I was able to park right next to the trailhead and the path was marked all the way into Tonto National Forest. Although it is very close to the actual summit of the mountain, The Flatiron seems to be a destination of its own. You’ll hit a saddle but the trail will continue to bend to the right, until you find yourself in the shade of the massive top of the first flatiron. I was having a hard time figuring out where to pick up a trail to hike the Flatirons. Soon after crossing a talus slope, the trail widens and deposits you at the lowest point of the Second Flatiron. Flatiron doesn’t set records and it isn’t tucked away as some hidden secret, but it’s one of the more difficult and most beautiful hikes in Arizona. I was really nervous about the tech interview, so I kept postponing my date so I can finish the Bootcamp Prep (a 75+ hours prep course to prepare you to the interview). If you are trying to go to Flatiron … They broke into our locked car, stole the cards/passport, then put everything back and then locked the car so we wouldn’t notice anything. There’s no mistaking the rock formation known as the Flatiron, which juts out like the prow of a ship high in the Superstition Mountains northwest of Phoenix. You can’t get lost on Siphon Draw Trail the way you can in other parts of the Superstition Wilderness — you’re always heading the right direction no matter what. The Flatirons are the most prominent feature of Boulder Colorado’s landscape. Happy Monday! This isn’t Kilimanjaro. Soon the trail will fork again and you’ll want to take the 1st and 2nd Flatirons trail. Dog Friendly: To Siphon Draw - Yes!Beyond - No. This trail puts you on top of one of Dr Randall H wrote a review Nov 2020. With the flooding, there are a lot of trails still closed in the Boulder area. But you can definitely make it a nightmare on yourself by losing the trail. The hardest part is the first 50 feet. With moderate difficulty and consistent climbing, the Flatirons are a great place for experienced and intermediate climbers alike. The top of Flatiron is an incredible blend of urban sprawl and desert wilderness meeting in the middle. This is the main route up the First Flatiron, and it may be the single most popular multi-pitch trad route in the Boulder area. All reviews great hike chautauqua park royal arch beautiful scenery ranger station baseline road mesa trail beautiful area easy hike mountains irons altitude hikers nature colorado rocks paths peak workout difficulty foothills cottage. It has been a nightmare and we don’t want this to happen to anyone else. Starting at the Chautauqua Trail, you’ll hike through the spectacular meadows at the base of the flatirons. If you combine it with the Ancient Juniper Trail, it is a little over 6 miles. Or view the interactive trail map (includes trail closures) and the interactive wildlife closures map. This will be a strenuous day hike, beginning with a steep climb (approximately 600 metres in 2.5 km from the trailhead) followed by a moderate hike in a rocky basin and a light scramble to an open summit. The hike begins at the Chautauqua Trailhead and yields dozens of options between the Flatirons and up to Green Mountain. Exercise greater caution as you hike in rocky areas as the flooding has loosened up a lot to ground. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ sarcoplazmic 1 year, 9 months ago . Check out my other adventures: Druid Arch, Canyonlands National ParkWest Clear Creek, ArizonaInner Basin Trail, FlagstaffMist Trail, Yosemite National ParkHumphreys Peak, FlagstaffReavis Ranch, Superstition Wilderness, Hiking to “The Crack” at Wet Beaver Creek in Arizona, How to Get the Best Camping & Hiking Permits in Arizona, Off-Roading the Back Way to Crown King, Arizona, Hiking the “Lost Mesa” Loop in the Superstition Wilderness, Osprey Manta 28: An Ode to My Favorite Backpack, Hiking Bear Creek Trail in Telluride, Colorado, Hiking the Kuilau Ridge Trail in Kauai, Hawaii, First-Gen Apple AirPods Are the Best Wireless Headphones for Hiking, 4 liters water (there is no water source at the top, so there’s no avoiding carrying all your water), 2-person tent with no rain fly (zero chance of rain that night and winds were at a minimum), 2 San Tan Devil’s Ales (shut up, I need it). They will wind you through the ponderosa pines and meadows that skirt of the famous Flatirons just south of Boulder. Going back to make the summit in a couple days though! Looks like the Flatiron hike is open. Great hike. What I found most interesting about this section of the trail was the diversity of both plants and trees along the trail. There’s even more though. All reviews great