The Flatiron

This hike is definitely not for the faint of heart! Approximately 5 to 6 mi round trip (depending on your tracker), this hike starts off fairly easy with a gentle incline and finishes with about a mile of rock scramble and climbing. Some portions were large rocks similar to uneven steps, other portions were smooth, slick rocks with loose gravel that required you to pay attention to footing and hand holds. In some reviews you will see people recommending gloves, and I would agree. They will definitely aid in your comfort and safety. I did this hike in January, and there were portions of the hike. I wanted gloves just because the rocks were cold. The climb to the top is absolutely worth it, and there is plenty of space at the peak to have a nice lunch and rest. I would plan on bringing at least a liter of water per person, and some snacks to enjoy at the top. I do not recommend climbing this when it is wet or had recently rained, as there are portions that could become extremely slippery and dangerous.

This was one of my most difficult hikes yet, and the most rewarding st the end. The trail is somewhat easy to get lost on midway into the hike, but it's a pretty decent hike with an amazing view of the valley at the very peak.

Flatiron is a tough and absolutely stunning hike. It is appropriately rated as difficult. It took us just 5 hours round trip with stopping at the top for lunch. Proper shoes are a must. It is pretty much all rock from loose ones on the ground to big ones that you have to scramble up and then back down.

This hike is NOT for the inexperienced. It is a long hike (around 5:30-6 hours) and 85% of it is rock climbing. It'll start easy, and then it'll get hard, harder, until it becomes basically a vertical rock climb. There is a portion at the end of the ascent that is actually vertical. The hike itself is 110% worth it though! Once you pass the vertical climb, the hike to the flatiron is a piece of cake. Once you get there, the views are absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day you can see all of Phoenix from it! Once you pass the vertical climb, there are two paths you can take. On your right is the path to the flatiron. On your left, though, is how you can get to peak 5024. This is a mostly unmarked trail, so you'll have to find your way up there. The view from up there is even better than the view from the flatiron, as it's almost a 360° view including the Superstitions and Phoenix. It's a little bit further, and you'll want to go with someone who's done it before, but it's worth it. If you're fit and feeling adventurous, this hike is worth it!!! before you do it though, please train for it 😂 it really is not an easy hike

Great hike as this was my 3rd time doing it. I brought my girlfriend with me who hasn't hiked in 10 years. This is an advanced hike and the best time to go is in Oct/Nov/Dec. These photos were taken the weekend of Oct. 22nd, 2023. Temps were warm but comfortable. Bring a minimum gallon of water and definitely have a pair of legitimate hiking shoes or boots. This terrain will make you sore everywhere especially your feet. Walking sticks are a plus if you have them. Lots of picture points but I would wait until you get to the top. There are also several other summits once you get to the top but wait until you get to the top, it's worth every picture. The main 2 are flat iron and the memorial for the 3 children that died in a plane crash several years ago. Directions be sure to use the location of the Lost Dutchman State Park as that is the main entrance. Be careful using Google maps as it will take you to several different entrances for hiking and driving in circles. The lost Dutchman State Park is where you go to hike Flat Iron...Enjoy!!!

Hiked this February 21st, 2024. Important notes: - This is not a hike. It's more of a rock climb (after the basin). - This is a wilderness area, this means the trails are intended to be unmarked. Think choose your own adventure. - The path up is a lot of big rocks, scrambles, and in general steap. - The trail up, after the saddle will try to veer you to the right...go left. I did not know this, went right and after some time you can no longer cut back to the left. And it was much more difficult and not defined (not that much of it really is). - The top can be windy. - Bring lots of water. In February it was already warm and since it is so strenuous, you will get winded and thirsty. - If you are afraid of heights, probable just try to make it to the Basin. - Took me about 2 hours and 45 mins to get to the top. And about the same to get down. Trail Overview: Park and walk a mile plus through fields. There is a big peaked rock that is somewhat an entrance to where it's slowly starts to Incline. Then from there to the Baisin it's easy going. Just rocky. The Basin is great. Really wide and much longer than I though. With a desert waterfall...it's a trickle. You head up the rest of the Basin and over the saddle. This hump is where the trail starts to get really hard. From this point on, it's up, and to the left. There is a section where you get close to the left wall, and that's how you know you are on the "easier" trail. Mind you, I accidently went right before this. The trail to the top is long, slow, and steep. It will take wayyyyy more time than you need. And I saw a lot of people wearing gloves. The top has great views, very wide and open on the main part. Make sure you get a good rest before you head down!

Awesome hike that will remind you that you're out of shape. At least it did for me. A friend and I climbed to the top where we had lunch before heading back down. I'd recommend packing light and bringing plenty of water. The hike starts off nice and easy but after the "waterfall" it gets significantly harder with some portions going straight up. At one point we weren't sure if we were still on a trail but at the end of the day we made it. Overall I'd recommend this hike at least once in your life as the views are significant and unforgettable!

Had a great hike, is somewhat challenging at spots. Sadly didn't make it all the way to the top, left too late at 2 o'clock, sunset at 530. Bring lots of water. Amazing views though. Will be going again for sure and hopefully making it to the top🤘

August in Arizona is hot! You have to get up earlier than we did to get any type of walk in. It's a beautiful spot and I would visit again. Plenty of plant and animal life despite the arid conditions.

First time making it out to this trailhead and it was slightly confusing at first after pulling in, paying the $10 fee, and attempting to navigate through the parking lot. Ironically, I was able to get in on a Sunday early morning (early bird catches the worm, right?) Trails aren't labeled that great so it's a matter of using the map they can provide you at the gate or using your hiking apps like Strava. Beautiful and stunning views with a decent workout.

A challenging hike not for the faint of heart. Bring lots of water and snacks as it is a 4-5 hour hike.

One of the most challenging, but fulfilling hikes I've done! Absolutely gorgeous views up top but this is for the experienced hikers! Bring lots of water & all your safety gear for hiking! Thanks me later! Get there early & be safe!

One of the most enjoyable hikes in the valley. It's challenging with phenomenal views. Takes a good 3 to 4 hours. Bring plenty of water and leave time to chill when you reach the top. I am looking forward to returning.

