… actually that’s me clowning around by rotating the photo of Wayne in his favorite position. Of course it’s not early season in Phoenix, in fact it’s usually already quite hot, but we got lucky with the weather. Difficulty: Class 3 Superstition Mountains: Hiked at top of the Flatiron - See 194 traveller reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. Coming down, as usual, is tougher on the body than going up. Share Via . More stories. Superstition Mountains: Siphon Draw to Flatiron trail - See 193 traveler reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. “You’re RIGHT” says I and I think he experienced something sexual. More stories. So while this may be second nature to an Arizonian, visitors need to heed the warnings. The Siphon Draw Trailhead at 2000’ elevation, is easy to locate, with parking and an entry fee of $7. If Echo Canyon on Camelback was 1.5 times higher it would be Flatiron. This is a hard hike with over 3,100 feet of elevation gain during the four miles up. The park is located just outside the town of Apache Junction in Arizona. When you get to the top, you’re at the top of the Superstition Mountains and you have a full view of the Phoenix metro area. The farmers thought the Pimas were superstitious about the mountain hence another reason for the name Superstition Mountain. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. Once inside the park, drive to the last parking area and look for a sign for the Siphon Draw Trailhead. It provides a great mix of unique scenery and physical exercise. The The mountains are located less than an hour’s drive away from both Phoenix and Scottsdale. The weather was too cool for them and just right for us. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from September until June. You can see the entire valley from there. Above the wall, the slope tapers – you should be far to the left of the Flatiron where the trail becomes well-defined and then leads sharply to the right and …. We did it on a hot hot day. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Climb the peak above the Flatiron and get a panorama of the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks to the North.The trail is well maintained and easy to find up to the "waterfall" area. Once in, the spikes are very painful and they don’t remove. Flatiron is not only the best hike in Phoenix but also the best workout. Fortunately by the time we got down to the slick-rock basin it was dry and we could negotiate it without concern of slipping. You are here . The desert is a place where water will appear one day and vanish the next day. . The trail becomes steeper as it begins to climb towards the slick-rock draw. The first mile or so, beginning in Lost Dutchman State Park, is relatively boring and easy, but it gets interesting when you approach the cliffs and begin to gain elevation. The Siphon Draw trail to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a challenging hike for even the most avid hiker. Local farmers constantly heard stories from the Pima Indians how they feared this mountain. I would usually encourage most novice hikers to try certain trails, not this one. This is a hard hike with over 3,100 feet of elevation gain during the four miles up. Click Here For The Phoenix Bucket List: 16 Things You Have To Do The wear and tear of the climb to Flatiron, and two attempts on a false summit quickly dissipated and we did a fun rock climb to what was becoming increasingly obvious was the real summit, Superstition Mountain summited CHECK!! (38), Comments That last pitch entailed going up a crack that I judged was do-able but highly exposed to a vertical drop-off and we decided sensibly not to risk it. Address: Gold Canyon, Arizona; 2 likes: 123 visits: Photos. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost Dutchman State Park lot, the trail starts out flat, but as you approach the … --Dale Dribble, Routes Superstition Mountains: Hiking Siphon Draw-Flatiron Trails to the top of Flatiron - See 193 traveller reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. The other good news is that the cooler weather encourages rattlesnakes to stay home – wherever that is. The Flatiron hike via Siphon Draw Trail is truly the most unique and best overall hike in Phoenix. More daunting still, the path (loosely termed) follows a natural drainage littered with giant boulders and prickly flora. Trailhead: Siphon Draw at 2.010’, Climbers: Rick Crandall; Wayne Crandall    May 16, 2015. 73 reviews of Siphon Draw Trail inc. Flatiron, Superstition Mountain "Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike. People disappear and mysterious deaths occur. If the rocks are way too slippery, or you’re causing numerous rock slides, chances are you missed the right route and must waste time going back to the “suggested” way! What they do, they do on purpose." You definitely can’t miss it. The Flatiron hike via Siphon Trail is truly the most unique and best overall hike in Phoenix. The Siphon Draw trail to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a challenging hike for even the most avid hiker. 