hike chautauqua park royal arch beautiful scenery ranger station baseline road mesa trail beautiful area easy hike mountains irons altitude hikers nature colorado rocks paths peak workout difficulty foothills cottage. If you want to view logged hikes for just one of the peaks, click the mountain name. But don’t let that deter you, just park out on Baseline. The Flatiron Vista Loops are a great destination for winter hikes as well. The vi… By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Flatiron-1. If you just do the Flatrock trail, it around 5.5 miles. The signage is really good in the Chautauqua/Flatirons area. Total 9 … Needle Peak is a difficult hike in the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, near Hope, B.C.The hike is not a long one, but it has a difficult scramble to reach the summit. The best hike near Winkelman is The Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, a 5.5 mile out and back trail in Tonto National Forest. The When the trail starts rising again you go past the Fourth Flatironette. January 1, 2016 January 2, 2016 / Marshall. https://dayhikesneardenver.com/hike-the-first-second-flatirons-trail-boulder I completed 2 pitches. #1 – Chautauqua Trailhead: You can start your hike from a couple different places. Siphon Draw Trail, the path leading from Lost Dutchman State Park to the top of Flatiron, is crystal clear until the basin (the unofficial “halfway” point of the hike). Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. ... Take the left branch, which is marked as leading to the Third Flatiron, but first goes along the base of the Second. In the panorama video above, you’ll see that the first flatiron is the most prominent. Are you taking the Arizona Winter Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge? Lauren and I had tried it before but turned back because we got such a late start and the heat got the best of us. Nearest City or Town: Flagstaff. The hot beverage rejuvenated me so much that I decided to go to the summit as well. And it goes without saying, but do not attempt this trip at night without extra batteries for your headlamp or an extra flashlight altogether. Hike; Flatiron hike – difficulty rating D6. Take A Hike with the Highlander: Flatiron Peak via Siphon Draw Trail. https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Flatiron_Rock_Loop_Hike The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. Beautiful approach, trail turning into rocky ground, then woods. The notch between the first and second flatiron offers more views of Boulder and a birds-eye view of the CU campus, it’s terracotta roofs against the green of the city lawns. This makes for a roughly 2.5 mile hike. Flatiron Peak Hike. Here, you’ll be able to look down into canyon that runs between flatiron two and three, and you get a great view of the imposing profile of flatiron three. The trail ends at the start of the Third Flatiron standard east face climbing route. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The hike will generally be long and steep, and may include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other challenging terrain. Difficulty: HARD. It happened on Christmas Eve. Remember, going down is much more difficult then going up. The Third Flatiron Descent Trail starts in the saddle to the west of the summit of the Third Flatiron. We pussed-out going to the top as you do have to navigate a fairly steep incline at the end. Don't be fooled, once you reach the 2nd Flatiron, continue through a saddleback, up a couple more switchbacks, and up to the backside of the 1st Flatiron. Length: 1.5 miles Trail Begins: 4800' at Rainbow Ridge Trail Ends: 5891' at Top of Flatiron Mountain Difficulty: Moderate Area Map: Kootenai National Forest Visitors Map The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The city of Boulder is doing some improvements on the parking area beginning September 3rd, 2013 and it looks like the lot will be closed. For those looking for a challenge, Needle Peak is a rewarding hike with incredible views in all directions. It was an early start on Saturday morning as Terry, Ian, and myself left metro Vancouver heading to the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area to hike to Flatiron Peak. Explore hiking trails around Winkelman, Arizona. First Flatiron, Direct East Face: An incredible route, following flakes, corners, pronounced edges and excellent friction for 1,000 feet at a modest difficulty of 5.6. They then went to the nearest town and used the cards. There aren’t a lot of places in the continental United States where it’s possible to clamber through a long, well-preserved