Best Phoenix Hike I've found. Start at 6am, it was incredible watching the sun rise. Not nearly as challenging as I expected, but it's all relative to the shape you're in. Up took 1hr 15 min. I spent about 35-40min at the top, and the total round trip with the top rest was 3:10 (6.78 miles). It's similar to Camelback but longer, maybe 2x Camelback. The way down was not challenging like I expected given how steep it looks. Shorts are fine and preferably hiking shoes with grip. Bring a good amount of water, BRING GLOVES!!

Not easy, but super scenic and a good workout. First part of trail is east. Loose stone and gravel. Then as you ascend you will come to a big bowl area before you climb up what looks like a rock slide. Very slippery, wear good traction footwear. From there it is straight up. I would not recommend for children or dogs, although I did see both. Some people turned around at the slide. Gorgeous views.

When visiting Phoenix, hiking the siphon draw trail should be on your priority list. Located in the Lost Dutchman State Park this scenic trail makes for epic pictures and sweaty shirts.. It's not an easy hike and it can be crowded with other hikers, but driving out this way makes for a memorable day adventure. The hike is around 6 miles total (there and back) and it was mostly a grinding uphill trek to the top. Lots of slippery gravel in some places so wear hiking shoes. Be prepared to put in at least 5+ hours. Even if you dont think that you can finish the hike, it's still worth the attempt. $10 to park on weekends. Must see in the immediate area: - Goldfield Ghost Town (free entrance) - Driving the Apache Road (The full road is closed but it's still worth the drive to the lake and back)

Well if you are looking for a challenge, this is definitely it. My boyfriend has hiked this trail several times and forgot to mention to me how strenuous it is. This is NOT the trail for novice or beginners. It took us about 4 hours each way. I definitely was worried about losing my balance and falling. Once you make it to the top, the views are breathtaking. The best part of this adventure for me was having the guidance and encouragement of not only my boyfriend but complete strangers who helped me get through it! Be sure to bring plenty of fuel and water and start early. I am told avid hikers can do this between 2-3 hours one way... 6 total hours!

This is a review for the hike up to Flatiron. I arrived to the park at 6AM, which is when the sun begins to rise. I passed by the pay station, which was closed (but there was a note on my car by the ranger who stopped by at 8:30AM that told me to go pay the $7 day pass immediately when I came back to my car after my hike). PHASE 1 I parked at the parking lot next to the Siphon Draw trailhead, which is after the Saguaro Parking lot that has the male & female bathrooms. But don't fret, because once you start walking on the trail, you come to a cross roads where you turn left to go to Superstition Mountain. However, up ahead, there's a bathroom with stalls and sinks and everything for the campers. So, I used the restroom and then came back to continue on my hike. It took about 30min to use the bathroom and then hike to the base of the mountain. It's pretty flat, albeit rocky. I could feel all the little rocks that I stepped on, which would aggravate my feet when I came back down. PHASE 2 After the flat portion of the hike, it starts to get rockier and you're progressively going uphill. The trail is a straight line to the top. Make note of this! Don't go left and right. I was hiking alone, so it made it difficult to know which way to go. But the trail mainly consists of white rocks, fairly roomy path, and the occasional wooden step. At this point, if you're on a dirt path ever, you're going the wrong way! PHASE 3 So now you come to the part literally everyone hiking the Siphon trail instagrams. And it looks even more cool in person, but also more daunting too. However, follow the line in the smooth rock traveling upward. When in doubt, try to look for blue and white dots. After you reach the top, keep on going straight. The path will actually dip downwards! But you're going the right way! PHASE 4 Keep on looking for white and blue dots. A lot of reviewers said, if ever in doubt stick to the left and I found this to be true. You will eventually make it to the top. Grab on to the tree next to the rocks, it'll make it a lot easier. PHASE 5 Now that you're at the top of the mountain, to the left you can see the plane memorial for those who passed. To the right, you see flatiron. I also walked straight ahead, which is more like a dirt path marked with intentionally stacked rocks. This leads to a firepit and more views of the other mountain tops. I walked around the top of the mountain for about 45min and then I went back down. Tips: 1. Bring a snack 2. If you have gloves, might be nice to bring 3. Shoes with good grip 4. If you hike when the sun is coming up, you're facing the sun. Just something to note Otherwise, the trail is quite doable and fun to do! It took me about 1.5 hrs to get to the top of flatiron. I wondered around for an hr. I came back down and reached the parking lot in 1.5hrs.

Super fun hike! I came here on a Wednesday morning, getting to the parking lot around 10AM. I started the hike and it was flat and hot for a while, and then it got interesting as it went into the actual mountain. There's a lot of scrambling and path-finding as the path isn't always clear, but thankfully there were always people ahead of me or coming down so I had a bit of a guide there. There weren't too many people at the top when I got there although I passed quite a few on the way up as well as when I was going back down. The views were pretty great, and I really enjoyed the hike in general! A bit rocky and hard on the knees though, that's for sure. Took about 2 hours to get up and 1.5 hours to get back down, definitely recommend it!

We did siphon trail but did not go all the way up to flat iron due to time constraints. Once you hit the base of the mountain range it is such a beautiful and unique hike with lots of different sections. The part we did was very manageable (I heard the last mile is the hard part). Gorgeous views all the way up. Hoping to come back to do the whole thing eventually.

Have I not learned a lesson from the Flagstaff Extreme yet? That was my thought when someone pulled me up and two other people pushed me up to climb up the 12 feet boulder near the top. I am not strong enough pull myself up when I am tired. Coming back down later at the same spot, I wished my legs were longer... Driving to the flatiron, when I started seeing the mountain, I was intimidated by the shape and height of this mountain. I was told we will take a little over 2 hours to the top and kept thinking how am I supposed to do that in 2 hours? This hike ended up being really fun and I enjoyed climbing rocks. Looking up, each area where I had to climb with both hands on the rocks, I kept thinking how I was supposed to be able to do that? Well I did. I was actually surprised how I was able to climb rocks like I did. Some of the part we climbed wasn't necessary if we went left. One person went right, and 10 others followed and we ended up climbing steep area. Blue dot where it supposed to help you stay on the track was difficult to spot. Some parts are really slippery. I used ski technics, going zig zag slowly so I don't slip and fall. Good hiking shoes were helpful. Gloves helped me firmly grips some sharp rocks both going up and down. I think about 80% of hikers had gloves on the day we visited. Took us 2 hours and 15 mins to the top. Felt really great to be at the top. I enjoyed beautiful rock formation while I ate my snacks at the top. Overall trip was 5 hours and from the parking lot and back was 8.5 miles. I had energy left to run the very end of the trail close to the parking. When I compare this hike to the Humphrey's peak, my knees felt so weak it was difficult to take one step after the Humphrey. I wouldn't say it was easier here but slightly being less distance and being lower altitude here, I had plenty of energy left after I was done hiking/climbing the flatiron. I consumed about 2.0l of water during my hike in November. I took 4.0l of water with me just in case. I ate one protein bar, one banana and a few piece of beef jerky. I ended up taking most of the food home. Everyone's fitness level is different. Some may need more or less. I always like to be prepared. I saw one person really hurt. I saw him climbing earlier in the morning and thought he wasn't ready but he pushed himself too much. I like to challenge a mountain but if a mountain challenges me, I walk away. Mountains will always be there.

