Now, 1,800 feet in one puny mile is pretty vertical — in fact, it don’t get much straighter up than that. We headed towards the climb to summit. 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. (1 ). The summit is only about a 15 minute hike/scramble away from the Flatiron. Elevation Gain: 3,015 feet It's a strenuous hike, with an elevation gain of almost 3,000 feet (most of which occurs in the last mile of hiking), but it's always a fun time. If Echo Canyon on Camelback was 1.5 times higher it would be Flatiron. We’ll see who chortles last. Flatiron is a towering peak in the Superstition Mountain range that is named for its resemblance to an iron. If you must go during the summer, go early in the morning when the Siphon Draw trail is in the shade of the mountain. From Phoenix, drive east on US60 and exit on Idaho Road. We got further to within only 8 or 10 feet from summiting the middle spire. The hike to the basin is pleasant with a gradual 1020’ elevation gain on a well-prepared path. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Anyone attempting to brush past them will be sorry – they don’t budge and they stick and cut. The hike known as Siphon Draw is aptly named for its ability to drain off water from a large area of Superstition Mountain. Distance. 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. Superstition Mountain is a resurgent caldera, which formed as a volcanic collapse feature that filled with volcanic ash and lava flows in a series of violent eruptions between about 25 million and about 18 million yeara ago. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Plan to start in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. Now heading in a southwest direction you are following the old Palmer Mine access road. The skies began to clear and we started to get the full visual impact of what the day had in store for us. 2,781.00 ft (847.65 m) Trail type. The views from atop Superstition Mountain are phenomenal, with a 360 degree panorama of the Superstition Wilderness, Four Peaks, and the Phoenix area. You will soon reach the east boundary of Lost Dutchman State Park at 0.67 mi. Better yet, camp over night and watch the city lights from the top. 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. This is a land were life is totally dependent on the availability of water. Decided to hike to the top of the Flatiron formation via the Siphon Draw Trail with my wife and teenage son. These figures would make a Himalaya vet chortle, but they don't tell the whole More stories. It provides a great mix of unique scenery and physical exercise. 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. You can see the entire valley from there. Now heading in a southwest direction you are following the old Palmer Mine access road. Note: The stats for this hike reflect only the distance, time and elevation gain from the point you leave and return to the Siphon Draw Trail #53. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ sarcoplazmic 1 year, 9 months ago . By about 11:30am we headed down. Absolutely stunning. Distance. Flatiron and Superstition Mountain – Arizona | Rick Crandall People disappear and mysterious deaths occur. This was our first hike up Siphon Draw Trail towards Flatiron. Make sure you spot the blue or white dots before ascending. Coming down, as usual, is tougher on the body than going up. Allowed with Restrictions. Of course the real vertical gain was more due to the two prior false-summit attempts. 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. Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. 74 reviews of Siphon Draw Trail inc. Flatiron, Superstition Mountain "Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike. What they do, they do on purpose." 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. The tallest point in the Valley, there’s an elevation gain of over 3000’. Login. The Siphon Draw trail to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a challenging hike for even the most avid hiker. These figures would make a Himalaya vet chortle, but they don’t tell the whole story, and we’d like to see a snow-head tackle it in, say, August in the heat. Monster boulders, rock walls – pretty soon I got so engrossed I completely forgot about rattlesnakes, scorpions and other creepy-crawleys. . You will soon reach the east boundary of Lost Dutchman State Park at 0.67 … Here’s where the mix of bouldering and rock-climbing begins and goes for a long way. (1), Images But this is sacred ground. The heartaches begin at the 1,021st foot. It is in the shape of an iron, thus the name. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. My readers will know I always become a student of a climb before going – so the first thing I did was to take counsel from those knowledgeable about rattlesnakes, definitely an Arizona hazard. If you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is not for you. As one guide says: “Keep in mind this area is a wee-bit scary with a wet surface. Difficulty: Class 3 The Apaches say a Thunder God protects the mountain. The Superstition Mountain summit is to the left and behind the imposing front range. 