11.5 mi OW + 4480 ft accumulated elev gain. A 2-3 day backpack might be to loop down to Weaver's Needle or further. Located in Lost Dutchman State Park of the Superstition Wilderness, Flatiron is one of the most challenging and spectacular hikes in Arizona. Hosted by. Now heading in a southwest direction you are following the old Palmer Mine access road. Superstition Mountain 5057 : 0-15 miles away There is … There-and-back. 2 Interested. Avoid hiking this trail in the summer (June - Sept) if possible because it gets really really hot. (1 ). Length 10.7 miElevation gain 4258 ftRoute type Point to point Share this event with your friends. The heartaches begin at the 1,021st foot. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Siphon Draw Trail #53 offers a classic view of Superstition Mountain and the distinctive Flatiron. 74 reviews of Siphon Draw Trail inc. Flatiron, Superstition Mountain "Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike. Superstition Mountains: Hiking Siphon Draw-Flatiron Trails to the top of Flatiron - See 193 traveller reviews, 324 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. Once you’re into the canyon, the trail has carins throughout, helping guide you up. This is why you should pack smart and keep it light. Be careful! Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. We pulled out a sandwich, ate and drank and in a half hour the cloud passed and there was Phoenix before us! After a brief pause paying homage to a fantastic day on a mysterious and beautiful mountain, we headed to Wayne’s house and his hot tub – which he’d already turned on remotely from his iPhone so that it would be hot and bubbly by the time we got there. We weren’t done – we’d come to summit Superstition Mountain but at first we could hardly see it. It's a push (almost a climb) to the … Exposure: Not really An easy pathway for 30 minutes takes you to the … Adventure Guides » United States » Arizona » Hiking + Backpacking. An easy pathway for 30 minutes takes you to the … The hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. This is a land were life is totally dependent on the availability of water. The plant is also used by Indians for soap, food, medicine and weapons. Continue up the slick rock. If you must go during the summer, go early in the morning when the Siphon Draw trail is in the shade of the mountain. Flatiron is a towering peak in the Superstition Mountain range that is named for its resemblance to an iron. More than half of the route is quite steep, ranging from Class 2 Difficult to some Class 3 rock-climbing pitches. Go north on Idaho Road for 2.5 miles and turn right (follow signs for Hwy 88) toward Canyon Lake. Uh . Camping at Lost Dutchman. Here’s where the mix of bouldering and rock-climbing begins and goes for a long way. Once inside the park, drive to the last parking area and look for a sign for the Siphon Draw Trailhead. The next segment is the climb to Flatiron. You can see the peak pointing upwards just to the right of the mountains at the forefront below. Allowed with Restrictions. This and Superstition Mountain is a climb that is one nasty bee-yatch. We were up for an exciting hike, and were not disappointed. The tallest point in the Valley, there’s an elevation gain of over 3000’. This place is very popular, especially with snowbirds. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Eventually you’ll top out on a mini rise where you’ll see three vertical canyons leading to the top. The Flatiron (I believe pronounced FLAT-EE-RON) is another Phoenix icon. Just a light amount of rain siphons water over the feature you reach at the end of this 1.6 mile hike segment – a huge amphitheater-like basin of slick rock. Login. Also route-finding is necessary in places since Web-based route descriptions are sparse. These figures would make a Himalaya vet chortle, but they don't tell the whole Superstition Mountain, located east of Phoenix, is famous for the Lost Dutchman’s Mine where “millions of dollars’ worthof gold” is allegedly hidden, but has never been verified. Temperatures on the desert floor can exceed 125 degrees F in the summer months and heat reflection off the rock creates an oven for climbers. Back at trailhead with the sun now fully out we felt some of the heat we never had to worry about on the climb – what a stroke of luck. In general, weather in the Phoenix area is clear and sunny, but there have been times when snow and thunder storms hit the Superstitions. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. Distance. Going back to make the summit in a couple days though! Now, 1,800 feet in one puny mile is pretty vertical — in fact, it don’t get much straighter up than that. It has been claimed that the Superstitions are the home of an under-ground base for aliens determined to abduct and probe us. The weather cleared once again, and the views were fantastic. 11.5 mi OW + 4480 ft accumulated elev gain. View 31 Photos. There-and-back. This mine is still undiscovered. Where is Flatiron located? Hiking Siphon Draw to The Flatiron is the quintessential Superstition Mountains hike. It is in the shape of an iron, thus the name. Following the end of the eruption phase, the filled caldera was pushed vertically upward along vertical boundary faults. The last bit of trail below the Flatiron requires a little hand-and-foot scrambling.The Flatiron is not a summt, but only a feature on an unnamed summit. Elevation Gain. Route Up Siphon Draw passing the Flatiron, across the ridgeline, over to Superstition Peak 5057, down to West Boulder Saddle, down to the old Carney Springs Trailhead and finish on the Lost Goldmine Trail to Peralta Trailhead. Hiking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona for a few hours, a day or via a multi-day backpacking trip is a great way to experience the beauty of the landscape for locals and visitors alike. This was my wife and I hiking in the #SuperstitionMountains in "Lost Dutchmen State Park" just southeast of Scottsdale Arizona. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ sarcoplazmic 1 year, 9 months ago . There, you’re greeted by a vertical view of what’s in store for the next, oh, mile and 1,800 vertical feet or so. November 2015 . The Apaches say a Thunder God protects the mountain. There are many more climbing stories in the Colorado Fourteeners at https://www.rickcrandall.net/climb-stories/, See Hiking and Climbing Equipment Checklist HERE, This site is a collection of articles on subjects that may be of interest to, All Rights Reserved (c) 2015 - 2020 Rick Crandall, : Rick Crandall; Wayne Crandall    May 16, 2015. What makes backpacking Flatiron more difficult is strapping an extra 20–30 pounds to your back and hiking the 3.25 miles and 2780 feet in elevation gain to the top. The Siphon Draw Trail is clearly marked and easy to follow for the first few miles as you begin a gradual ascent to the basin, which sits at 3,100 … An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Superstition Mountains: Siphon Draw to Flatiron trail - See 193 traveler reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. (1), Images Once you’re into the canyon, the trail has carins throughout, helping guide you up. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. For example, the It provides a great mix of unique scenery and physical exercise. Flatiron and Superstition Mountain – Arizona | Rick Crandall You will find a mini-waterfall after a rainy night, which we certainly had. It is 6 miles roundtrip from the Siphon Draw trailhead parking area in Lost Dutchman State Park. up to the Flatiron (at 4860 feet). If you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is not for you. Absolutely stunning. It was fantastic. Pass Wayne climbing his way to near the summit – that dog-shaped rock near the top. It’ll kick your hubric booty. You will soon reach the east boundary of Lost Dutchman State Park at 0.67 mi. It is literally an iron-shaped geologic feature that is the destination goal of most who make the attempt. We headed towards the climb to summit. Math says: two Camelbacks up, two Camelbacks down. (8), Additions & Corrections Rick’s loving it too. Humboldt Peak – West Ridge – Sighting the Eclipse from a 14er! Plan to start in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. The elevation at the jumping-off point, the Siphon Draw trailhead, is about 2,000’. In fact, the scenery all the way up is equally stunning. The trail is located about 40 miles east of Phoenix in the Lost Dutchman State Park … All Rights Reserved. Take the far right canyon up to the Flatiron. 74 reviews of Siphon Draw Trail inc. Flatiron, Superstition Mountain "Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike. It is just 40 minutes from downtown yet it transports you to multiple different worlds with ever changing landscapes and what feels like unique totally different ecosystems. Address: Gold Canyon, Arizona; 2 likes: 123 visits: Photos. The Flatiron (I believe pronounced FLAT-EE-RON) is another Phoenix icon. Towering over Apache Junction SE of the city, rock spires and deep canyon shoot 3,000′ above the desert to form the western edge of the Superstition Mountains. The views from atop Superstition Mountain are phenomenal, with a 360 degree panorama of the Superstition Wilderness, Four Peaks, and the Phoenix area. The hike to Flatiron is via the Siphon Draw trail that starts in Lost Dutchman State Park. We parked in the day use