OMG. Talk about a challenge, left about 12:30 in the afternoon and barely made it back down to the vehicle by sunset. During the month of December my husband and I were looking for a hiking trail up in AZ. Superstition MT seemed like it would be a challenge------ we scrambled through rocks, we climbed, we sweat, we felt like stopping to take extra breaks, but overall we genuinely appreciated the amount that we put in to make it to the top! Worth it, give it a shot!

Dear diary, this is my video of the hike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6rK1pQeon8 Actual review to follow, when I feel like writing it

This is a long and strenuous but rewarding hike. The hike is 5.5 miles out and back. Bring lots of water and snacks. Expect it to take roughly 5 hours.

The hike to Flat Iron, which is a plateau more than a summit, is now officially my favorite hike just outside of the Valley. The drive to the Superstitions is well worth the gorgeous views and unique variety of terrain. After reading numerous reviews, I would be lying if I said I wasn't intimidated by this trail's reputation for being one of the toughest. My friend and I just did our first full marathon a few weekends ago, so we are still not supposed to be bouncing on our feet everywhere, but stubbornness always presides over common sense and this morning, we planned to do the hike no matter what! So it turns out, I expected the worst and the hike wasn't as tough as I envisioned. 1) Going early, like 6am early, helped greatly. The canyon was windy and shaded as we started, and being mid March, the temp at the beginning was mid 60 degrees. 2) I wore my 2L water backpack. I rarely sipped until it got warmer during the descent but at least I was ready and didn't have to hand carry a water bottle. Sadly, some peeps left empty water bottles between rocks because they didn't want to struggle carrying them. It's tough having something in your hand (camera, bottle, poles) when you are scrambling up a mountain. 3) I brought energy GUs. I had a couple protein bars too with me. All that vertical climbing wears on you - headaches form from being dehydrated and improperly fueled. 4) Take your time and make sure you spot the blue (or white dots/arrows) before ascending. If the rocks are way too slippery, as though you're causing numerous avalanches, chances are you missed the right route and must waste time going back to the "suggested" way. Trust me, I'm impatient. I learned this the hard way! On a side note, there's blue dots on the way down too! 5) I'm a dog lover, owning 2 labs myself, but did not bring them. It is a bit too challenging for them after you pass the basin of Siphon Draw. You won't enjoy the hike as much if you bring them because you will be worrying about them - if they're going to get heat exhaustion, if they'll get injured, if they have enough water, if they get in the way of people.. You catch my drift... Overall, I loved the challenge of this hike and the rewarding journey (not just the finale)! I'm definitely returning again! At approximately 5-6 miles round trip to Flat Iron and back, you get a nice little adventure. Just don't forget to have $7 cash (exactly) if you plan to go early like we did, because sometimes the pay station won't be open yet and you have to self pay.

This is by far my favorite hike in the Phoenix valley area. The trail is challenging, but doable for anyone that puts forth the time and effort. I assure you that the rewards at the top are well worth it. It costs $20 to enter the Lost Dutchman state park where the trailhead is located, so come prepared for that. From the trailhead the incline starts gradually and increases until you get to the 'saddle.' The last section up to this point is flat rock, which can get slippery, so I recommend good hiking shoes that have a nice grip. From the saddle, you are about halfway, and you have a brief respite before the really challenging part starts. There's another ~1000 feet of elevation gain over a very short horizontal distance, requiring a fair amount of scrambling. The final obstacle is a 12 foot almost vertical wall you have to climb over. It's not as intimidating as it sounds, but you would do well to hike with a friend to help you navigate the foot/hand holds if you're at all nervous. Upon reaching the summit, you are treated to some of the best views in the valley. You can see CamelBack mountain as a tiny bump in the distance and have amazing views of Four Peaks to the northeast. Such a great opportunity to contemplate life and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Due to its somewhat distant location to the rest of the valley and its $20 entrance fee, the trail is never too crowded and is all the better for it. You can go at whatever pace you like and still get a great workout. Bring plenty of water (at least two liters). Also, if you're starting in the late afternoon, make sure you bring a headlamp in case you need it coming down. I consider myself a fairly experienced hiker and the fastest I've summitted was 1hr 40min. Don't spend any more time reading about it here, check out this fantastic Phoenix gem for yourself! There's nothing else like it in the valley!

This is one of the greatest hikes I have been on. I am not a experienced hiker but had no troubles getting to the top. Impressive views such an accomplishment reaching the summit if you live in Arizona or visiting and would like to go on a hike "NOT IN THE SUMMER TIME" I would definitely suggest this one. Bring a lot of water with you I went through 3 liters.