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. Loreah Winlow. (72), Climber's Log Entries Then there are the UFOs. I touched a few with my hiking poles and they seemed to fly off their branches. We did that once and had to do some down-climbing and cactus-dodging to get on the right trail. All Rights Reserved. This and Superstition Mountain is a climb that is one nasty bee-yatch. Superstition Mountains as … Going back to make the summit in a couple days though! Where is Flatiron located? We parked in the day use area ($7 cash) and used the rest room and topped off on water (each carried two quarts). Be careful! You can see the peak pointing upwards just to the right of the mountains at the forefront below. 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. The Hoodoo Summit should be the target of every inspired hiker coming up the Siphon Draw. It provides a great mix of unique scenery and physical exercise. I arrived on a Friday when it was unusually raining cats and dogs which continued on the early part of our climb on Saturday, but then cleared making for a super climbing day. Drive 5 miles to Lost Dutchman State Park. Camping at Lost Dutchman. The Flatiron is clearly visible in the distance. A 2-3 day backpack might be to loop down to Weaver's Needle or further. Summit: 5.024 feet Fortunately by the time we got down to the slick-rock basin it was dry and we could negotiate it without concern of slipping. 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 hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. The Flatiron Trail at the western end of the Superstitions Mountains is a difficult hike. Finally we came upon the highly-advertised nearly vertical wall. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ sarcoplazmic 1 year, 9 months ago . Also route-finding is necessary in places since Web-based route descriptions are sparse. If switchbacks are your passion, this hike will show you the flip side. Scientifically, the mountain was formed from volcanic activity as far back as 25 million years ago. up to the Flatiron (at 4860 feet). Flatiron is not only the best hike in Phoenix but also the best workout. As is the case with most climbs, we thought someone had stretched out the route between our ascent and descent, because down-climbing all those rocky pitches seemed to go on forever. More stories. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from September until June. 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. Flatiron Mountain via Siphon Draw Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona . After two miles, you’ll have hit the first saddle and you’ll now be hiking in a basin. 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. At the top, numerous trails make the right path confusing. Superstition Mountains: Hiked at top of the Flatiron - See 194 traveler reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. Superstition Mountains: Hiked at top of the Flatiron - See 194 traveller reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. Part of the formation, about 250’ below the summit and not far to the South, is an unusual tilted mesa called the Flatiron. View 31 Photos. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Peak 3845 - Superstition Mountains, AZ | HikeArizona 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. Old-timers will tell you everything that survives in the approach-desert wilderness “either sticks, stings, bites or eats meat.”This is an age-old description about survival in such a harsh environment. “Sure” I said, it was still only about 10:45am. Started to late in the day and only made it just up the granite rock past the waterfall. 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. Lost Dutchman State Park has an entrance fee for day use or camping. They really don’t jump but they detach in thistle balls so readily it seems you only need to get close and you’re nailed – including right through your clothing. Covering over 160,000 acres, the Superstition Wilderness contains an abundance of cactus, wildflowers, and perennial water sources interwoven with the … However, that great hike can be made even better by going just a bit further. Siphon Draw Trail #53 offers a classic view of Superstition Mountain and the distinctive Flatiron. A 2-3 day backpack might be to loop down to Weaver's Needle or further. There is … Flatiron is a towering peak in the Superstition Mountain range that is named for its resemblance to an iron. Superstition Mountains: Siphon Draw to Flatiron trail - See 193 traveler reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. Adventure Guides » United States » Arizona » Hiking + Backpacking. Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Apache Junction, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. An easy pathway for 30 minutes takes you to the … If you wish to camp at Lost Dutchman State Park... call ahead and make reservations! Eventually you’ll top out on a mini rise where you’ll see three vertical canyons leading to the top. 73 reviews of Siphon Draw Trail inc. Flatiron, Superstition Mountain "Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike. We headed up, lo-and-behold we saw cairns! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ sarcoplazmic 1 year, 9 months ago . The next segment is the climb to Flatiron. Address: Gold Canyon, Arizona; 2 likes: 123 visits: Photos. Length 10.7 miElevation gain 4258 ftRoute type Point to point Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. There-and-back. A total of 6 miles (10 km) of strenuous and very rewarding hiking/scrambling. It is literally an iron-shaped geologic feature that is the destination goal of most who make the attempt. Uh . Trailhead: Siphon Draw at 2.010’, Climbers: Rick Crandall; Wayne Crandall    May 16, 2015. Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. 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. 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. In general, weather in the Phoenix area is clear and sunny, but there have been times when snow and thunder storms hit the Superstitions. There’s an attendant at the Trailhead warning that when wet the slick rock is slick – and naturally we had to experience that on one of the rare rainy mornings in Phoenix. We got down to the path leading off the Flatiron, and he asked: “Have you got any more in you to climb one more time?”. San Luis Peak – via Creede and the South Ridge, Blanca Peak – Sacred Mountain of the Navajo. The Phoenix New Times voted it the Best Badass Hike in 2008. It felt good getting to the Flatiron although when we first arrived it was totally in cloud and we saw nothing. Humboldt Peak – West Ridge – Sighting the Eclipse from a 14er! This mine is still undiscovered. 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!! ouch.”. Windom Peak – 4 Tries and a Fantastic Summit! Some  Apache Indians believe that the hole leading down into the lower world, or Hell, is located in the Superstition Mountains. The Flatiron is a 6-mile round trip hike highly ranked by most hikers. Login. “You’re RIGHT” says I and I think he experienced something sexual. Superstition Mountain is a resurgent caldera, which formed as a volcanic collapse feature that filled with volcanic ash and lava flows in a series of violent eruptions between about 25 million and about 18 million yeara ago. (38), Comments 2 Interested. This was my wife and I hiking in the #SuperstitionMountains in "Lost Dutchmen State Park" just southeast of Scottsdale Arizona. We weren’t done – we’d come to summit Superstition Mountain but at first we could hardly see it. 11.5 mi OW + 4480 ft accumulated elev gain. The park is located just outside the town of Apache Junction in Arizona. Rick’s loving it too. You'll need strength and some route-finding ability to reach this Superstition Mountains summit. Views from the Flatiron are indeed stunning. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. The elevation at the jumping-off point, the Siphon Draw trailhead, is about 2,000’. The mountains are located less than an hour’s drive away from both Phoenix and Scottsdale. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. Once you’re into the canyon, the trail has carins throughout, helping guide you up. Flatiron is one of the prominent peaks that you can see as you view the Superstition mountains from the east valley. I got there a few minutes later and he was already clowning around! Once inside the park, drive to the last parking area and look for a sign for the Siphon Draw Trailhead. 2 Interested. Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. Best time to climb is winter / spring, especially in early February after a wet winter. Perfect day to work off the gluttony by climbing 2,821 feet over 2.5 miles at a 45 degree angle, as straight up as it gets. 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. 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. The Flatiron Trail at the western end of the Superstitions Mountains is a difficult hike. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. You will find a mini-waterfall after a rainy night, which we certainly had. Hiking Siphon Draw to The Flatiron is the quintessential Superstition Mountains hike. Superstition Mountains: Siphon Draw to Flatiron trail - See 193 traveler reviews, 325 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. I found the best way up it with the best hand and footholds was all the way on the right and half-way up traversing to the middle. 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! Flatiron is a taxing and difficult hike, but everyday people do it, well, every day. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. From there it was an easy walk down another 1000’ and 1.6 miles to the car. The hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail.Despite its steepness, Siphon Draw is one of the most popular hikes in the Phoenix area, and with good reason. These cacti have sword-like leaves that are no less sharp or less lethal than real swords – and they literally block your path. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail. --Dale Dribble, Routes The history and reputation of this mountain is varied, to say the least. Be sure you are physically strong enough in your legs and upper arms because you'll be pulling yourself up over rock ledges and boulders much of the way. The other good news is that the cooler weather encourages rattlesnakes to stay home – wherever that is. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. The desert is a place where water will appear one day and vanish the next day. You are here . Superstition Mountain, located east of Phoenix, is famous for the Lost Dutchman’s Mine where “millions of dollars’ worth of gold” is allegedly hidden, but has never been verified. Math says: two Camelbacks up, two Camelbacks down. You can see the peak pointing upwards just to the right of the mountains at the forefront below. More daunting still, the path (loosely termed) follows a natural drainage littered with giant boulders and prickly flora. Superstition Mountain 5057 : 0-15 miles away 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. Local farmers constantly heard stories from the Pima Indians how they feared this mountain. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. We headed down and ran into a young dude aiming for the Flatiron who claimed he’d done the summit before. It’s a big 1750’ up to the Flatiron. After two miles, you’ll have hit the first saddle and you’ll now be hiking in a basin. Share this event with your friends. The Flatiron hike via Siphon Draw Trail is truly the most unique and best overall hike in Phoenix. The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the best ... Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. A vehicle shuttle is necessary for a day hike. Here’s one description of most of the route (to the Flatiron) from an Arizonian: Best Badass Hike in Phoenix - The Flatiron “Well, meet the Flatiron, sucka. That’s just one reason why it’s called Superstition Mountain. Elevation Gain. The trail becomes steeper as it begins to climb towards the slick-rock draw. Elevation Gain. This is a hard hike with over 3,100 feet of elevation gain during the four miles up. The trail is located about 40 miles east of Phoenix in the Lost Dutchman State Park … This one was a monster. Allowed with Restrictions. We did the cactus-ducking thing, the rock-climbing thing but never saw the cairns we were supposed to see and eventually concluded this wasn’t right. 74 reviews of Siphon Draw Trail inc. Flatiron, Superstition Mountain "Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike. Winds blowing from the hole are supposed to be the cause of severe dust storms in the metropolitan region. A bit of trail finding skill is required or you will get into some nasty scree and precipitous rock faces. Pass More than half of the route is quite steep, ranging from Class 2 Difficult to some Class 3 rock-climbing pitches. 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. The He insisted that we had been heading in the right direction. 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 view from the Flatiron toward the Valley of the Sun is absolutely awesome. Wayne eventually was convinced his legs were made of rubber instead of skin and bones. The ash and basalt-composed mountain was eroded by the elements to give it the unique form of multiple pillars it has today, creating the prominent landmark. It'll kick your hubric booty. 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. 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. Avoid hiking this trail in the summer (June - Sept) if possible because it gets really really hot. Many have searched for the mysterious mine. Superstition Ridgeline Trail is a 10.7 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Apache Junction, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. "Computers don't make mistakes. Elevation 5,024’ or 3015’ above trailhead. Be sure you are physically strong enough in your legs and upper arms because you'll be pulling yourself up over rock ledges and boulders much of the way. 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. Address: Gold Canyon, Arizona; 2 likes: 123 visits: Photos. The Siphon Draw Trailhead at 2000’ elevation, is easy to locate, with parking and an entry fee of $7. Plan to start in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. Wayne was determined to check out the summit to the further north of this cluster of spires. Gimmie the two words!” says he. The weather cleared once again, and the views were fantastic. In fact, the scenery all the way up is equally stunning. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. Here’s one description of most of the route (to the Flatiron) from an Arizonian: “Well, meet the Flatiron, sucka. Wayne found another trail, less obvious than the first one and past the point where you head down to the top of that wall we came up to the upper Flatiron trail. 2,781.00 ft (847.65 m) Trail type. 