The Flatiron

It has been a several years since my last visit to Phoenix, Arizona so I knew a trip to the Lost Dutchman State Park and a hike to Flatiron would be part of the agenda. I absolutely love this hike and I would rank it as one of my top 5 US day hikes.

Just a bit of a disclaimer… This hike is NOT easy. It is very strenuous with very steep inclines, including bouldering and no switchbacks. In other words it is straight up. In addition, the trail is not well marked and it can be difficult to follow at times. Finally, I don’t want to sound like Captain Obvious but this is the desert so expect it to be hot with very little shade.

If you allow the appropriate time, hike at a pace that best fits your skill level and drink plenty of water you should be successful and reach the top (it may just take a while). A general rule of thumb is to hike your own hike and if you need to turn around… then turn around.

Pets are allowed on the trail but I would not recommend not taking pets past the Basin Area. From this point there are several very steep boulder areas where most dogs will struggle and it could be dangerous if you attempt to carry them.

The Flatiron is part of the Superstition Mountains which is located in the Tonto National Forest. The Superstition Mountains are riddled with legends from the old west. The most famous is that of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. It is believed that Jacob Waltz discovered a gold mine in these mountains in the 19th century but kept its location secret and took that secret with him to the grave. Ever since the fable began, people have searched for the Dutchman’s gold but no one has ever found it. It is estimated that 8000 people per year look for the mine and some have even lost their lives looking. I would welcome such a discovery but on this day my goal is not gold but to summit Flatiron.

I arrived at the State Park around 9:30am and paid the $7 day use fee. After visiting the ranger station I followed the signs to the day use area near the Siphon Draw Trail. At the parking area you will find covered picnic tables, a nice restroom and potable water.

Siphon Draw to Flatiron is a 6.2 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 2,933′ (according to All Trails app). The trail starts at the Siphon Draw trailhead and meanders through the desert until it reaches the the base of the mountain. This section is not overly strenuous but has enough incline to get your heart pumping and legs tired, however the flowers, birds and the mountain views provide a great distraction.

Once you get to the base of the mountain you will notice that the trail increases in steepness and there is significantly larger rocks to maneuver around but it is also where we start to get your good first glimpses of Flatiron. As I look up at the majestic peak my brain speaks and says are you kidding me? Are you crazy? Do you really want to go all the way up there? That is a long way up! But as daunting as it looks the decision is still YES and I push on.

A little over half way up you will reach the Basin. The Basin is a large bowl shaped feature that appears to be one huge smooth rock. It is a unique feature and without proper footwear it can be difficult to cross. I usually take my first extended rest at this point, because there are several good places to sit and the mountains will provide some shade. It also serves as a good staging area to prepare for what lies ahead … pain, lots of pain LOL! The Basin is also a place where many folks decide to end their hike. There is no shame in this as the hike to the Basis is both strenuous and rewarding. If you are fearful of heights or the potential of falling this might be a good place to turn around.

As you get through the basin stay left (you will have a tendency to go right), however continue to go left and up and not left down and around. I have done this hike twice and both times I have stayed too far left and found myself off trail. However, with some minor bushwhacking it is easy to get back on trail. Failure to adjust your route could result in the exploration of a completely different canyon, which might not be that bad. One day I may explore that canyon to search for the Old Dutchman’s gold, but not today!

After the Basin the trail gets really steep, becoming nearly vertical with large boulders. This will continue for over a mile. There will be some climbing involved and it is in this section your legs will really start to feel weak. As a result, my pace slowed greatly and I took more frequent rests, but what’s the rush?

Just before reaching the top you will face your final obstacle. A rock wall with no ropes, chains, elevators or stairs forcing to climb free solo. The wall is probably only 10-12 feet high but when you are exhausted and standing at its base it seems ominous. I am sure there are several ways to scale the wall but I took a route on the right side of this picture then traversed over the flat rectangular rock which put me in a good position to go right up the center.

VICTORY I made it to the top! Once on top there is a short gradual hike to Flatiron.

There are so many awesome views during the climb. Make sure not to focus solely on the trail and reaching the summit but instead stop, rest and look at the beauty of the canyon. I need to remind myself often when hiking to slow down and don’t rush. Remember this might be the only opportunity in your entire life that you will see this view, this flower or that animal. So don’t waste it, appreciate it and soak it in.

Once on Flatiron the views are spectacular. It is definitely worth all the scrapes, pain and suffering to get there. I walked to the point of Flatiron, sat on the edge of the cliff and ate a snack. It is truly magnificent. From Flatiron you can see The City of Phoenix, Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, the Four Peaks Wilderness area and of course the Desert floor.

After spending an hour looking out across the desert, I hiked over to the airplane crash site. On November 23, 2011 a small plane carrying a family to see their dad for Thanksgiving crashed into the rock face pictured below. The crash killed all the passengers including three small children.

A plague has been placed on a boulder near the trail in memory of the victims and the first responders that climbed Flatiron to help. I was moved by the cute pictures of the kids.

After a moment of silence and reflection I decided it was time to head back down the mountain. I would like to say it is easier going down but that would be a big fat fib. In my youth I discovered many times that it is easier to climb up a tree than it is to get down. Well this was definitely the case on this hike. Due to the steepness of the trail and distance between boulders, I was often forced to sit on my fanny, slide down rocks and make several jumps endings a jarring thud. Let’s just say my 50ish year old joints were not thanking me.

The basin with its smooth surface was especially tricky and I took great care to not slip. In someways I found going down backwards was almost better. Could be an option to try.

Did I mention there were awesome flowers in bloom to help take the focus off my feet, toes, lungs, knees and ankles. LOL

Eventually the Black Jeep Liberty came into view and the hike was over. I was completely drained. So after a quick bite to eat I return to my hotel, showered and with a moan, groan, yelp and sigh slide into bed at 7:30pm. (LOL it was very still light outside). I was spent and Flatiron got the best of me.

For all my whining (ha ha) this is a great hike and I am glad that I did it again. I hope to return to the Lost Dutchman State Park Campground in the RV and take my time exploring more of these beautiful mountains. Who knows maybe with a little luck I will stumble across a secret gold mind hidden but Dutch miner. SHHHHH don’t tell.

If you enjoy beautiful flowers, birds, nature, hiking, panoramic views and a challenge this hike is perfect for you. One thing is for sure, you will Lose Track of Time exploring the Superstition Mountains and Flatiron!!

Hiking slow-LEE