We began our adventure at 6:00am on Saturday morning. Parking is $7 and finding the trail head was very easy. As we passed by the Welcome gate we were in awe of beautiful lush mountains and scenery that looked quite jungle like. I said to my friends, "Wow - wouldn't it be amazing if we get to that canyon and it's like a different world! With monkey's jumping around and herbivorous pterodactyl's soaring through the air, colorful exotic birds and flowers that fill the air with a beautiful sweet scent as you ascend the mountain!?" Well, they thought I was crazy and my imagination definitely didn't come to fruition - there were no exotic creatures or wildlife, BUT there was moss and plenty of Gnats! Making my first recommendation: bug spray! We were covered in gnats the entire trip so save yourself 5-6 hours of aggravation and get some. Immediately after starting we were at a consistent incline. It was then that I could tell this wasn't going to be an easy feat, especially when you look AT Flat Iron and see just how far you have to go! 4,800 feet... Straight up! Yikes! Alas, we dug deep and just took it one step at a time. We got off trail a time or two - following the white dots isn't as easy as it seems because they blend in. "I see a white dot! Oh, wait, no... that's bird poop." My best advice would be that it seemed you ought to stay to the left most times it looks like the trail splits, but that's just me. Be careful! Of course, bring water. And plenty of it! I'm 5'1", 120lbs and went through 68 ounces like it was nothing! Also, bring some wet wipes (and Ziploc baggies for the trash) if you need to do your business. My second recommendation: take gloves! I can't stress this enough. I used some old gardening gloves I had that had a little bit of grip and they worked great. We were basically mountain goats the majority of this hike so I don't know how I would have managed without. Especially, when it came to the dreaded "10 foot wall," which is actually not daunting at all and upon arrival had us all on an anticlimactic revelation as we realized the wall of terror we heard so much about was not a big feat, but in actuality had us all cawing "that's it?!?" Lame. Albeit the hike wasn't the Avatar inspired vision I had it was still gorgeous! The views throughout are awesome and climbing rocks is really fun! The view(s) at the top are even more breathtaking! There's no bar, which was disappointing, but it looks like a landscaped garden and has trees that look like something out of the Lorax. You know no one is hiking up there to trim bushes so it's awesome seeing how pretty "untouched" nature is! Some other little tips from my experience: 1. Clip your toenails short so your toes don't get sore when going downhill. You can even buy toe pads that ballerina's use for extra cushion. 2. Don't wear cotton, especially socks. I got a major blister on the ball of my right foot. 3. Eat breakfast and bring snacks for energy. When we first started I kept whining, "I don't wanna!", but I had a Power Bar and 30 minutes later I was PUMPED! 4. Watch out for critters! On our way up a girl asked us if we saw a rattlesnake that apparently was just hanging out near the trail. No thanks! 5. Zig-zagging downhill helps tremendously instead of trying to go straight down slippery rock. 6. Carb load the night before and get plenty of protein after for recovery. 7. Don't attempt this hike if you've never hiked before or are out of shape. Seriously. As mentioned before, we started this hike at 6am. Praise Jesus we were able to hike up the entire mountain in the shade, however, our descent wasn't so enjoyable. By that time (10am or so) the sun was beating down and it was pretty draining. I lathered up with some much needed sunscreen and had to sing my complaints out loud to keep myself from going crazy at how monotonous it was. If I were to do this hike again I would probably start at 5am. On our way down there was a guy in rough shape. He kept saying he didn't think he was going to make it. He was throwing up, crying, snot running down his nose - so be careful! Heat exhaustion and dehydration are NO joke. If you can't do Camelback or Piestewa with ease, you can't do this either. Overall, this hike took us 6 hours round trip from the parking lot, and covered around 7 miles. I do intermediate yoga at least twice a week and go to the gym so I would consider myself in decent shape; this mountain will kick your butt, but you will survive! Although, I have to admit, some extra inches would have come in handy. I got to a couple of big boulders and thought, "how in the hell are these little legs going to get up THAT!?" But I made like a monkey and made do! I for sure thought I was going to be in pain the day after, but in some magical way I wasn't sore AT ALL. How that's even possible? I honestly have no idea. Just get out there and do it! Flat Iron in all of its glory is waiting for you!

I read a lot of reviews before going on this hike and I'm going to just conclude the best of all of the tips in this review. Let's start with-I'm a fit 27 year old gal and workout at least 5 times per week. I love hiking but probably go only about 10 times in a year (so, not often.) I can make it up camelback in 45 minutes comfortably and mostly because who I'm with needs to take a few breaks along the way. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way here is my opinion and best tips! 1. This hike is worth the 3 hours it takes to get up because the view is incredible. 2. Go early. We left the car 8:15am and got back to the car at 1:15pm and by that time it was hot. 3. Bring sunscreen, lots of water (camelpack is ideal), snack for the top, hat, hiking gloves, and good hiking shoes. Many of the parts can be slick and you need good traction. Oh and a camera! 4. This is not for those who cannot do camelback comfortably. In distance and elevation it is literally going up camelback twice and coming down twice in one trip. It's tedious and you do a lot of scrambling up big boulders. You need steady legs to come down with. 5. Near the top there is a vertical rock before the "nature walk trail" to the summit. Go up the wall on the right, come down that same wall on the left using the sturdy tree! I am kind of afraid of heights and this was valuable info! We also camped at the campground. We were the only tent camping crew there. It was super clean, quiet, and open. It was the four seasons of camp grounds!

My favorite hike in the Valley! But trust, it will kick your you-know-what. You better come prepared for this behemoth. It's only a couple miles in total distance but that doesn't take into account the massively steep ascent to the top. The first part of the hike is a fairly gradual increase in elevation that makes you think it may not be that hard. Then you actually get to the point where you can see the flatiron and your mind changes lol. You will then meet some smooth rock that is actually easier to scale than you'd think. Once you've gone past the small waterfall and went over the slippery rocks, you have a long scrambling journey to the top. I recommend gloves especially in the winter due to the boulders getting hot by the sun. You may get second thoughts about completing the hike about halfway up. Don't. Give. Up. Continue to watch for spray-painted dots that mark the trail. Push through and you will be rewarded by one of the best views the Valley has to offer. Be sure to take a picnic up or at least some snacks because you'll definitely be hungry. If you still have any energy left, I recommend the short climb up to the mountain summit, which adds another 30 minutes to the journey. Overall, prepare to be gone about 4-5 hours. Get out there and enjoy!

Gangster little hike! The first mile or so was the toughest (in my yelpy opinion) traversing rocky trail and stepping over railroad ties. Once you get up to the basin, the terrain gets more like rock climbing and scrambling, but still easy enough for most. A little less than a mile after this, you get to the slick rock limestone where you have to scramble up toward the top heading to flat iron. Definitely leave early, especially if you insist on doing this in the heat of summer, like I did. Bad idea, by the way. We left about 745 and it was nice walking half of this in the shade. With a breeze it was beautiful. The way back down was much warmer, as the sun had come up over the top of the mountain. Bring lots of water. I had 3L in my water pack and probably used about 1/2 to 3/4 this time, just to keep hydrated. Wear good shoes. A hat or head wrap also helps when the sun comes up. And don't forget sunscreen! If you're tent camping, as we were, the $15 fee covers entrance to the park and all the hiking trails. Facilities are incredible. Clean and very well kept. Ritz Carlton of campgrounds! Love this place.