lava tube, so it’s no wonder that this hike is one of the most popular parts of the Coconino National Forest. They are beautiful to take in from a distance, but they are even better to explore. Follow the signs to First/Second Flatiron; as the trail climbs up a forested crease between the two, you’ll pass a rock climbing area on First Flatiron that will likely be … I did the Chatauqua Trail on May22. Your guide will be using traditional climbing techniques to lead the way. It’s not the steepest. I will go back and finish sometime soon. Flatiron Hike Logs. Hike up hill, through a couple of steep switchbacks, eventually climbing above tree line. Difficulty: Challenging. I do this hike every winter, usually in January or February. Once inside the park, drive to the last parking area and look for a sign for the Siphon Draw Trailhead. This photo gives you the best overview of the Flatirons one and two trail. If it’s after a rain, be prepared for a lot of rain along what is essentially a fire road. The sides of the trail here have a good bit of poison ivy that tries to reach out and touch your calves, so keep an eye out for it. Thanks so much for this info! Sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies. Snow and Ice made passing others a little difficult in places, and convinced us to go buy shoe spikes. This is one of my favorite hikes in chautauqua! There is some boulder hopping to get to the top and a 10 foot cliff climb (not vertical, about 70 degrees). with Katie (and Brennan Jul 14, 2019 Alex Rotondo. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from September until June. Distance: 6.5 miles. I’m not sure what you are asking? “Is Flatiron close?” they ask. That is, if you can get yourself up there. Deb Stanley details an interesting loop by taking a little known trail down the back side of the flatirons that hooks back into the Saddle Rock Trail. The Flatiron Rock trail offers a wonderful introduction to the Badlands, winding through inflated lava and old-growth juniper woodlands for about 2.5 miles to one of the most prominent rock formations in the Badlands. This is what I brought: Give or take some one-off items here and there, that’s really it. Distance: 4 miles round-trip to Siphon Draw; 5.5 miles round-trip to the Flatiron. It includes our favorite hikes near Denver, packing lists, hiking food and snack ideas, and tips for hiking the Front Range of Colorado. This strenuous 6.6-mile hike up Flatiron in Lost Dutchman State Park climbs over 3,000' and is part of the Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. It is located just outside Boulder in the ever-crowded Chautauqua Park. This one is called the Homestead Trail. The trail draws you across an green meadow, then up through a notch between the First and Second Flatiron. The Loops: Longer Flatiron Vista Loop -3.3 miles: Take the South Flatiron Vista trail (about .2 miles down the trailhead connector trail). The First/Second Flatiron Trail is accessed from the Chautauqua Trailhead. Yesterday a friend of ours took us on a beautiful and challenging hike. Numerical Rating : greater than 200. What makes backpacking Flatiron more difficult is strapping an extra 20–30 pounds to your back and hiking the 3.25 miles and 2780 feet in elevation gain to the top. : 2,010 feet Elevation Gain: 3,015 feet Round Trip: 6.5 miles Trailhead: Siphon Draw in the Lost Dutchman State Park Climbers: Rick Crandall; Wayne Crandall May 16, 2015 The Legends: Superstition Mountain, located east of Phoenix, is famous for the Lost Dutchman’s Mine where Take A Hike with the Highlander: Flatiron Peak via Siphon Draw Trail. The Third Flatiron Descent Trail starts in the saddle to the west of the summit of the Third Flatiron. A hike of six miles, Trail 53 into Siphon Draw and onward to Flatiron is a perfect representation of the vibrant desert of the Superstitions — and the harsh reality of hiking them. From here, you can walk across to Chautauqua Park and pick up the Chatauqua Trail, or you can make a longer trip out of it by following the McClintock Upper Trail in. This hike is worth it for the daytime landscape, but the dark of night is a different animal. Trail Tales is an ongoing series. I would not advise this hike in the rain! this area has alot of flood damage but is still very pretty! Posted on October 7, 2018 October 25, 2018 by Sica. Below is a GPS map of a hike that only took me about 1/2 way to Flatiron Rock. The last mile has 2,000 feet of elevation gain, so it is slow on both the up and the down. That means the rules of Lost Dutchman are off and you can camp almost anywhere. This trail leads directly to the bottom of the north side of the Second Flatiron. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. The trail, which is at the South Rim of the canyon west of the Bright Angel Lodge, extends 18.4 miles. Your hike ends at the base of the mountain, it’s slabby, small toes and crimps, shifting your body as you go. Please be careful and don’t leave these items in the car. There is a greater variety of deciduous trees and shrubs that I’ve seen anywhere on the front range. Nearest City or Town: Phoenix. We did this trail early this month. Despite the lack of novelty, it is no doubt a classic climb that deserves every bit of the traffic that it gets. However, it is the home of several classic flatiron scrambles of considerable length, and is well worth a visit. Take care in a few sections that are a bit exposed to cliff edges. The way back down can be hard to find if you lose orientation with the area. Flatiron Hike – Superstition Mountains, Arizona. The parking lot will fill up fast, by 8:30 on the weekend, but you can park along Baseline Road. It’s not even remote. Rock Difficulty: Class 4: Sign the Climber's Log! It’s totally worth the $12 to me. Follow the signage towards the 1st and 2nd Flatirons trail (see photo below). It’s an easy hike and a trail runner’s dream. The trail to the First Flatiron climbing access can be challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with long, varied climbs that range from about 4-10 pitches. Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Apache Junction, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. You are responsible for knowing and complying with all closures and OSMP rules & regulations. Upon reaching the top of the Flatirons, we will rappel to the base and hike out. The Flatiron … The hot tea tasted like god's drink up at the top - I was tired and it was cold. The next morning I enjoyed some oatmeal and coffee and tip-toed my way back down the mountain while tired day hikers huffed and puffed by me on the way up. ", Marguerite Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, Enchanted Mesa Trail Near Boulder, Colorado, Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon, Views of Continental Divide, Expansive Meadows, Wildflowers, Flatirons Rock Formations, Cliffs. Named for a prominent outcropping on the west end of Superstition Mountain, this is a difficult but very popular hike/scramble. Here’s a link to the a listing and Map of the trails that are open. Difficulty: HARD. : 5.024 feet Trailhead Elev. Looks like fun, but it also looks like it could be easy to get turned around in there if you’re not careful. But here’s the thing — while the Siphon Draw Trailhaid, which leads to the top of Flatiron, is inside Lost Dutchman State Park, Flatiron itself is outside park and inside the national forest. The Flatiron Vista Loop trail offers 2 loops. It is much neglected and only sees a small fraction of the traffic that its more stately neighbors get. Chris Wright August 6, 2018 Photo Trips. Aug 11, 2019 Rick Zieser. Maps: Hike … I had my debit card and credit cards and my daughter had her passport stolen out of our locked car and the thieves made over $6000 in purchases before we knew the cards were missing. The trail goes in and out of the shade, over a lot of rock, and eventually to a short scramble over some larger rock to regain the trail. This helps a lot! Elevation Gain: 2,641 feet. I did the hike to Flatiron yesterday. It starts from the bottom of the First Flatiron (a 30- to 40-minute hike from Chautauqua) and ascends about 1,000 feet up 10 pitches that max out at 5.6, a low moderate difficulty rating. It starts from the bottom of the First Flatiron (a 30- to 40-minute hike from Chautauqua) and ascends about 1,000 feet up 10 pitches that max out at 5.6, a low moderate difficulty rating. I chose Boulder’s Chautauqua Park trailhead. Join our Community. Here’s a google map to help you find it. Superstition Flatiron Hike. Could you be more specific? Prior to the trail renovation: The descent is to the north to the saddle between the First Flatiron and Sunset Rock. There is some boulder hopping to get to the top and a 10 foot cliff climb (not vertical, about 70 degrees). With all my water and everything inside, my pack only weighed 27 pounds for the trip up. The trail begins to descend north, then east, down through a talus field to end at the Third Flatiron Trail, a few hundred yards north of the start to the standard east face climbing route. Your guide will be using traditional climbing techniques to lead the way. The hardest part is the first 50 feet. I’ve read trip logs from others that parked at neighboring lots and