Arguably essentially the most iconic hike in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, the hike to Flatiron by way of Siphon Draw provides hikers with unrelenting views from begin to end. Highlighted by Siphon Draw, a placing pure rock amphitheater, and culminating with gorgeous panoramas of the Superstition Wilderness from the summit of Flatiron, the hike is as rewarding as it’s difficult. If there may be one hike within the Superstitions to do, that is it.
Trailhead elevation 2,083′
Do not miss the precarious route up the boulder downside
Hike Siphon Draw to Flatiron
Misplaced Dutchman State Park requires a day-use price for mountaineering the path, so verify the park’s web site for essentially the most up-to-date pricing. In a single day friends on the Misplaced Dutchman State Park Campground are exempt from this price. The most effective time of yr to hike the path is spring by means of fall, early within the morning, and through the week, if doable.
Beginning on the trailhead, the trail winds by means of comparatively flat terrain, with an elevation achieve of about 150 toes within the first mile.
Because the path advances, the elevation achieve turns into extra noticeable. From mile 1 to 1.85, the path climbs over 600 toes, rewarding hikers with progressively extra spectacular views.
Quickly after, the path arrives at Siphon Draw, an enormous, naturally carved granite amphitheater shaped by water erosion over 1000’s of years. Flanked by towering granite partitions and spires, Siphon Draw guides hikers up its steep, slippery slope, with the imposing Flatiron standing tall within the distance.
On the prime of Siphon Draw, the route continues alongside the unmarked Flatiron Path. Over the subsequent 0.7 miles, the path ascends greater than 2,100 toes at an nearly 60% grade. For perspective, the steepest single mile of any Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike features lower than 1,000 toes. Hikers should scramble over massive boulders and up large granite slabs. The route will be difficult to comply with in some spots, however the park has marked the trickiest sections with white dots on the rocks to assist hikers keep on the right track.
Because the path climbs larger, desert flora turns into more and more plentiful, and the views of the 4,860-foot peak develop extra placing.
Roughly 500 toes under the summit, hikers will encounter what appears to be a fork within the path. Whereas the trail to the best would possibly look like the right alternative, the right route is to the left. Taking the best fork results in a much more difficult and slippery strategy to the highest.
Simply earlier than reaching the summit, hikers encounter what’s usually known as the “boulder downside,” a 10-foot granite wall that have to be handed to entry Flatiron. There are a number of methods to deal with this part. The best route (marked in yellow) entails strolling up the slab on the best, requiring solely minor scrambling. The extra adventurous route (marked in crimson) entails a considerably precarious climb by means of a crack within the wall. The crimson route is by far essentially the most uncovered part of your entire hike, and if chosen, shall be a spotlight of the hike. Alternatively, these not inclined to deal with the boulder downside, about 50 toes earlier than this level, hikers can discover a tree on the left facet of the path. Climbing up beside the tree results in a well-worn path that bypasses the wall fully—however the place’s the enjoyable in that?
As soon as past the boulder downside, a relatively flat path leads hikers to the summit of Flatiron.
From the summit, hikers have 360-degree views of the huge wilderness, Peak 5024, Siphon Draw, Apache Junction and nicely past. The views are merely epic. It isn’t unusual to seek out BASE jumpers on the prime as nicely.
After soaking within the breathtaking views, hikers can retrace their steps again to the trailhead. Take into account that the descent is extraordinarily slippery, and though it takes much less time than the climb, it calls for cautious consideration. Many sections, notably the boulder downside, pose a critical danger the place a fall may result in extreme harm or worse. When you safely make it again to the trailhead, give your self a well-deserved pat on the again—you’ve conquered considered one of Arizona’s most bodily demanding day hikes!