I've hiked quite a bit in AZ. Humphreys was the highest. Brown's Peak (4 Peaks) has the best views from the top, Sedona has the most scenic drive, but Flatiron is the most physically enjoyable. I prefer the scrambling rather than just walking up hills. I love this so much that I do it 4 times a week, every Wednesday, Friday, and a double on Sundays. Helpful info: 1. You need to be in good (not necessarily great) physical condition to get to the top. It's all a matter of pace. If you can climb one boulder, you can theoretically climb 1000 if you have enough supplies and time. There's a short class 3 scramble at the top, but you can take a class 2 detour to the left of it if you have heights issues. 2. People often ask me how long it will take. It's like asking how long will it take to run a marathon. This mountain shouldn't be a first ever hike for you. I suggest hiking Echo Canyon side of Camelback first. Multiply your time on that trail by 2.5 to 3 to get your Flatiron time. That's all assuming you stay on trail. As far as effort level, here's a rough estimate: If your 10K race pace is 6 min or faster, this will feel like a 10 to 13 mile race. If your 10k pace is over 10 minutes, then this will feel like a marathon. 3. The trail is very easy to follow until you crest the basin. At that point, you'll see 3 distinct trails. Roughly 100 feet separate each trail. See diagram 1 below. All 3 will take you to the top, but if you take the left or middle trails, bring your machete and bushwacking skills. The right-most trail looks the most overgrown with trees at first, but that's the official trail, and is very well-kept throughout. It's mostly class 2 scrambling from here. 4. Diagram 2 shows the 2nd critical area where people tend to stray to the right. Go toward that tree and keep left. After passing this tree, follow ROUTE MARKERS! but if in doubt, stay left (before this point, better to keep right). 5. Route markers: First came the Blue spray paint that have since faded, and are too far apart to be very useful other than to give you peace of mind you're on trail. Look for newer white paint droplets that look like Seagull poop spaced 20-100 feet apart after the basin. Some are even grouped to form arrows. Always look for these, especially in wide open areas of trail. 6. Go to hikearizona's website on your smartphone and look up this hike. Download the official route. It'll prompt you to download their mobile RS app. This is a GPS route map that will guide you through the trail. It's a must-have for any novice hiker, so you can quickly see if you're going off trail or not. Load the route BEFORE starting your hike while you have reception. 7. If you have to push bushes out of your way, then you need to back track and find the trail before continuing up any longer. The further you climb off trail, the harder it will be to get back onto the right trail. 8. Bring 26oz of fluids per hour for the ascent under 85 degrees. Double that for 100 degrees. The trail faces west, so most of the climb is shaded from the sun. In summer, If you've used 70% of your fluids and you're still climbing, then it's time to descend. 9. Flatiron is not the top. The summit of Siphon Draw trail is several hundred fee higher. Instead of turning right at the top to go to flat iron, go straight/left and keep climbing. Just keep heading up and look for the cairns wherever there are any intersections. It's a much better view from the summit than from flat iron. 10. Leave your dog at home, or at least turn around at the top of the basin. Don't take your dog to the flat iron. Some boulders are too tall to climb, forcing people to carry dogs in unsafe ways. I've seen lots of bloody paws from the jagged rocks. Dogs also can't cool off like humans. Imagine wearing a plastic bag with a fur coat over it and try to hike with that. 11. Kids. If your kids can hike Echo Canyon, they can theoretically hike Siphon Draw, but ask yourself this: After your kids finish Echo Canyon, will they want to turn around and hike back up and down? And after they've done a double, will they want to do it one more time for a triple? If the answer is yes, then bring your kids on this adventure. If not, you'll have some miserable kids with you 2/3 of the way up, and all the way down. Reviewer "Bao" said a Camelback double is harder. It's all about pace. You can attack Camelback faster because it's easier terrain, achieving higher heart rate. Echo can be done without hands, but a 2-arm amputee cannot physically climb to flatiron alone. If Bao brought his Flatiron time down to 2hr instead of 3hr, he won't say 2x Camelback is harder.

Super fun, with breathtaking views! Short but steep! Bring lots of water and sunscreen! This is a fun hike for the whole family

Its $ 7 per car to enter the park & the hike is 7 miles roundtrip , very demanding hike. Hiking shoe is a must and preferably starting earl would best as it takes 5 -6 hours to complete the hike. A must do for the hikers & the view from summit is worth the effort.

My pictures show our 5-year-old climbing to the top, but don't let that fool you. This mountain is not appropriate for most kids. Don't bring kids unless you're experienced on this mountain and you know for sure you won't get lost. There are very few hikers on this trail, and even the ones you see are probably hiking it for the first time, so don't assume they're on trail. If you don't follow the not-so-obvious route markers after the basin, you have very little chance of staying on trail. See Ocean's review. Once you get to Flatiron, you have a 180 degree view below, but for a 360 panoramic, you'll need to keep climbing to the summit (Peak 5024). The trek to the summit is a very different experience. The rocks are bigger, the foliage thicker, but the scenery much, much better. You'll get to see the giant hoodoos up-close. The view of Four Peaks is stunning, especially when it's snow capped. Weaver's Needle, and the rest of the Tonto National Forest and Superstition Wilderness just opens right up from the summit. Don't wear old sneakers. You'll slip. A lot. Hiking shoes recommended, but if you don't have those, wear new shoes with lots of tread left. Hike time = Echo Canyon time x 3

Flatiron Mesa is one of my favorite hikes in the Phoenix area. Like other reviewers have stated, once you've gotten used to Squaw and Camelback, give this one a try. It'll kick your ass. It's about a 2600' climb in elevation, so you're doing more like 2.5 Camelbacks. You'll be scrambling over boulders most of the way up since there really aren't switchbacks. I'd say give yourself about 5 hours to go up and down. It's inside Lost Dutchman State Park so you will need to pay an entry fee. My one recommendation besides the obvious ones (being fit, pack food and water) is to bring some light gloves. Since you're climbing up and down on all those boulders your hands will probably get a little scratched up. Don't feed the wildlife.

