Hiking Flatiron & Hill 5024 by the Siphon Draw Trail - Superstition Wilderness, Arizona

Hiking Flatiron & Hill 5024 by the Siphon Draw Trail - Superstition Wilderness, Arizona

The Flatiron is widely known as the toughest hike in the Phoenix area. At 6 miles and almost 3,000' of elevation gain, it's definitely not easy.

So I had to hike it.

It's been years that I've wanted to do this hike and for one reason or another I haven't done it yet. Well, this was finally my day. To avoid the crowds, I went first thing in the morning on a weekday. Flatiron / Siphon Draw are very popular and therefore often crowded. Off peak times are recommended if you want some solitude.

So I started hiking and a couple hours later I was at the top of Flatiron, looking up at Hill 5024, thinking 'why not'? Hill 5024 is a few hundred feet more elevation gain and it offers full 36 degree views of the surrounding area. You can see Flatiron, Siphon Draw, Weaver's Needle, Four Peaks and, on a clear day, even Picketpost. Might as well plan to make it part of your hike since you're already so close.

For views and bragging rights, this hike is tough to beat if you're in Phoenix.

Anyway, that's that. Flatiron & Hill 5024 via the Siphon Draw trail is now moved from my "to do" list to my "done" list.

[rexbrowning]

Did this hike about a month a
go with my 10 year old daughter I was impressed she made it, she even did the bonus hike to 5024, it amazing the power of using Dairy Queen as a motivator. Great videos keep it up

[frankattanucci]

My friend, Jim, and I hiked to Flatiron via Siphon Draw on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. It was the first time for me, the second time for Jim. He tried to tell me: "The best part of the hike is when it's over." I had no idea what to expect and was surprised by the amount of scrambling one has to do and the long sections where "the trail" (if you can call it that) is quite steep. Fortunately, when you're climbing up the "more vertical" parts, it's not too hard to find rocks to grip and places to step. While I was concerned about how the trip down would be, I found it to be easier simply because seeing a path ahead on the way down was easier and because I resolved to "sit down and scooch" (and use a lot of arms) when things "got vertical." Our motto was: "Slow and steady and safe." (At our ages, 63 and 66, respectively, the body takes longer to heal/recover.)

It was a great experience and I certainly had a sense of accomplishment when it was over. Jerry's excellent video gives a representative sampling of the challenges that are found on this tough trail. It's more than just "a walk in the park"!

Happy trails!

[pamhoots]

Thank you for all your videos. I've got weak legs and arthritis in my hips. I know that these are hikes I couldn't do. But I really like your videos. Thanks again!

[laurnaskeate]

I love seeing people especially women like myself ( a woman ) coming in here to hike this wearing flip flops ( I do not wear flip flops). They change into what looks to be brand new hikers. Excited about trying this hike. Few miles in they are coming back out with bum ankles. People please work yourselves up to a climb like this. Get your legs and ankles accustomed to the movements. Search and Rescue teams aren't free.

[hunterswencki]

Did this hike around a year ago and it ended up pouring rain on our way up and while getting down but it was still one of the best hikes i’ve done

[Thebestegg]

I did this hike this morning with 2 of my friends at 5:30am and we got about 3 miles in and already me & 1 of my friend mess up our ankle. We had to go back. I love that u were determined that’s awesome & all by yourself👏🏻 flat iron won today but we are going back to accomplish it another time.

[bro]

I just did this hike yesterday 5/4/23 and I can definitely say it’s difficult. Hopefully you’re not hiking trails like this if you have knee problems but coming down is tougher than going up AFAIC. I did South Kaibab way past skeleton point on Tuesday with pretty much no issues. I did Flatiron on Friday. My quads are pretty wrecked today (Sat).

[n-power-automotive]

I made a video of this exact hike over a decade ago. It’s one of the hardest but most rewarding hikes in the Phoenix valley. I loved hiking it because there was hardly anyone else on the trail and you could always tell where you are because of the unrestricted views down from where you came from. I miss AZ hiking so much!

[robavor]

Great trail! I used to hike it in the mid 80’s when there were no crowds. In the trail north of Siphon Draw there were remnants of a T-38 crash I once found.

[HailPatrick]

My Son is goin today. Thanks for the tips

[robhebbs]

I dont know if it does any good to comment on such a old video but i just found it looking through your library. I hiked that hike to around the same time of year last year. But i put it off till i was
68 years old. I was glad to here your knees were sore because i was cramping like a mother on the way down of the last mile. It was so worth it. i look up there now and say wow .

[libertyvilleguy]

Hiked this today (3/14/24). Quite challenging, and much more of a climb than a hike. Had to work hard to hold my fear of heights in check. Views from the top were stunning. By far the most challenging hike I’ve done here in central Arizona.

[PlanwithJohn]

Trained on that hike while living at lost Dutchman when first coming to Phoenix.. ended up getting my time down to 69min from gate to summit back to gate.

The only run that really gives you increased grade, from flat, all the way to climbing straight up at the end!

After the “chute” or what what I call the slick rock portion,
Just don’t go into the wash to the right.. stick to the left. Many get lost in the wash because it looks like the trail.

[sfar-gaminglounge]

Amazing hike, great day hike. The most memorable time that I have hiked this was when a big storm came through and left snow on the Mountain. My friends and I hiked it and played in the snow. Crazy to think that snow appears and stays in Mesa during the winter under the right conditions ! Been loving your videos.

[nealmacdonald]

Even just one trekking pole or long stick helps take up the strain on your knees going downhill.

[karenflores]

Im glad you made this video, Ive been wanting to hike the Superstitions for a while now and did not know what trail to start and most videos as not as descriptive as yours

[Jasondeheus]

Lol 😂 this was great man. Just hiked this. Should have watched this first!

[tkondaks]

15 years ago, you used to be able to park right by the trailhead but they renovated the park and now the parking area is at least a quarter mile from the trailhead. Adds to an already tough hike.

[lisamedlyn]

This video is super helpful. I am doing this hike next month.

[phillivingston]

There are three ways to make the final ascent. I use the middle one using the tree branch for balance. The one on the right is a difficult hand over foot climb. I did use that on my first climb, I was much younger. I had heard of a third way but have not tried it. The final ascent is the main attraction. I found it easier to go up than to go down. It is an amazing hike. Ghank you for sharing your perspective.