Anthony Miranda

Anthony Miranda

Siphon Draw to Flatiron Summit

01/20/16

I hiked flat iron with one of my buddies and let me just say this hike is definitely one to challenge your spirits, especially in the middle of the summer! Once you park and reach the base of the mountain you are just blown away by this astonishing sight of massive rock structures and of course the long journey that awaits to the top. Climbing over rocks, going up a slick dried up waterfall and trying not to slip off of a 75 foot drop are just some of the challenges you'll face. The designated trail was a bit rough to find on the way up so we had to detour a little bit. Up towards the top you're greeted by birds zooming past you at what seems like 100mph doing tricks similar to airplanes at air shows. If you're lucky enough you'll even see a gila monster! At the top of flat iron if you face west on a clear day you can see as far as Phoenix. The US-60 runs slightly off to the side and you can see all over the valley. To the north are the mountains leading towards Payson along SR-87. Look closely and you can see the lakes in between them. Of course the sight of four peaks is always breathtaking. Snowy in the winter and just big and menacing in the summer months. Enjoy the windy breeze you'll get on top of the peak, just be sure you don't fall off! Take a trip to the eastern part of flat iron behind the higher rocks and you'll be able to see weaver's needle and the rest of the Superstition Mountains as a whole. Personally this is my favorite view as I grew up looking at them every day as a kid. Once I finally climbed it my whole perspective on it changed. Going down the mountain can be tricky. Loose rock and lots of brush get in the way at times. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen! Hiking up takes about 3 hours at a steady pace for roughly a 6 hour round trip. You certainly have to have respect for the mountain as it has claimed a few victims before. I recommend doing this at some point in your life! While you're at it take some time and read into the history of Jacob waltz and the lost dutchman's gold. Thank you and enjoy!

5.0