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The Flatiron via the Siphon Draw Trail (The Flatiron)
Hiking Trail
Hard
5.4 mi
2,700 ft
Climb to one of the best views in the Superstitions, up a steep canyon with rock scrambling required.
The Flatiron is an iconic summit of the Superstition Mountains, located at the western bound of the range. It’s one of the craggy formations so prominent above Lost Dutchman State Park. From a distance the vertical cliffs seem impassable, but one weakness allows passage. That is Siphon Draw, a steep canyon of water-worn rock in the mountain’s west side.
Siphon Draw Trail begins in Lost Dutchman State Park. The first two miles are somewhat steep and rocky, climbing through open desert to a basin at the foot of the mountain, with the Flatiron looming overhead. A sign marks the entrance to the Superstition Wilderness and the end of the maintained trail. This is where the real climb begins.
If you feel tired or overheated at this point, or are low on water, turn around. The views from the basin are a reward all their own, and the rigorous canyon above is not worth putting yourself in danger. Only if you feel fit and prepared, proceed on the unmaintained trail up into Siphon Draw.
What follows is nearly 2,000 vertical feet of steep hiking and rock scrambling, practically straight up the narrow drainage to the top of the mountain. At times the surface is solid-rock bowls and gullies carved smoothly by water. In other places it’s loose rock or large boulders. Eventually you’ll exit the canyon and emerge at a saddle surrounded by rocky pinnacles, with the prow of the flatiron now at eye level. Continue across it’s flat summit to reach the proud overlook, and enjoy your hard-earned panorama over all of the Phoenix Valley.
The best way to tackle Siphon Draw is to camp in Lost Dutchman State Park. Beginning in the campground makes the hike a bit shorter, and makes it easier to start early and beat the heat. On all but the coolest winter days, it’s best to be safely returned from this sunny hike before midday. No water and very little shade can be found along the trail.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
The Flatiron is an iconic summit of the Superstition Mountains, located at the western bound of the range. It’s one of the craggy formations so prominent above Lost Dutchman State Park. From a distance the vertical cliffs seem impassable, but one weakness allows passage. That is Siphon Draw, a steep canyon of water-worn rock in the mountain’s west side.
Siphon Draw Trail begins in Lost Dutchman State Park. The first two miles are somewhat steep and rocky, climbing through open desert to a basin at the foot of the mountain, with the Flatiron looming overhead. A sign marks the entrance to the Superstition Wilderness and the end of the maintained trail. This is where the real climb begins.
If you feel tired or overheated at this point, or are low on water, turn around. The views from the basin are a reward all their own, and the rigorous canyon above is not worth putting yourself in danger. Only if you feel fit and prepared, proceed on the unmaintained trail up into Siphon Draw.
What follows is nearly 2,000 vertical feet of steep hiking and rock scrambling, practically straight up the narrow drainage to the top of the mountain. At times the surface is solid-rock bowls and gullies carved smoothly by water. In other places it’s loose rock or large boulders. Eventually you’ll exit the canyon and emerge at a saddle surrounded by rocky pinnacles, with the prow of the flatiron now at eye level. Continue across it’s flat summit to reach the proud overlook, and enjoy your hard-earned panorama over all of the Phoenix Valley.
The best way to tackle Siphon Draw is to camp in Lost Dutchman State Park. Beginning in the campground makes the hike a bit shorter, and makes it easier to start early and beat the heat. On all but the coolest winter days, it’s best to be safely returned from this sunny hike before midday. No water and very little shade can be found along the trail.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Route and Elevation
Segments
Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
---|---|---|---|
Parking Lot to Siphon Draw Summit | 2.62 mi | 2,549 ft | 18.3% |
Flatiron from Park Road | 2.61 mi | 2,566 ft | 18.6% |
Flatiron from Park Road and Back | 5.21 mi | 2,569 ft | 0.0% |
SD sign to SSW sign | 0.56 mi | 358 ft | 12.0% |
Siphon Draw | 1.22 mi | 1,066 ft | 14.8% |
Siphon Draw Jacobs Crosscut to top | 1.96 mi | 2,267 ft | 21.8% |
D665 Marker to top of Flat Iron | 1.72 mi | 2,457 ft | 26.9% |
SSW sign to Slippery Rock | 0.55 mi | 528 ft | 17.9% |
Slippery Rock | 0.14 mi | 318 ft | 42.7% |
Spires to Top of Flat Iron(2nd 1/2) | 0.78 mi | 1,191 ft | 27.8% |
Spires to Hang-a-Left Headwall | 0.37 mi | 643 ft | 31.9% |
Hang-a-Left Headwall Overlook to Top | 0.19 mi | 535 ft | 51.8% |
Top to Tip | 0.21 mi | 75 ft | 6.6% |
Flatiron to Park Road | 2.61 mi | -2,569 ft | -18.6% |
Flat Irorn Downhill | 2.14 mi | -2,510 ft | -21.3% |
Top of Flat Iron to Spires | 0.78 mi | -1,296 ft | -31.0% |
Siphon Draw Summit to Parking Lot | 2.62 mi | -2,536 ft | -18.2% |
Down from Siphon Draw | 1.22 mi | -1,060 ft | -14.9% |
SSW sign to SD sign | 0.56 mi | -364 ft | -12.2% |