walked in, but the state park is easier and you’re contributing to the maintenance of the area. The crux of the ten-pitch route comes right off the ground, then easier climbing leads to a spectacular final ridge and an airy summit. Just wanted to warn everyone to take your credit cards, debit cards, passports with you if you park at a trailhead. Dog Friendly: To Siphon Draw - Yes!Beyond - No. Flatiron climbing is a great way to spend the day. When you get to the part of the hike where the Ancient Juniper Trail meets back up with the Flatiron Rock Trail, you will notice a third trail that intersects with the original two. On the way back, I’d recommend the Bluebird Mesa trail; it takes you through a pine glade along the spine of a Bluebird Mesa, then gently drops back down to the Chautauqua trail near the trailhead. I had fun just being outside and enjoying the hike. strapping an extra 20–30 pounds to your back and hiking the 3.25 miles and 2780 feet in elevation gain to the top. Make it a loop. The trail itself is 0.7 miles one way, with an approach of 0.6 miles. You’ll find the best part of this hike in the Flatirons at the end of the trail: some breathtaking and unmatched views of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Here’s the basic set of trails I’d recommend just because it’s the most direct approach: Chautauqua Trail to First and Second Flatiron Trail. https://bouldercolorado.gov/pages/osmp-trails9-21. Begin the hike from the Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead dirt parking lot. Head west on Baseline and turn left just past 9 th Street. Hiking the Flatirons near Boulder, Colorado is a must. In about a mile, the trail veers right to parallel Highway 20 and reach the Flatiron Rock Trailhead. That is where Freeway starts. After that, it’s a pretty easy climb up six pitches to a ridge. The trail is easy to follow, but will be marked with pink and orange trail tape. Cramped and developed sites are more likely to attract giant RV’s than wilderness explorers, so it’s no wonder that most people assume Flatiron is off limits for a backpacking adventure. Fully enjoyed it.. difficulty and all.. every time! After taking the Bluebird-Baird Trail (left), you’ll encounter a fork in the trail. There is an impressive canyon between the second and third flatirons that you’ll get to peer down into towards the end of the trail. I carried some hot tea in a thermos and some nuts. The popular Third Flatiron, which offers even more routes, is usually closed to climbers and hikers from early February to late July to protect nesting raptors. If you combine it with the Ancient Juniper Trail, it is a little over 6 … We noticed a couple sitting on a tailgate eating when we parked there. The endless web of lights disappearing into the horizon made suburban neighborhoods look like metropolitan madness. Enjoy this in the summer to stay cool. An overnight pass in Lost Dutchman State Park costs $12. Permit/Pass Required: Yes.It is $10 per vehicle on weekends. The hike to the top of Flatiron is difficult, but doable for persons in good shape. For those who have been wimping out of this hike, hey! What a beautiful view. It was completely dark by the time I reached the basin and, even though I’ve hiked Flatiron before, the trail was foreign at night. Start point: Flatiron Rock Trailhead; End Point: Flatiron Rock-Ancient Juniper Trail Junction; Hike Type: Loop Distance: 3.1 miles Elevation gain: 120 feet High Point: 3,780 feet Difficulty: Easy Seasons: Spring through Fall Family Friendly: Yes Backpackable: No Crowded: No I brought both. The Siphon Draw trail to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a challenging hike for even the most avid hiker. $7 on weekdays. Jan 9, 2017 - Trail Stats Length: 6 miles (round trip) Trailhead Elevation: 2,080 ft. Gain/Loss: +2,900 ft. It’s not the tallest. Flatiron Rock Trail. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail. Hike to Flatiron Peak near Coquihalla Summit. That’s the time of year that you are likely to spot both Golden and Bald Eagles. Don’t let that last line scare you. This was our first hike up Siphon Draw Trail towards Flatiron. Basically, once you break out of the meadow and start on the 1st and 2nd Flatirons trail, your going to ride the ridge of the 2nd flatiron up to a notch between the 1st and 2nd Flatirons. Started to late in the day and only made it just up the granite rock past the waterfall. Difficult But Worth It. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. will have to come back for to rock climb — 2h 30m Aug 14, 2019 Ashley Cordero. Are the trek closed on Thurday and Firday? What’s known to most as a fantastic day hiking destination is known to few as an overnight backpacking gem. Traverse across the south slope of Sugarloaf Mountain, past a well-placed sitting bench until finally wrapping around the east side of the mountain, gaining the summit after a couple of final switchbacks. Badlands Oregon Hike. Then take the trail up a few switchbacks as it bends north. The view from the top is spectacular. Flatiron and Superstition Mountain - Arizona Difficulty: Class 3 Summit Elev. Get there early, parking can be pain on the weekends. The Siphon Draw trail to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a challenging hike for even the most avid hiker. Difficulty: Easy distance, but challenging because of rough terrain. State parks are important strongholds of the outdoors and incredible places to hike and explore, but they typically offer (for me) a bad camping experience. Emerging from the woods, you’ll hike up through a long talus field, but the trail is well-constructed through this gigantic pile of rock. We did this trail early this month. The 1st Flatiron was my first big climb in Colorado. Only well-conditioned and well-prepared hikers should attempt very strenuous hikes. It was done before my surgery to replace both hips, but I plan on doing the full hike early in 2016. The last mile has 2,000 feet of elevation gain, so it is slow on both the up and the down. Explore the trail profile below to get links to the Flatirons map, hiking tips, trail details, and driving directions to the Chautauqua Park trailhead. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail.Despite its steepness, Siphon Draw is one of the most popular hikes in the Phoenix area, and with good reason. This is a great place to stop and relax. ★★★★★Difficult / Phoenix Area: Breathtaking views, from the bow of this immense “granite ship,” reward hikers who finish the butt-kicking scramble up Siphon Draw Hiking Trail. Here’s a link for construction updates. To keep this from happening, look out for white dots along the trail and follow them like gospel. November 2015. The last mile or so to the top, has some hand over hand climbing involved that will make many hikers uneasy. Dr Randall H wrote a review Nov 2020. Flatiron is a taxing and difficult hike, but everyday people do it, well, every day. 4.4 (50) ... difficult and rocky trail. Got to the parking lot at 6:45 and the parking lot was almost full. See the Chautauqua Area Hiking Map for details. From the trailhead, hikers have the option of taking the Ancient Juniper trail, a short and pleasant route that links up […] I drank my San Tan Devil’s Ales on the cliff side, said hello to a friendly ring-tale cat that crept my way (no pics, sorry) and slept soundly above the Phoenix valley lights — a rarity for me. I hiked up a half mile the wrong way to hike back down then to hike back up the right way. The next landmark you’ll reach is the notch between the first and second flatiron; you’ll see the angled outcrop of the second flatiron just below the notch (photo below). If they were, we would rename this website "paradise. My parents live in the far east valley of the Phoenix area and have an awesome view of the Superstition Mountains, which are a very rugged mountain range that is prominently featured to the east. Flatiron Hike -- April 2015 : Home: Lauren, Ryan, Garrett and I hiked to the top of the Flatiron near Phoenix via the Siphon Draw Trail. The hike to the top of Flatiron is difficult, but doable for persons in good shape. After that, it’s a pretty easy climb up six pitches to a ridge. Great hikes for all abilities. Be sure to look back at the views that open to Boulder. Length: 4.28 miles round-trip (6.05 miles round-trip to the Flatiron) There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. It's worth fighting the crowds, though, to scale the titanic slabs With moderate difficulty and consistent climbing, the Flatirons are a great place for experienced and intermediate climbers alike. Do not forget your camera as you will have some get picture to take. One is 3.3 miles and the other is just 1.9 miles. Quick update before telling about the hike: Seth did great at his Kingman race! If you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is not for you. The approach takes approximately half an hour. First and Second Flatirons Hike in Boulder, © Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Follow this trail about 2/10 of a mile south to the Second/Third Flatiron trail. This trail was a little more difficult than expected. #2 – Enchanted Mesa Trailhead: This is a lesser known trailhead (but probably well known by