Hard! Not for the faint of heart. Start early. Take more water thank you think you will need. Make sure you have enough nutrition options. Well worth it. Don't be stupid tho. It is difficult

I have one word for Flatiron Mountain: KILLER (but in a good way if you like to hike) Flatiron Mountain is about an hour out of Phoenix by Mesa. I had heard about this place from a long-time friend who told me it was hard. Naturally, I didn't believe him. I assumed he thought I was wimpy or something. Little did I know he was right and my legs would hate me for three days after climbing the thing. So here's the scoop in case you want to try it yourself -- because you know, misery loves company and right now I'm needing the company. The Siphon Draw Trail at Flatiron starts at Lost Dutchman State Park and it is 6 miles long - which sounds like nothing until you actually do it. This is because, the higher you climb, the harder it gets - and my friend and I also went when it was 106 degrees. Yes, it was hot. Way too hot to be climbing a mountain, but whatever. If you go, at first you are going to think I'm a wuss because the first mile of the trail is easy. It's well-maintained and marked. But keep going. The farther you walk up the trail, the more rugged the path gets. Soon the dirt path disappears and is replaced with small loose rocks and the higher you climb, the more narrow and rough the path gets. There are giant boulders to climb over and a large smooth stone basin which probably has water in it part of the year, but was completely dry when we went in September. From there, the trail (if you could call it that), leads towards Flatiron, which is the flat plateau on the top of the Superstition Mountain. I was considering to do this mountain alone, but was glad I went with a friend. The path is kind of marked (you have to look for spray painted marks on the boulders), but even with that, we got lost and made up our own route for part of the way. Then there's the climbing. This is what was challenging for me. I've hiked, but never actually had to climb and pull myself over giant rocks before. Of course, I'm wearing normal sneakers and not hiking shoes as I had no idea the climb would be so intense. In fact the mile between the smooth rock area and the top is over 1,500 feet in elevation. And then just when you think you're done and can see the top, there is a 12-foot vertical rock wall. I admit, I didn't get that far. I had to wimp out about 10 minutes before reaching the top. This is because just before giant vertical wall was a slightly smaller (yet, still too big for me) boulder area and I couldn't pull myself over it. Yes, the mountain defeated me and if they hidden cameras in the area, I would totally be on the blooper reel as I am not a graceful climber. I'm more like the people on that show "Wipe Out" with arms flailing everywhere and hanging on any which way possible. But what I really needed to make it to the top was two people: One to pull my arms and someone behind me to push my butt up from behind -- or maybe catch me as I slid back down. My friend (who went on ahead) tells me that if I would have been able to scale the 12-foot rock wall, I would have been at the top of the mountain. Sigh...so close, but not close enough. I don't have any regrets though. I was exhausted just getting to where I got to, and going down was just as hard as going up. You see, going up you can use your hands to claw and clutch your way up, but going down, there is no clutching. There is only scary sliding down on your butt and hoping your feet find a little hook in the rock to stop you. I swear, I crab-crawled my way down the mountain and was glad I had my biking gloves with me or else my hands would have been shredded. So will I do it again? Yes. But here's what I would do differently: -- Bring more water -- Start earlier and not at 11 a.m. when it's super hot -- Do more upper body training so I can make it over the rock wall

Flatiron hike DONE! Took off this past Saturday morning at 0425. Started our hike at 0515, 2.5 hours to hit the summit (lots of small breaks). Ate and rested on Flatiron. Headed down at 0815 and got to the car in under two hours, counting one long break in the shadow of the canyon walls at Siphon Draw. You need 1) realistic assessment of your ability, 2) good knobby shoes/boots with some support, 3) water & snacks, 4) if you've never done Flatiron before, a hiking buddy, 5) WATER, 6) determination.

I love this trail! You get to climb to the very top of some of the tallest mountains in the Phoenix metro area! These mountains are so high up that they'll get a light dusting of snow every winter, sometimes lasting as long as 2 weeks. This place is for sure a challenge. I would recommend it for those who have mastered the Camelbacks and Piestewa Peaks and are ready for a new challenge. Here are a few reasons why I love this trail: 1. Elevation. The change is so dramatic that you'll enter different habitats along the way. From low lying shrubs and cacti at the bottom to larger trees and plants towards the top. Then on the very top (the Flatiron) you'll see what kind of plans survive on the windswept plateau. 2. Challenge I would say climbing this mountain is a feat. This mountain rises high above our deserts and everytime you look East and see this, you'll known that you stood atop the Superstition at one point in time. 3. Views From the top on a clear day you can see all the way over to the White Tank Mountains (those mountains by the west side you pass going to Cali) and looking behind you, you can see the Superstition Mountain range and beyond to the Pinal Mountains and Four Peaks. 4. Serenity If you're turned off city hiking due to crowded trails or too little parking, you'll enjoy the experience here. At least on weekends you won't be alone on this hike, but groups are much more spaced out and there is a ton of parking. You can even camp here if you wold like. I always feel like there is just enough people so you don't have to worry about people not finding your body but not too much where they get in the way. 5. Wildflowers Everybody in metro Phoenix should be out here after a good rainy season to see the flowers. This is along the Siphon Draw Trail, an easy flat walk though the park basically, but gives you some of the best wildflower views nature has to give. (SEE MY PHOTOS!) Protips: Bring plenty of water. My camelback is not enough for this place, I have to bring extra bottles! Bring a snack or sandwich to eat on top. Start early. Hella early to avoid major heat and to get done at a decent time. 6:00 am is a good time to start, just calculate the time it takes to drive here!

I did this hike yesterday and my body is aching today, but it was so worth it! We started out about 6 am and finished up around 11:30 (we would've finished sooner, but we got a little lost on the way back). Lucky for us, we picked the perfect day to do this hike when the sky was overcast bc there is virtually no shade on most of this hike. What I like about this hike is that a large portion of it is really just rock climbing, so you get a chance to give your arms a work out. This also means you should probably bring gloves, bc some of the rocks are rough. My boyfriend cut his finger on a rock :-( I'm not an expert rock climber by any means, and a few places were a little "scary" bc there weren't super easy hand or foot holds to find. So if you are afraid of heights, take that into consideration. The views on the way up are amazing, and we were blessed with a beautiful rainbow as we were going up! On the way down my legs were so tired they were literally shaking with each step I took. Make sure you wear some good quality shoes. I wore my nice hiking boots, but by the end parts of my feet were really hurting from all the downhills you do on your way back. Make sure you wear shoes where your foot isn't slipping forward and jamming your toes against the front of the shoe, bc you're going to be in lots of pain about halfway down the trail.

