Outside AZ: Flat Iron: One of the toughest hikes!

FLAT IRON via SIPHON DRAW TRAIL at LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK

Flat Iron is part of the Superstition Mountains located in Apache Junction (east of Mesa). Lost Dutchman State Park is located on the west side of Superstition Mountain and is home to many popular hiking trails. One of the most difficult and interesting trails I have found in Arizona is the trail to Flat Iron.

X marks the spot on top of Flat Iron (your destination)

One-Way Mileage: 2.8 to 3 miles

Elevation gain: ~2,800 feet (1,800 comes within the last mile)

Top Elevation: ~4,500

Experience Needed: Trail to basin (Siphon Draw) is accessible to most active hikers. Continuing on to Flat Iron is recommended for experienced hikers only

Difficulty: Trail to basin- Moderate. Continuing to Flat Iron - Strenuous.

Parking: Plenty of parking at Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 entry fee per vehicle)

Pets: We saw some on the bottom portion of the Siphon Draw trail but it's not recommended to take them all the way to the top. The park also states in their rules that pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

People Meter: Siphon Draw is a highly traveled trail. Most people turn around after the basin, so the first 2 miles are where you will see most other people. It was Thanksgiving when we first went and we saw quite a few coming back down the trail as we started at 11am. We encountered a few people hiking on their own, but most were traveling in groups as families out for a holiday stroll. At the top, I remember just one man and his son enjoying the views and a quick rest before continuing on.

Safety: The first two miles of the hike are the easiest but still create a breathless heart-pumping jaunt. The trail winds through the desert and into the Siphon Draw canyon. Once you hit the slickrock basin (see the right), it's time for the average hiker to turn around. But the more daring and experienced hiker will forge ahead to reach the iron in the background. From the basin the trail gets steeper by the second. The rocks become larger and two hands are necessary to help guide yourself up through the narrowing canyon walls.

Make sure you carry enough water for the heart-pumping endeavour you have begun. We first hiked this on Thanksgiving Day of 2009. We began our hike about 11am and finished right at sunset -- around 5:30pm. The day was cool and we carried enough water and snacks, but I did not drink my water at regular enough intervals. By the time we surpassed the last 15-foot rock and hit the top, my calf muscles were cramping just to remind me who was boss. At the top of the Flat Iron you reach one of the most healthy looking desert landscapes on a relatively flat stretch of ground that you'll be happy to see after climbing up, hand over foot, that last 1,000 feet of craggy puzzle work. Once we reached the top I set out in a half-jog, half-skip and pretty quickly ended up doubling over with a Charlie Horse I was not expecting. So, please, I urge you, drink your water every 1/4 mile!

My experiences: This hike is one of my favorites in the Valley. It's close to home but offers outstanding views, a completely unique landscape that transports you into an alter universe, it was like exploring the moon. It is a puzzle the entire way, new landscapes, new rock formations, it engages your mind just as much as your body.