Flatiron Mountain via Siphon Draw

The Flatiron Trail is not for the faint of heart. It has a 2,781-foot vertical ascent in only 3 miles, there are hardly any switchbacks, and there is some technical scrambling; this trail will be one you will never forget. Don't let that discourage you though! The 360-degree view at the top is differently a bucket-list item and should not go missed. You can access the trail from two points. The Lost Dutchman Campground is at the base of the trail, and you can find the trailhead to the west of the amphitheater. Another longer hike would be from the Cholla Day Use Area. From the Cholla Day Use parking lot you would start up the west side of the Treasure Loop Trail until you reach Jacob's Crosscut in approximately a half mile. Then take a right onto Jacob's Crosscut Trail to merge onto Siphon Draw Trail (0.85 miles). From this point it will be about a half mile of steady, rocky incline to the base of the draw. Now the fun starts! On your way up to the basin at 3,100 feet you will reach a slick rock area that valleys you in. It's incredible! It is a completely different scene than the first part of the hike. From here the hike will become extremely steep for the remaining mile or so to the Flatiron peak. Some climbing and scrambling is required, but it is not too technical for most. Please remember to bring plenty of water and snacks on this hike! It's highly recommended that this hike is started early in the morning so that you can begin your descent before it gets too hot. It will take you anywhere between four and six hours to do the hike depending on your ability.