area ($7 cash) and used the rest room and topped off on water (each carried two quarts). The Flatiron is clearly visible in the distance. The appropriately-named formation called the Flatiron — it looks, for all the world, like an iron — rests haughtily at 4,800 feet, near the pinnacle of the Superstition Mountains, the summit itself. You can also buy an annual pass for all Arizona State Parks or a $15, 5-use pass, which offers a great value. Started to late in the day and only made it just up the granite rock past the waterfall. After two miles, you’ll have hit the first saddle and you’ll now be hiking in a basin. Superstition Mountains: Hiking Siphon Draw-Flatiron Trails to the top of Flatiron - See 193 traveller reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. The Superstition Mountain summit is to the left and behind the imposing front range. Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. It felt good getting to the Flatiron although when we first arrived it was totally in cloud and we saw nothing. I touched a few with my hiking poles and they seemed to fly off their branches. This was our first hike up Siphon Draw Trail towards Flatiron. For a Coloradan – new challenges present themselves. Here’s one description of most of the route (to the Flatiron) from an Arizonian: “Well, meet the Flatiron, sucka. I was implored not to kill a rattlesnake, because killing the snakes who do rattle, will evolve to a time when most snakes left won’t rattle their warning – survival of the fittest – that would be bad for us humans! We did that once and had to do some down-climbing and cactus-dodging to get on the right trail. A vehicle shuttle is necessary for a day hike. The basin is the turnaround point for the Siphon Draw hike. The Siphon Draw Trail brings you passed towering rock formations, up a basin carved smooth by water, and tops out on one of the most iconic rock formations in the Southwest. Technical, scenic, no switchbacks, just straight up a very hard to decipher ‘trail’. When planning this hike make sure you allow for the time up from the Siphon Draw TH to the hike start point and back down again. Continue up the canyon to the right of the waterfall area  If you haven’t figured out what the Flatiron is, it’s that huge mass looming over your head to the right. About. Look up above you and you’ll see the huge rock outcropping of Flatiron – the trail passes up a draw to the left of this prominent formation. Following the end of the eruption phase, the filled caldera was pushed vertically upward along vertical boundary faults. We headed down and ran into a young dude aiming for the Flatiron who claimed he’d done the summit before. Of course the real vertical gain was more due to the two prior false-summit attempts. Wayne warned me about the Jumping Cholla (pronounced choya) cactus that was indeed everywhere. As one guide says: “Keep in mind this area is a wee-bit scary with a wet surface. The history and reputation of this mountain is varied, to say the least. I dragged out my papers I’d researched that were spotty at best, and saw what I thought was the summit of Superstition Mountain and the faint path mentioned in the notes. Continue hiking right into the slick rock area. The mountains are located less than an hour’s drive away from both Phoenix and Scottsdale. View 31 Photos. Loreah Winlow. This was our first hike up Siphon Draw Trail towards Flatiron. For those who will do this climb, I do need to stress that if you go for a while without seeing a white or blue dot painted on a rock, you’re probably off-course and that won’t end well, so you need to reverse and find the right way. This is the turnaround point for anybody in their right mind when wet.”. If you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is not for you. The skies began to clear and we started to get the full visual impact of what the day had in store for us. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. Most of the trails in the park take you into the Superstition Wilderness … This one was a monster. Login. It provides a great mix of unique scenery and physical exercise. They were right. Elevation Gain. Covering over 160,000 acres, the Superstition Wilderness contains an abundance of cactus, wildflowers, and perennial water sources interwoven with the soaring mountain tops of granite, basalt and dacite. The tallest point in the Valley, there’s an elevation gain of over 3000’. (72), Climber's Log Entries Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Fall under a given object from volcanic activity as far back as 25 million years ago and watching... Good news is that the cooler weather encourages rattlesnakes to stay home – wherever is... 982-4485 for current conditions camp at Lost Dutchman State Park at 0.67 mi Tequila ) # offers. 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