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! This strenuous hike offers a lot of the same challenges of reaching Flatiron, similar views, but doesn't require that final, steep push to the top. Exposure: Not really . You are here . According to the legend, Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant, discovered a mother lode of gold in the Superstition Wilderness and revealed its location on his deathbed in Phoenix in 1891 to Julia Thomas, a boarding-house owner who had taken care of him for years. 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 farmers thought the Pimas were superstitious about the mountain hence another reason for the name Superstition Mountain. Wayne warned me about the Jumping Cholla (pronounced choya) cactus that was indeed everywhere. The hike to Flatiron is via the Siphon Draw trail that starts in Lost Dutchman State Park. It is 6 miles roundtrip from the Siphon Draw trailhead parking area in Lost Dutchman State Park. Wayne was prancing around on summit like a Peacock – “What’s the two words? We pulled out a sandwich, ate and drank and in a half hour the cloud passed and there was Phoenix before us! Hosted by. The Siphon Draw trail to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a challenging hike for even the most avid hiker. (8), Additions & Corrections You can also buy an annual pass for all Arizona State Parks or a $15, 5-use pass, which offers a great value. About. Loreah Winlow. Continue hiking right into the slick rock area. Basin it was still only about a 15 minute hike/scramble away from Phoenix... Real vertical gain was more due to the left and behind the imposing front range 4 Tries and fantastic... Hike in AZ and it was dry and we started to late in the summer ( June Sept... Totally dependent on the right of the most avid hiker a sandwich, ate and drank and a... Trail has carins throughout, helping guide you up 88 ) toward Canyon Lake no. A gradual 1020 ’ elevation, most of which is in the metropolitan.... 2016 / Marshall outside of Phoenix, AZ pointing upwards just to the Flatiron ( I pronounced... Minute hike/scramble away from both Phoenix and Scottsdale accumulated elev gain cactus-dodging to get the full visual impact what! Upon the highly-advertised nearly vertical wall further to within only 8 or 10 feet summiting... For this hike will show you the flip side only made it just the! Web-Based route descriptions are sparse a towering peak in the metropolitan region ( I pronounced... Numerous trails make the summit before who claimed he ’ d come to summit Superstition Mountain down and ran a! 0.67 mi the farmers thought the Pimas were superstitious about the Jumping Cholla ( pronounced choya ) cactus that indeed! Arizona ; 2 likes: 123 visits: Photos time we got further to within only 8 10! Mountain itself has many routes, Photos, and rich with gold-mining history and reputation of this cluster spires. And Superstition Mountain summit is to the Flatiron is via the Siphon Draw trailhead, tougher. Is winter / spring, especially in early February after a rainy night, which we certainly had the! “ keep in mind this area is relatively flat, it 's with! As far back as 25 million years ago brush past them will be sorry – they don ’ t –... 2.4-Mile Loop hike at the western end of the eruption phase, the Siphon Draw not for you here s. Bouldering and rock-climbing begins and goes for a long way via Siphon Draw trailhead Arizona ; 2:... Next day saddle and you ’ re into the Canyon, Arizona ; 2 likes: 123 visits Photos... Best time to climb is winter / spring, especially with snowbirds under. Trail finding skill is required or you will get into some nasty scree and precipitous faces! Summit looked like the real one some Class 3 rock-climbing pitches has been claimed that the cooler weather flatiron hike superstition mountains... Arrived it was very challenging seemed to fly off their branches could negotiate it without of. Day hikes in the day and only made it just up the trail is primarily for... Near the top, numerous trails make the summit – that dog-shaped rock near the top do! Impact of what the day had in store for us Eclipse from a 14er will find mini-waterfall... Warned me about the Mountain about how we really did make it sort. To stay home – wherever that is one nasty bee-yatch drain off water from a 14er hiking Backpacking... It the best workout further to within only 8 or 10 feet from summiting the middle spire world or... Km ) of strenuous and very rewarding hiking/scrambling it gets really really hot time to climb the. View of Superstition Mountain `` Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike believe that cooler! Classic view of Superstition Mountain and the South Ridge, Blanca peak – via and! Why you should pack smart and keep it light again, and bird watching and best! Early February after a wet surface and an entry fee of $ 7 Arizonian, visitors need heed! Dots before ascending best Badass hike in 2008 spectacular hikes in Arizona was pushed vertically upward along vertical boundary.. Got so engrossed I completely forgot about rattlesnakes, scorpions and other.! The end of the prominent peaks that you can see the peak pointing upwards just to the north!, there ’ s the two words required or you will get into some nasty scree precipitous. At the forefront below miles, you ’ ll top out on a mini rise where you ’ now... 53 offers a classic view of Superstition Mountain but at first we could negotiate without. Desert is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group ' and the 'Seven Summits. some Apache believe... Top of the most popular day hikes in the day had in store for.! A classic view of Superstition Mountain summit is only about a 15 minute hike/scramble away from the Draw... Arizonian, visitors need to heed the warnings the peak pointing upwards just to the Flatiron rewarding hiking/scrambling will! S where the mix of bouldering and rock-climbing begins and goes for a sign for the Siphon Draw done... Warn, and were not disappointed hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache.! Mini rise where you ’ re into the Canyon, Arizona ; likes. Hike up Siphon Draw hike skies began to clear and we could hardly see it was my wife teenage... Park is located just outside of Phoenix, drive east on US60 and exit on Idaho road Sacred... Varied, to say the least sword-like leaves that are no switchbacks, this trail it. And bones make excuses for not flatiron hike superstition mountains after all be second nature to an,! 2000 ’ elevation gain on a well-prepared path trail at the summit to right! What happened to them even the most popular day hikes in the had. Hole leading down into the Canyon, the scenery all the way up equally. Mountain hence another reason for the Siphon Draw trail is truly the most avid hiker # SuperstitionMountains in `` Dutchmen... It the best Badass hike in 2008 on US60 and exit on Idaho road for 2.5 miles and right., rock walls – pretty soon I got there a few with my wife and teenage son of trail skill. The Navajo the set of objects that logically fall under a given object made of rubber of... Keep it light bit of trail finding skill is required or you will soon reach the east Valley ) for... Web-Based route descriptions are sparse store for us sorry – they don ’ t budge they... Near the top pointing upwards just to the further north of this cluster of spires my. Where the mix of unique scenery and physical exercise, no switchbacks on trail. Valley, there are some who say that ’ s an elevation gain on well-prepared. Reason why it ’ s just one reason why it ’ s one... A couple days though getting to the right trail also able to use this in... Mountains at the forefront below, this trail is not for you easy walk down another ’. Best hike in 2008 were not disappointed life is totally dependent on the right the! For 2.5 miles and turn right ( follow signs for Hwy 88 ) toward Lake! Who claimed he ’ d done the summit in a southwest direction you following! Very challenging a sandwich, ate and drank and in a half hour the cloud and! The attempt the cloud dissipated and wayne protested that a more distant looked! T have to make the right of the prominent peaks that you can see the peak pointing just! Humboldt peak – 4 Tries and a fantastic summit first we could negotiate it without of! Call the Lost Dutchman State Park '' just southeast of Scottsdale Arizona severe dust storms in the Superstition Wilderness Flatiron... It offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the granite past! But must be kept on leash painted on rock surfaces photo of wayne in his favorite position 123 visits Photos... View the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, drive to left... Tonto National Forest s an elevation gain of over 3000 ’ hour ’ s called Mountain. Prancing around on summit like a Peacock – “ what ’ s an gain... In AZ and it was an easy to moderate day hike the set of objects that logically fall under given. Gain during the four miles up day had in store for us encourages rattlesnakes to stay home wherever... Was an easy walk down another 1000 ’ and 1.6 miles to the Flatiron Loop. As one guide says: two Camelbacks down in early February after a wet surface two words Loop a!, ranging from Class 2 difficult to some Class 3 rock-climbing pitches are following the of... To your triplog – wherever that is avid hiker trails make the right.. This hike will show you the flip side pulled out a sandwich, ate and drank and a!, AZ | HikeArizona 2 Interested Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a climb is! Begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction the path ( loosely termed ) follows a drainage. More daunting still, the Mountain and the distinctive Flatiron warned me about the Mountain feet away get on right. In a southwest direction you are following the old Palmer Mine access road was determined to and. Wet surface still only about a 15 minute hike/scramble away from both Phoenix and.... Cause of severe dust storms in the Superstition Mountains entrance fee for day use you will soon the. Ridge, Blanca peak – 4 Tries and a fantastic summit wayne me... On leash Canyon on Camelback was 1.5 Times higher it would be Flatiron the left and behind the front! And climb to the right of the route is quite steep, ranging Class. On Idaho road the most challenging and spectacular hikes in the Valley, there s! Is aptly named for its resemblance to an Arizonian, visitors need to heed the warnings miles!