Flat Iron- Superstition Mountains



the Siphon



Now this is a hike!!!! Just a bit of advice, I would only recommend this to people who really enjoy hiking, especially scrambling over rocks. This is not a laid back easy trail. It will make your legs and lungs burn. However, the struggle to get to the top is worth it when you take in the amazing view of the Phoenix Valley. The trail starts at Lost Dutchmen State Park near Apache Junction. This trail is 6 miles out and back and takes a gradual incline the first 1 mile. The trail then turns sharply up a draw and begins to become steeper and more rocky. At around 2 miles you come to a smooth rock area with tall walls on each side. This area is known as Siphon Draw.  Water may be running through this basin- a small amount though.  If you are not the adventurous type then this is the point you need to turn around and return. However, if you continue you will climb up the rock face marked by blue dots. Keep your eye out for the dots, they can be easily missed. Once on top of the smooth rock face turn left along the top and watch for another blue mark turning to your right and then head straight up the mountain. When I say straight up, I mean literally straight up with absolutely no reprieve for the next 1 mile. You will now gain 1,500 feet in this 1 mile. The trail requires you to climb over large boulders, many times using your hands to pull you up the larger rocks. My advice is to take it slow and rest frequently. Your legs will appreciate it. Toward the top of the trail you will come to a rock wall of about 12 feet. You can climb up this by use of the tree to the left or wedge yourself in the crack to the right. Once you get up this last obstacle you've made it. You will arrive to the top and to your right is Flat Iron. Walk out to the edge of the cliff and you'll enjoy an amazing view of the valley below. The day we hiked Flat Iron was incredibly clear. We could see White Tank Mountains, Camelback Mountain, Four Peaks, and clear south to Mount Lemon near Tucson. If you still have the energy you can follow the trail to the very top of the Superstitions. This spur trail adds 1 mile to the round trip.

To access this head back to where you came out on top.  There is a trail that heads toward the hoodoos to the Northeast.  This trail will take you to the top.  Keep your eye out for carins marking the trail route.  There is a large carin at the top and a makeshift flag someone has set up.  This area is also fun to explore as there are many boulders to climb around on. 

The return trip is rough as well. Climbing down is not as hard on your lungs, but very hard on your knees. Take it easy as you legs will be burned out from the hike up and you many not have much stability. Be careful to not loosen large rocks on hikers below. I was concerned about this as I descended.

A few recommendations I would make are:

1) Good hiking shoes are a must with traction

2) Gloves- latex coated gloves would be helpful. Your hands get roughed up by the rocks and also the latex will help provide traction while you climb up or down the trail.

3) Plenty of water

4) Begin the hike in the early morning and not in the heat of the day

 

Length: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,625 ft.

Difficulty: Very Difficult

Kids: I would not recommend any kids under 12, unless they really like to hike and are good at scrambling over rocks. Add a few hours to hiking time if you plan on bringing your kids.

Hiking time: 5 hours. I would recommend not be on time constraints while doing this hike.

Fees: $5.00 at Lost Dutchmen State Park

Guides: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Phoenix by Charles Liu

You can see the trail far below