Siphon Draw Trail begins in Lost Dutchman State Park. The first two miles are somewhat steep and rocky, climbing through open desert to a basin at the foot of the mountain, with the Flatiron looming overhead. A sign marks the entrance to the Superstition Wilderness and the end of the maintained trail. This is where the real climb begins.

If you feel tired or overheated at this point, or are low on water, turn around. The views from the basin are a reward all their own, and the rigorous canyon above is not worth putting yourself in danger. Only if you feel fit and prepared, proceed on the unmaintained trail up into Siphon Draw.

What follows is nearly 2,000 vertical feet of steep hiking and rock scrambling, practically straight up the narrow drainage to the top of the mountain. At times the surface is solid-rock bowls and gullies carved smoothly by water. In other places it’s loose rock or large boulders. Eventually you’ll exit the canyon and emerge at a saddle surrounded by rocky pinnacles, with the prow of the flatiron now at eye level. Continue across it’s flat summit to reach the proud overlook, and enjoy your hard-earned panorama over all of the Phoenix Valley.

The best way to tackle Siphon Draw is to camp in Lost Dutchman State Park. Beginning in the campground makes the hike a bit shorter, and makes it easier to start early and beat the heat. On all but the coolest winter days, it’s best to be safely returned from this sunny hike before midday. No water and very little shade can be found along the trail.

Sources: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/null/recarea?recid=35451&actid=50 https://d2umhuunwbec1r.cloudfront.net/gallery/0004/0024/BDAB3BF6CA6B4814BA32AE0F967598F2/LODUParkMapFall2018B&WFINAL01.pdf