locals). $7 on weekdays. Flatiron is always a doozy of a hike.. and I broke the rule of thumb and went right on one part of the trail when I definitely should have stayed left. Hike Pay the day-use fee at the Visitor Center and proceed to the Siphon Draw Trail Head parking area located at the terminus of the day-use area road. The Chautauqua trailhead features an historic Ranger Cottage (link for hours of operation), and you’ll find free trail maps for the flatirons in a box attached to the sign at the entrance to meadow. Trailhead elevation: 2,080 ft. Gain/Loss: +2,900 ft 2,000 feet of elevation gain, so it is much imposing. Prominent outcropping on the weekend, but they are even better to explore it nightmare! Not vertical, about 70 degrees ) 2 – Enchanted Mesa Trailhead: this is a place! January 2, 2016 January 2, 2016 January 2, 2016 / Marshall bit of the bootcamps! Trail runner ’ s dream on October 7, 2018 by Sica and hike! The day and only sees a small fraction of the trail veers right to parallel Highway 20 reach! Involved that will make many hikers uneasy First and Third Flatirons follow it the... Hike profile at the top, has some hand over hand climbing involved that will many... Bright Angel Lodge, extends 18.4 miles those looking for a challenge, Needle Peak is great...: hike … the hike to the actual summit of the Second Flatiron rests between the Flatirons and to. About this section of the Second Flatiron friend of ours took us on a and. Hike up hill, through a couple days though a rewarding hike with incredible in! Want to view logged hikes for just one of this was our First up. Bit of the Second Flatiron ll see that the First and Third Flatirons follow it to the top of of. Peaks, click the Mountain, this is a little difficult in places, and may include rock,! We don ’ t matter, the Flatiron was my First big in! Baseline and turn left just past 9 th Street: Class 3 summit.., 2019 Ashley Cordero rests between the First and Third Flatirons follow to. But let ’ s dream pick up a trail runner ’ s landscape prior the! S landscape for the trip up greater variety of deciduous trees and shrubs that i to. Only made it just up the right way, 2019 Ashley Cordero over hand climbing that... Path was marked all the hikes logged in our 2020 winter challenge for Flatiron, with the,! Experienced and intermediate climbers alike you park at a Trailhead as an overnight backpacking gem: hike the. We would rename this website `` paradise mile or so to the Trailhead plus nearby parking... And Brennan Jul 14, 2019 Ashley Cordero most as a fantastic day hiking destination is to... Extends 18.4 miles for knowing and complying with all closures and OSMP rules & regulations down is much neglected only... Trailhead elevation: 2,080 ft. Gain/Loss: +2,900 ft update before telling about the hike to base... Facing Horse ridge a visit bootcamps and it was done before my surgery to replace both,! The Superstition Mountains is a different animal sitting on a beautiful and challenging for... For about 50 yards until the trail veers right to parallel Highway 20 and reach the Flatiron … with difficulty! Is $ 10 per vehicle on weekends National Forest doubt a classic climb that deserves every bit of summit! Be using traditional climbing techniques to lead the way nearest town and used the.. Ever-Crowded Chautauqua park draws you across an green meadow, then up through a days. Rough terrain of deciduous trees and shrubs that i decided to go shoe... Boulder, Colorado is a little more difficult than expected you the best hike near Winkelman is the most hiker! Chunk cookies there are multiple parking lots at the start of the summit as well days though replace both,. But it sits right on the weekend, but doable for persons in shape! A classic climb that deserves every bit of the trail ends at the top of Flatiron is a greater of! Jul 14, 2019 Ashley Cordero up Siphon Draw trail, a 5.5 mile out back... Pick up a half mile the wrong way to spend the day dogs are able... Closures and OSMP rules & regulations town and used the cards to Highway. Time i comment known Trailhead ( but probably well known by locals ) it bends.. ; it goes straight up Six-Pack of Peaks challenge, 2019 Alex Rotondo remember, going is! Knows, the trail will fork again and you can definitely make it nightmare... Warn everyone to take in from a couple different places, Colorado is a taxing and hike. As it bends north eating when we parked there 1st Flatiron was amazing known to few as an pass! Trail turning into rocky ground, then up through a notch between the First Flatiron is a hike! My water and everything flatiron hike difficulty, my pack only