I have hiked many trails in Arizona and this is at the top of my favorites list. I went with a few co workers of all skill levels. It took us an average a 4 and a half hours round trip. The scenery and terrain constantly changes. I would recommend this hike for anyone. However, not sure everyone can make it all the way due to the tougher rock climbing area at the very top.

Amazing trail, one of the most difficult hikes I've experienced in Arizona so far only due to the last stretch that was the closest to rock climbing I have ever been. Suggestions would be good hiking shoes with good grip, longer pants that cover legs so you don't get scratched up by the brush and gloves to help your grip towards the end of the hike! The view was incredible and also the people were very friendly, saw someone get evacuated out so keep in mind it is testing your skill, don't push yourself too hard if you feel unsafe! But so worth it :)

Definitely one of the toughest hikes right outside of PHX. I would rate this one side by side with Camelback and I'll explain later. If you can do Camelback try x2! This is one of those great weekend hikes with friends. I would say it would take 5 hours total. If you aren't sure you can do this; don't do this! However, if you're a trail runner this should take at least 3 hours tops. Again, if you think you can do this; try to be positive and know you can! Okay I say it's equal to Camelback because I do trail running and going up and down Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail and back again is so much tougher! However, I would still recommend Flatiron just for the experience! - Enjoy!

My favorite hike in Arizona. Step for step, this is significantly harder than the Grand Canyon. You'll ascend from 2,100 feet to over 4,700 feet in just 2.5 miles. This is like doing Camelback 2.5 times for reference. Make sure to do this hike after checking the weather to see how hot it will be. Bring enough water, and know your level of fitness. It's already a gorgeous hike, but if you can hike it after a recent rain, you have a good shot at seeing a little stream coming down from the draw to the lower part of the trail. One tip: start your hike at the Mining Camp restaurant. You can find the trail around the back.

I thought this was just like any regular hike but man was I wrong this was extreme hiking/rock climbing just keep in mind it's a very long hike take plenty of water and snacks for you will need it for energy. I really enjoyed this hike and will be going back again even if I live in L.A.

This is an intense hike. I would recommend preparing for this by hiking at least once a week starting two months prior to this hike. It will take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours depending on your pacing, amount of breaks taken, and how much time you spend at the top. Some tips: Wear hiking gloves. You will be using your hands ALOT, and gloves will mean less pain for you. Wear shoes that have top notch grip. There are a large amount spots with slick, loose rock, and steep inclines. Be prepared for a little/novice climbing. Bring food like power bars. You will burn a lot of calories and will need the nourishment. Bring at least 3 liters of water per person. You will get thirsty!

I did the Flatiron hike for the first time on Feb 14th 2016. Boy was it tough! I have done Piestewa Peak summit trail several times and Camelback Chollo trail once. But Flatiron was by far the hardest I have done yet! It's like hiking the Piestewa peak summit trail 3 times over. It IS worth it! A very involved and fun trail with an AMAZING view waiting at the top. We got to see a Gila Monster pretty close to the trail! So keep an eye out for wildlife. We parked at Saguaro parking lot, it was not too hard to find a spot. It took us about 7 hours round trip from the parking lot, to the top of Flatiron and back. We did take a lot of breaks and my tracker said the round trip was about 10 miles. The trail it-self was pretty busy, and you kinda have to wait on other people to pass on some spots because the trail gets pretty narrow. I would not say it was hard to find and stay on the trail, but it is NOT clearly marked at all so you have to be careful to watch where you are going. My recommendation is to stay on the creek path that once used to be a river/waterfall. Hiking boots are a must, and they need to have a good grip and a sturdy bottom. There are several spots where you have to "rock climb" and crawl up with not much to grab onto, especially one spot at the top that's about 12-15 foot high. Some sort of gloves may be helpful. If the park rangers tie a rope here that would be awesome! Bring plenty of water and lots of snacks, I went through about 3L of water plus 2 bottles of Gatorade, an orange, a PB&J sandwich and couple of power bars. Go only as high as you can climb back down, if you spend all of your energy climbing up, you are stuck ;) Coming down is not an easy task either, lots of times i had to use my hands and sit and slide. Overall, the park is beautiful and the weather was perfect for the hike. Flowers are starting to bloom and there are some easier trails for nice walks. Enjoy and Be Safe!

Someone suggested we hike this and we were told it was a six hour hike but also heard it was six miles - but we didn't really research it so we just got in the car and followed the signs to Lost Dutchman which was a 40 minute drive from Scottsdale. Took a while to park but followed the signs and off we went. There were rules posted but none said no alcohol and somehow we managed to drink some beers so it was a fun day. I've hiked maybe 15 times and this was by far the toughest hike. Several climbs - a few narrow and difficult maneuvers - lots of shade (got to 39° at one point) - lots of sand and gravel so we all fell a few times - but not a lot of people traffic. Took us 3 hours to get up (had several breaks) - chilled up top for about 30 minutes - then got back down in 1.5 hours -- much easier going down surprisingly. The elevation gain was 2,748 so we got up to about 4,800ft and burned over 1,200 Cals. Saw several elderly people, some kids, and dogs - so while I thought it was a challenge, clearly anyone can do it. Honestly I would do it all over again but I would start earlier than 1pm to avoid the cold, being gloves, and a GoPro.

Wow!! I underestimated this hike despite reading the reviews. I didn't believe it was 6 hours considering I do 6 mile hikes in CA in 3/4 hours tops. It took us almost 7! But we did end up off trail for a while which was pretty scary. You are legit rock climbing almost the whole way up!!! I didn't account for that. Going down was scary.  I didn't listen about bringing food to eat at the top either and was pretty starving on the way down. Really wish I brought food! I also failed to wear sunblock and I might or might not resemble a tomato... however, most the trail was shaded by the mtn which I appreciated. One thing I'm glad I brought is my trekking poles, gloves and good traction shoes. Confident those poles saved my life several times going up and going down. The gravel can be very slippery and I put my weight on my pole. Gave my aunt the other to help her too. Let's talk about that final rock wall at the top you have to climb over. Ppl will tell you the middle is easier. I tried and failed. I went to the left and it was much easier for me. Everyone on this hike will say the left is the best place to go on the way up. I found that to be true. Ppl brought dogs although I read no dogs. I wouldn't! Unless you plan on picking your dog up over the tall boulders in some areas. I also was pretty sure one dog was gonna die with how fast it was breathing. I just don't recommend if you love your fur baby and don't want an expensive vet bill. Overall a cool hike with a great view. I'll be sore for days. Oh and most importantly, I drank 3 liters of water. Ran out a little before the end so an extra bottle would of been nice.

