Robber's Roost, Giant Rabbit, Lone Pine on a Group Hike

Twelve outdoor loving, adventure seeking hikers signed up for this hike in the Superstitions with most of them making the long drive from the Tucson area.  Overnight rain made the 6 miles of dirt road leading to the trail head a bit of a mud track.  So prepared were the hikers that we even departed a couple minutes early...how bout that?!

At about mile 1, distracted by conversation, I walked by the turn onto the Carney Springs trail.  Kind of embarrassing but I blamed the person behind me for the mistake as they should not have created interesting content that caused me to listen, ha, ha.  I got turned around and we began a long, steep climb.

We regrouped a few times as Katherine, David and I wait while people remove a layer or two.  The temp was around 50 but the sun, coupled with the strenuous climb, made it seem much warmer.

Barry, Bill and Chris seem happy on another regroup.  All three are hiking machines and enjoyable company on any hike.

The Carney Springs trail ends at the Superstition Ridgeline trail where we took a much deserved break, while admiring the views. Making a right turn, we heard the sound of running water and soon.....

....crossed a stream a couple of times as we followed the trail that was pretty well defined in most places.  The rain had made the rocks.....

....kind of slippery.  There were a few slips/falls with David having the most spectacular followed by Dee but both immediately recovered and on we went.

Reaching the giant rabbit formation, many of us took turns posing inside the mouth.  Amy gives perspective to the size of the opening.

Awesome views, all around us as I searched for the correct ravine that would take us to the entrance of the Roost.  

Stan (left) and Barry watch as I poke around looking for the correct approach.

However, at last, I find the entrance and what.....

....a grand opening it is.

Chris provides a size reference.  Stupendous as we squeeze beneath the choke stone.

Several of us pose beneath the giant boulder as Amy demonstrates her form.  The temperature was kind of chilly inside the Roost so we decided not to take our lone snack break there but instead....

....exit the Roost, climb to a nearby ridge with great views and sun.  

Note the boulder in the foreground closely resembles the shape of Weaver's Needle in the background.  We descended to a very crowded Fremont Saddle and quickly headed to.....

....the Lone Pine Tree.  It appears insignificant from Fremont but towers over us as we reach it where we scramble onto nearby boulders and....

....pause to enjoy the sight.  After a few minutes we regroup, head back to Fremont Saddle and descend the Peralta Trail.  This trail is one of the most trafficked in AZ and today did nothing to make us think otherwise.  Our fun group finished with 9.5 miles and 2600' of climbing.