with a summit elevation of {{convert|4555|ft|0}}. It is set in a desert landscape of cactus and mesquite bush, with large Saguaro cacti particularly prominent. The peak was named after mountain man Pauline Weaver.

Weavers Needle has played a significant role in the stories of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. The Needle's shadow reportedly indicates the location of a rich vein of gold, and many treasure hunters have searched for it. The hunt for gold around Weavers Needle has been pursued by hundreds (possibly thousands) of people. Weavers Needle has a large split in the side that makes it look like it has two tops, not one. This can only be viewed from the side.

She was depicted by artist Don Rosa in his story "The Dutchman's Secret."https://inducks.org/story.php?c=D+98202

Weavers Needle can be climbed as a four-pitch route. Each of the pitches is rated a 5.3 or less, with the second pitch being more of a class 4 scramble. The route is trad (traditional climbing), and opportunities for protection with traditional gear are ample. No permit is required to hike to Weavers Needle, to climb, or to camp at the top. Highly experienced climbers will often free-solo, and rappel from the fixed anchors at the top. Despite the relatively low rating of the climb, this is not recommended for beginner or intermediate climbers.{{cite web|url=https://www.mountainproject.com/v/west-chimney/107596809|title=Weavers Needle West Chimney|access-date=2016-07-19|publisher=MountainProject}}

The area surrounding Weavers Needle was burned in the Sawtooth Fire in June 2020.{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=azfamily com News|title=Sawtooth Fire burns 24,729 acres in Superstition Wilderness, 64 percent contained|url=https://www.azfamily.com/news/arizona_wildfires/sawtooth-fire-burns-24-729-acres-in-superstition-wilderness-64-percent-contained/article_3e52349a-a46a-11ea-ab94-575b85b081c6.html|access-date=2021-05-18|website=AZFamily|language=en}}