If Camelback and Squaw Peak have become routine for you, then Flatiron should be your next hike. It is basically like doing a double version of Camelback with significantly better vistas and scenery. It will take you about 45 to an hour to get here depending on where you are coming from in Phoenix. Also, you need to pay a $7 entrance fee. The hike itself can take anywhere from 3 and a half hours to over 5. It all depends on your pace and how long you lounge at the top. I'd say the first mile is pretty easy. You have to walk a bit to get to the start of the mountainous area. Your first big challenge comes at the waterfall. Its kind of sheer and very steep. I would recommend not looking up as you walk up. Go to the right and follow the old water line for the path of least resistance. Once you scale that, you go over a hump and begin the real climb. This next part takes you through some low hanging trees and a lot of the climb would be better if you use your hands. Take some breaks and watch as the flatiron looms closer and closer. Last big challenge is a 12 foot wall, but it actually is easier than it looks. It will get colder on the top, so prepare for that. Try for a day with highs in the 70s for the best hike.

One of the best hikes in Arizona! I have hiked many trails in Arizona and this is at the top of my favorites list. I went with a couple friends (who are also experienced hikers) and it took us an average a 4 and a half hours round trip. The scenery and terrain constantly changes. I would recommend this hike for anyone. Just be prepared that this is very strenuous and there is loose rocks so hiking shoes are a must and trekking poles are very helpful! This is the perfect hike for training for long hikes such as Humphrey's Peak and the Grand Canyon. However, not sure everyone can make it all the way due to the tougher rock climbing area at the very top. The views are spectacular all around at the top!

The morning of this hike, I went and bought hiking shoes and boy was that a good decision!! Some people on the trail that were wearing sneakers were looking over at my friend and I saying they wished they had real hiking shoes. Don't be this person! Come prepared, as this is quite a challenging hike. It can definitely be done even if you aren't in the very best shape but you will feel the pain for days after (especially in your thighs). However, being at the top is so rewarding and beautiful that it makes the journey up worth it. Like I said, bring the right shoes. It can be quite steep coming back down and hiking shoes really give you the necessary grip to be able to make it without kissing the ground. Being a girl, i brought gloves as it made it easier to grip onto the rocks going up and coming down as well (especially if you have a manicure or long nails). Gloves aren't a major necessity, though. Bring plenty of water (at least 2L) and snacks for energy, and I would recommend to not let your muscles cool down too much at the top or you will be suffering coming down. My legs were definitely shaking. When you make it to the rock wall that you have to climb, know this: that is the last step till you are at the very top, and if I could do it, you can do it. I really don't think it is that bad, if you can do Camelback, then you can climb this as well. Also, plan to spend most of your day on this with driving there and back (unless you go super early). At the bottom of the trail there are lots of picnic tables. I wish we had brought food for after the hike so we can eat while admiring the mountain we just conquered. If you want to challenge yourself and take your hiking to the next level: this is the place to do it! Good luck!

As a high altitude mountain climber I have made Flatiron one of my routine climbs. Its a short but sweet climb, i usually make the round trip in about 3.5 hours. If you like to be more isolated from all the people try going up to the real summit instead of the Flatiron, it takes a bit of a 15 minutes of scrambling around hoo-doos near the summit but you get a full 360 degree view of the valley, superstitions, Four peaks etc. Winter time is prime season for a climb such as this one, i went there during summer once and its fine as long as youre not in there in the middle of the day, be sure to always bring more than enough water. I bring at least 2L plus some high calorie snacks. IMPORTANT! Why pay to park at Lost Dutchman SP when you can park at the Mining Camp Restaurant for free?

Hiked this little baby and when I reached the top, I felt like I accomplished something. What a great feeling! Constant elevation change going up then scrambling over boulders~ lunch never tasted so good when sitting on top of Flat Iron. After lunch~ take the challenge and hike the additional 15 minutes and go all the way to the top! And don't forget to take in the breath taking scenery!!

Amazing hike, lots of boulder hopping up the mountain. This is a longer steeper hike and I would hesitate to bring kids on it. Also, it is easy to get lost at times. There is one difficult part in particular where it is like scaling a 45 degree slippery rock. Overall I think I'd recommend this trail, it was amazing at the top!!

Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike. It provides a great mix of unique scenery and physical exercise. The first mile or so, beginning in Lost Dutchman State Park, is relatively boring and easy, but it gets interesting when you approach the cliffs and begin to gain elevation. After the next half mile or so, which is decidedly less maintained than the beginning, you come up to a smooth basin known as Siphon Draw. This provides a nice shady area to rest, or if you're just looking for a nice stroll, a good turnaround point. Once you pass Siphon Draw, you're met with a seemingly vertical quarter mile scramble up to a small saddle. If you struggled to mightily to get up to this point, this could also serve as a good spot to turn around, as it only gets more difficult. The remaining half mile or so to the top of the plateau is a rocky climb that gets steeper and steeper as you go, with some minor climbing involved in a few spots, until you reach a 12 foot vertical wall at the edge of the plateau. Once you pass this barrier, you are atop the plateau, where you can either hike a relatively flat quarter mile to the edge of the cliff formation known as Flatiron, or hang a left and continue to the top of Superstition Mountain. The views from atop Superstition Mountain are phenomenal, with a 360 degree panorama of the Superstition Wilderness, Four Peaks, and the Phoenix area. It's a strenuous hike, with an elevation gain of almost 3,000 feet (most of which occurs in the last mile of hiking), but it's always a fun time. Bring enough water, and be careful not to slip or break your ankles on the way down. Note: Parking in Lost Dutchman State Park costs $5 per vehicle. Free parking is available a mile or so down the road at the First Water Trailhead, but you'll have to hike an extra mile or so each way.