Flatiron partner(s) for late winter hike

BruceC · Post by **BruceC** » Nov 26 2006 12:24 pm

I've wanted to hike to the top of the Flatiron since moving here a couple of years ago, just been very busy. I've committed myself to doing it later this winter (suggestions for timeframes with good weather are appreciated).

I'm willing to tackle it myself, but would of course much prefer going with someone familiar with the route. So if anyone wouldn't mind showing someone the Flatiron for the first time, I'd really appreciate it.

wallyfrack · Post by **wallyfrack** » Nov 26 2006 6:49 pm

In response to BruceC's reply: I was planning on going up the Flatiron again soon. I've been up there more than dozen times over the years. It's best this time of year when it's sunny and not too breezy. Most of the hike up is usually shaded so it can be chilly and once on the flatiron the air is cool and there's nothing to stop the wind. I could go December 9th, 10th, 23rd or 24th if any of those days work.

BruceC · Post by **BruceC** » Dec 02 2006 11:50 am

Sorry for the delay in replying.

I've got plans the weekend of the 9th, and will be with family right before Christmas (very busy time of year for us). I was aiming for something late January to early March of next year, if things are dry enough round then.

I do appreciate the offer though.

djui5 · Post by **djui5** » Dec 17 2006 3:20 pm

I'll go with you. Been wanting to get all the way up to Flatiron one of these days anyway. Hiked around the area a bit, just not all the way up.

butler · Post by **butler** » Dec 17 2006 4:05 pm

Hi
I did Flatiron several weeks ago, it was really exciting. My advice don't go without hiking boots and cycling gloves. Their is lots of gravel and the rocks will give your hands blisters (at least they did mine). I met a hiker who had done it numerous times and they had cycling gloves plus had put tape around their fingers.
Be safe, make sure you are in shape, it is very verticle. Don't go late in the day because it would be very dangerous returning in the dark.

butler · Post by **butler** » Dec 17 2006 4:14 pm

In response to BruceC's reply:

Hi
I would advise you to take a hiking buddy because the hike has too many potential accidents. I know it is tempting to hike alone and I do because as a hiker you can't always find someone to come along. If you choose to go alone make sure you have a contact person that knows when you left and when you plan to come back.
Have fun and be safe.

lizp · Post by **lizp** » Dec 22 2006 6:03 pm

I've hiked the flatiron a half-dozen times and would enjoy doing it again. I'm interested in going on to Superstition Mtn or even the entire ridgeline if anyone else is interested. I think this time of year (Dec-Jan) is excellent. It takes about 2-3 hrs up and the same time down. Pls send me an email if you schedule a date. Thx!

BruceC · Post by **BruceC** » Dec 22 2006 10:11 pm

Hi dj and liz.

Let's start trying to see what dates would work. It would probably be easier for me to go on a weekday, but I should be able to coordinate on any day.

I'd like to go anytime late Jan or early Feb. I hope that's not too late in the season (ah, Phoenix, how strange to have to ask if the weather gets too hot for outdoor activity in February). I was hoping to go when it wasn't too warm, but at the same time not so cold I need to dress heavily, or can't enjoy some time at the top. The time I hiked up Camelback (December a couple of years ago) the wind chill at the top was in the 30's, and I didn't get to enjoy the nice view for very long.

Hikers experienced with the area would probably know more about the climate than I do.

I've read that Superstition Mountain is just a short hike east from Flatiron, I wouldn't mind heading up there as well.

How much water would people recommend a person take for this hike?

Anyone interested reply here or pm me and we'll try to settle on a date.

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Dec 23 2006 5:16 am

BruceC wrote:Hi dj and liz.

I've read that Superstition Mountain is just a short hike east from Flatiron, I wouldn't mind heading up there as well.

How much water would people recommend a person take for this hike?

Anyone interested reply here or pm me and we'll try to settle on a date.

