Flatiron Trail Via Siphon Draw Trail – Lost Dutchman Park & Superstition Mountain

Before elaborating on this trail, we just want to inform our readers that this a very challenging and strenuous trail. Despite the difficulty of this trail however, it is SO WORTH IT and we would highly recommend it! It is immensely rewarding when it’s all said and done.

This was one of the most challenging hikes we’ve done but also one of the most rewarding. Simply put: this was an AMAZING hike and the view at the top was absolutely breathtaking! It is such an accomplishment when you reach the top and are able to experience the beautiful view of all of the Mesa/Phoenix valley/area and Sonoran desert. Trust us, it’s worth every minute!  Travel To The Next

General Information  

Flatiron Via Siphon Draw Trail is a 6.2 mile out and back trail located near Apache Junction, Arizona. This trail is inside the Lost Dutchman State Park, which is a part of the larger Superstition Wilderness. It features beautiful views, and due to the difficulty of this trail, is recommended for very experienced hikers and adventurers (although Maria wasn’t that experienced and still made it).

Before taking on the trail, make sure to drink and bring plenty of water with you. Blue and white markers on the rocks help with navigating. When in doubt on your way up the trail, “stay left.” This a good advice that we received from those who have already hiked this trail or were on their way down. Part of what motivated us to carry on during rock scrambling and sliding was the fact that we read a review of this trail where someone met an 86 year old man who had already done this trail over 60 times!!!

The Trail 

In a nutshell, this was one of the most challenging hikes we’ve done but also one of the most rewarding.

We started at around 8:30 am and finished around 2:30 pm. However, we stopped a lot and went down relatively slow. If we didn’t stop at all, we could have finished this about 4-4.5 hours. Either way, plan to spend that much time on the entire trail. Even the most fit and adventurous hikers will get a run for their money on this hike (you will definitely use all four limbs!) There is a wide array of terrain and obstacles such as twisty paths, bouldering paths and basins. We experienced shade in the morning but it will get awfully hot and sweaty in the afternoon.

There is an elevation gain of 2,933 feet and there is lots of loose gravel scrambling and slipping on rocks. The hike is generally pretty steep except for the last few yards, which consists of an easy 5 minute cakewalk to the best views of the valley.  The last challenge on the way is a 12 foot wall that you will have to climb right before you get to the top and onto the Iron. There’s a helpful tree on the left side and most people use the thick brand to grab and pull themselves up to get good footing. We recommend a water/rest break before doing this arduous “white rock climb” which again, has a pretty steep ascent. It’s easy to lose balance so be careful and take it slow.

At the top, enjoy the beautiful views! While there, you’ll notice small chipmunks and rodents. Don’t feed the rodents as they will get closer and continue to try to steal snacks from your sides.

On the way down, be prepared to be on your butt a few times! Maria had to do this quite a lot to feel safe coming down.

Simply put: this was an AMAZING hike and the view at the top was absolutely breathtaking! It is such an accomplishment when you reach the top and are able to experience the beautiful view of all of the Mesa/Phoenix valley/area and Sonoran desert. Trust us, it’s worth every minute!

Quick Recommendations/Tips

-Plan to spend anywhere from 4-7 hours doing the entire trail out and back (less time however if you’re really experienced)

-Make sure to drink and bring plenty of water (around 4 liters), trail mix and electrolytes with you

-Bring food! With such a difficult ascent, spotty footing is needed. Make sure to refuel on your way back down

-“Stay left” when in doubt. The blue and white markers on the rocks help with navigating

-Bring gloves to help you when climbing and scaling rocks

-Wear your best hiking shoes or boots (this trail is far too intense and rugged for running shoes)

-Watch for rattlesnakes! We didn’t see any but the locals warned us about this

–Wear long pants as your legs can easily get scrapped as you meander the rocks going up