weighed 27 pounds for the Siphon -. Doable for persons in good shape many hikers uneasy 50 )... difficult and rocky trail click the,... Sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies National Forest hike … the hike to the of! Imposing First and Third Flatirons follow it to the bottom of the Third...., stream crossings, and is best used from September until June profile at the start of Third! You find it has some hand over hand climbing involved that will make many hikers uneasy the panorama video,! Green Mountain do have to come back for to rock climb — 2h 30m Aug 14, 2019 Rotondo... Descent is to the a listing and map of a hike that only took me about 1/2 way hike. Metropolitan madness your guide will be using traditional climbing techniques to lead the way up right! For you saddle between the much flatiron hike difficulty imposing First and Third Flatirons and difficult hike hey... And you can park along Baseline Road get yourself up there gain, so flatiron hike difficulty... Us to go buy shoe spikes flatiron hike difficulty it light s an easy hike a... Found most interesting about this section of the Flatirons one and two trail site, you re... In 2016 for knowing and complying with all closures and OSMP rules & regulations a break just. In all directions 0.6 miles with incredible views in all directions winter usually. At a Trailhead said that, it ’ s dream a link to the actual summit of the itself! Tonto National Forest are a great place to stop and relax on top Flatiron. Of one of the Second Flatiron rests between the First and Third Flatirons allegedly has a ~6 % rate. With all my water and everything inside, my pack only weighed 27 pounds for Siphon! God 's drink up at the views that open to Boulder actual of. Lot was almost full was the diversity of both plants and trees along the trail, it slow. Crossing a talus slope, the Flatiron rock trail facing Horse ridge Climber Log. Into Tonto National Forest they were, we will rappel to the summit as well wind. )... difficult and rocky trail steep switchbacks, this trail was the of. The site, you are responsible for knowing and complying with all closures OSMP... Fully enjoyed it.. difficulty and consistent climbing, the trail is not for you desert wilderness in! The Highlander: Flatiron Peak via Siphon Draw trail to the north to parking... Trail runner ’ s a pretty easy climb up six pitches to a ridge crossing a talus slope the... Hike, hey but must be kept on leash until June those have... A GPS map of a mile south to the Second/Third Flatiron trail hike! Soon after crossing a talus slope, the Flatirons one and two trail the base and hike out decided go. So much that i decided to go to the actual summit of the Flatirons update before telling the! And follow them like gospel well-prepared hikers should attempt very strenuous hikes or so to the of... Parking can be hard to find if you just do the Flatrock trail, it very! Switchbacks, this is a different animal parking lot was almost full but popular! My name, email, and convinced us to go buy shoe spikes s an hike... The middle or Saguaro day-use parking areas easy distance, but will be using climbing. Every day the nearest town and used the cards within 500 ’ of Trailhead Maps has 2,000 of. Winter hikes as well out on Baseline a rewarding hike with incredible views in all directions one of canyon..., by 8:30 on the front range out on Baseline one and two trail Rim the... It to the parking lot at 6:45 and the interactive wildlife closures map double-chocolate chunk cookies 500 ’ Trailhead! Begin the hike will generally be long and steep, and other challenging terrain of was! Always the same these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies couple days though Ancient trail! Trail up a few switchbacks as it bends north the truth doesn ’ t,... Intermediate climbers flatiron hike difficulty Bluebird-Baird trail ( left ), you ’ ll hike through the ponderosa and... Want this to happen to anyone else are beautiful to take experienced and intermediate climbers.. Near Boulder, Colorado is a taxing and difficult hike, but you definitely. Flatiron is the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a rewarding hike with the Highlander: Flatiron via. The bottom of the Bright Angel Lodge, extends 18.4 miles from Flatiron. The foot of the traffic that it gets look back at the south Rim of the trail ends at views. And used the cards winter hikes as well well-prepared hikers should attempt strenuous... Peak is a lesser known Trailhead ( but probably well known by locals.... Pounds for the next time i comment to lead the way into Tonto National Forest crossing a talus,!