In order that you might enjoy the trip, as an 8x Ridgeline hiker, I'd say that Superstition Mountain is more than a short hike, especially after climbing the flatiron. Consider that, once on top, that this is a well-traveled "route" for the most part, and not typical trail walking.(merely wanted you to be prepared, so as to enjoy the journey)
re. water - In winter, I'd suggest 1 liter for every 2 hours that you'll be out as a minimum.

http://hikearizona.com/t2003/various/1459-126_01.jpg

SuperstitionGuy · Post by **SuperstitionGuy** » Dec 23 2006 8:24 am

Now that you know the route please be aware that this trip up, across and down is not for greenhorns. Many people have been injured, out of water, overdue and just lost on this route. Daylight often runs out on them and the temperature drop when they have to spend the night on the mountain is often more than they are prepared for.

Sometimes all of the above happens to them. The Pinal County Sheriff's phone number is 520-866-6800. Put this number in your wallet if your considering this trip. It may save your life.

And don't forget to take a fully charged cell phone as well!

Davis2001r6 · Post by **Davis2001r6** » Dec 23 2006 3:21 pm

"Superstiition Mtn a short hike from Flatiron" I don't know who is messing with you on that one. If your going to hike to the Superstition Mtn from LDSP you might as well just do the whole ridgeline, as a shuttle that is.

Flatiron is like 2 Camelbacks, winter is the best time of year to do it. The are usually loads of people on the trail on weekends. It's generally a pretty easy trail to follow. Sure you may lose it for 15-20 feet but you'll find it again.

Do watch the weather though, I've been snowed on in November up on the Ridgeline. 34 degree rain is NO fun either.

BruceC · Post by **BruceC** » Dec 23 2006 3:29 pm

All the articles I've read on the hike talked like Superstition Mountain was very near the Flatiron, perhaps a half a mile or so. From the posted route map, however, it looks more like the mountain is halfway across the ridgeline. Definitely more than I'd planned for. I wouldn't mind doing the ridgeline someday in the future, but not really this time out.

lwy678 · Post by **lwy678** » Dec 23 2006 11:01 pm

i have done the hike 3-4 times and would be interested in going...

djui5 · Post by **djui5** » Dec 24 2006 12:41 am

That time period is fine with me.

Davis2001r6 · Post by **Davis2001r6** » Dec 25 2006 9:30 pm

They are most likely talking about the true summit near Flat Iron. Thats only a 10-15 minute scramble from the the chute that you top out on when you finish climbing the draw. If you head to the right you will see the obvious large flatiron. Just up and to the left is the taller summit.

By no means is it Superstition Mountain though, that is definitely clear across the Ridgeline.

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Dec 25 2006 9:32 pm

davis2001r6 wrote:"Superstiition Mtn a short hike from Flatiron" I don't know who is messing with you on that one.

Tim, don't you think that is a true statement?

:

davis2001r6 wrote: If your going to hike to the Superstition Mtn from LDSP you might as well just do the whole ridgeline, as a shuttle that is.

Of course, as everyone knows, the true peak on Superstition Mtn, is the one that is farther SE from the Flatiron. So technically, it's not that short of a hike from the Flatiron and Tim's suggestion above would be appropriate.

BruceC · Post by **BruceC** » Dec 26 2006 2:05 am

Hi lwy, would be glad to have you along.

How does Friday February 2nd or Friday February 9th sound? Oddly enough, it's easier for me to do a weekday than a weekend, but I'm flexible about which weekday.

It sounds like I was confusing the summit near Flatiron with the actual Superstition Mountain.

At any rate, I've been getting on that infernal stair climbing infinite escalator device at the gym lately, getting my legs used to the notion of continuous upward motion.

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Dec 26 2006 7:13 am

I should try harder not to be a stickler for details...

The difference in height between the two peaks is about 40 ft or so. Not really enough to make a noticeable difference. The peak that is closer to the Flatiron is more fun to summit anyway.

Flatiron partner(s) for late winter hike

Flatiron partner(s) for late winter hike

Re: Flatiron partner(s) for late winter hike

Re: Flatiron partner(s) for late winter hike