Southwestern US

Hiking in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains – Siphon Draw Trail to the Flatiron 

Diana

Although ‘volcano’ and ‘Arizona’ aren’t two words that seem like they should go in the same sentence, in fact it’s a very appropriate combination. Most of central Arizona is volcanic in origin, including the Superstition Mountains, which formed about 20 million years ago when three supervolcanoes deposited a 1000 foot (305 m) thick layer of tuff on top of much older and harder rock. Later, pressure pushed the rocks upward more than 2000 feet (610 m).

In the years since, weather and water has eroded these layers to form this mountain range, including the jagged profile of Superstition Mountain that is visible today. One of the many spires is called The Flatiron due to its resemblance to a flatiron building. Despite its appearance from the west, though, it’s actually fairly flat on top and its summit can be reached without technical climbing – though lots of scrambling is required. This summit was our destination on Thanksgiving morning.

We began our hike at Lost Dutchman State Park, in the desert at the base of Superstition Mountain. The hike begins by walking through the campground, alternately on trails and roads; we kept thinking we were off route, but we weren’t.

Beyond the campground, the trail becomes much clearer as it leaves the state park and enters the Tonto National Forest and Superstition Wilderness. It’s initially a relatively flat hike, a nice easy warmup for the difficulty that lies ahead.

Superstition Mountain as seen from Siphon Draw Trail
If you go straight up from the top of my head… that’s The Flatiron!

As we approached the base of the mountain, we began to gain a bit of elevation and the trail grew rockier. In total, it was about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the start of the scrambling. From here, we had just 1.4 miles (2.3 km) to go but almost 2000 feet (610 m) of elevation left to gain. It was up up up with no reprieve.

Siphon Draw Trail

It was the fun kind of scrambling, though, so we actually really enjoyed it.

Well, mostly…

I’d read up on this hike prior to our trip, because once you exit the state park the trail is no longer maintained. The detailed account I read stressed the importance of staying left, so we did exactly that, taking the left route whenever it was an option.

Naturally, we ended up on the right, something we didn’t realize until we were already committed to this less-than-ideal route.

The good news is, the right route also gets you there. The bad news is, it’s comprised of slippery dirt and small rocks, with some thorny bushes – though fortunately not cacti – thrown in for good measure. I came home from the hike with souvenirs from our unintentional detour in the form of scratches on my legs and little poky twigs in my hair. 

On the way down, we located the correct trail and were able to determine where we’d gone wrong. In fact, Pat had even snapped a photo of me unknowingly leading us astray. It was here. The right side of this section looked easier, so I scrambled up that way and followed the only visible path at the top. I should have gone left near the top and followed a completely different path.

This was where we got off route. Don’t follow in my footsteps here. Stay left!

So… rather than just saying “stay left,” I’m going to amend this advice to say, once the landscape narrows, actively hug the left wall of the gully. Stay absolutely as close to it as you possibly can. It’s much easier, and also a lot more fun when you aren’t constantly worried about slipping and falling down a mountain. 

Views from the wrong trail

Nonetheless, we did make it up to the summit trail. From here, it’s just a quick walk out to the edge of the Flatiron summit.

Made it to the summit trail
Flatiron summit views!
Flatiron handstand

Many lists rank this as one of the best hikes in Arizona, and while I haven’t hiked enough in Arizona to make such a definitive statement, I can say with certainty that it was my favorite hike of our trip!

Down we go… on the correct trail this time
Back to flat ground… and feeling very accomplished!

Up next: our experience renting an electric car

The Important Stuff:

  • Getting there: follow signs to Lost Dutchman State Park, about 30-60 minutes east of Phoenix on AZ Highway 88 (the Apache Trail). Past the entrance station, stay right until you reach the parking area for Siphon Draw Trailhead. Park trails are open 6am to 8pm daily.

  • Fees and passes: There is a $10/car entry fee to Lost Dutchman State Park. No permits or passes are required in the Tonto National Forest or Superstition Wilderness portions of this hike.

  • Hiking: Roundtrip distance is 6.4 miles (10.3 km) with 3120 feet (950 m) of elevation gain, mostly as scrambling. This would not be a good hike for beginners or those with a fear of heights or exposure.

  • Where to stay: Given that the hike begins in the Lost Dutchman State Park campground, you could camp there for easy access. It’s also only about a 30-60 minute drive from the Phoenix metro area to the trailhead so this can easily be done as a day trip from there.

  • Other: STAY LEFT! Once you get to the scrambling portion, if there’s ever lower ground to your left, you’re on the wrong side. Also, there is no water source along this trail, so bring all you’ll need (which is probably more than you’d expect given the desert climate).

Published by Diana

Hiking, road-tripping, and handstanding my way around the US (currently) and the world (hopefully in the not-so-distant post-COVID future… if such a thing exists)

36 thoughts on “Hiking in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains – Siphon Draw Trail to the Flatiron ”

  5. Ive been vy these mountains twice but have never hiked through them. My first visit was right before a wedding and the second it was just too hot. I loved following along on your hike. The views from the top are amazing!

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  6. I like the name of these mountains! The rock scrambles sound like fun, but the slippery dirt and thorny bushes not so much. Great views of the summit. By the way, I’ll be heading to your neck of the woods next month for a two week road trip through Colorado and New Mexico. We’ll have our little one with us, so we won’t be doing any crazy trails or anything at a high elevation, but I’m looking forward to being back in the mountains!

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    1. Oh yay, how fun!! I hope you enjoy, both states have so much to see! Are you coming through Denver?? It would be so fun to meet up if you have the time!!

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  9. Great photos of a fascinating landscape, Diana. I’m glad you made it to the top and didn’t have to turn around, despite not following the ideal route. I’m surprised nobody had made cairns to indicate the preferred path.

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  11. Oh my gosh, Diana, this is all incredible. Incredible views and wilderness and photos, and also unbelievably difficult hiking. Rock climbing! As I was enjoying your narrative and photos, I thought to myself, oh surely she won’t have the energy to do a handstand, too…but you did! Also incredible. Thanks for sharing this intrepid adventure.

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  12. Arizona is so cool with all its numerous rock formations. I’d really like to spend a few weeks there exploring all the various landscapes and sights, it looks incredible. I love the views from the top after what looks like pretty challenging/strenuous climbing sections too! 🙂

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  13. I had no idea that part of Arizona is volcanic, but that’s so cool! The hike didn’t look easy, but plenty of stunning, jaw-dropping views all around! Arizona is such a gorgeous state that I hope to return to and discover more! Thanks for sharing your adventure there, Diana!

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  14. I love the rugged desert and how the mountains jutt up suddenly from the desert floor, making quite an impression on those who see them. I also love how the Sonoran desert plants that blanket the Superstition Wilderness come in many varieties, shapes, and sizes and go way beyond the iconic Saguaro. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  20. Pingback: A day in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest  – Handstands Around the World

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