Weaver's Needle (elevation = 4553 feet; 1388 meters) is the main landmark in Arizona's Superstition Mountains.  According to one of the more well-known legends about the range, the Lost Dutchman's Gold lies within its shadow.  And as you can see, it casts a long shadow over some very rough terrain.
   Contrary to popular belief, this spire is not a volcanic plug or neck.  It has formed simply by the erosion, from the sides inward, of a very thick and resistant layer of "tuff", or fused volcanic ash.  Such rock is not very likely to contain gold, or any other metallic minerals.  You can read more about this in my FREE short GeoStories™, available below.
   This view looks to the north, from Fremont Saddle, on the Peralta Trail, one of the more popular hiking trails in the Superstitions.  It is accessible from the south side of the mountains, near Gold Canyon.

If you want more information about Weaver's Needle and the Superstition Mountains, download these three FREE short GeoStories™ (PDF files, each <1MB):   Is the lure of Lost Gold is stronger than the lure of Found Gold? More than one person thinks so. Gold Dust   One Piece at a Time       Somewhere in the shadow of Weaver's Needle, in the Superstition Mountains, lies the Lost Dutchman's Gold.   How did it get there?  The Needle, I mean.   If you think times here today are crazy, violent, and dangerous, read this and count your blessings.   Tuff Times

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   See the GeoHistory page if you want to know more about why the landscape looks the way it does, or return to the map of "The Superstition Mountains" for more view locations.
   You can also send this as an E-Postcard to your friends!