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| Hiking | 5.85 Miles |
2,900 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.85 Miles | | | |
| 2,900 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Spectacular trail. Tremendous vertical rock scrambling rising a couple thousand feet up in a constant upward climb. That occurs of course after an initial leisurely amble up a "normal" trail, and then a trek through the "Basin", a bare, slick, smooth v-shaped inclining wash.
Now I surmize many trails and routes offer spectacular rock and scrambling climbs. Familiar with Sedona AZ, I might think Capital Butte offers such. But surmounting Capital Butte, or similar, involves, from what I read, treachery, exposure and even technical skills.
Siphon Draw to Flatiron provides rock scrambling and vertical ascent without anything approaching treachery, save scrapped hands on the rocks (bring gloves), or exposure, save how close one wants to come to the cliffs on Flatiron itself (optional, since Flatiron is the terminus.)
Now a few things we found helpful (note we were first timers.) We started early. We took off at 5 AM, from the overflow parking available before the gate to regular parking opens at 6 AM. The early start allowed us a complete ascent before the rising sun ended up in our eyes as we looked up to grab the next rock.
We brought gloves. We found gloves aided grip, immensely. (Yes, we needed to scramble using our hands; the better balanced and/or more experienced just walked on up.)
We asked directions. As first timers, we saw that at and after the "Basin" we could readily get lost. Now the more experienced or informed "announced" themselves (silently, as they proceeded more confidently and quickly than us.) We thus asked them, giving up any concern of revealing our "newbie" status. And all we asked assisted us without condescending. And without their nuanced course guidance, I am thinking we would have wandered in wrong directions, or even gotten lost.
The experience itself? Thrilling. Continuous climbing. Expansive views. Open vistas. Amazing rock formations. Great comaradarie among the hikers. A trail challenging but not treacherous. Great physical exertion. Unique adventure, at least unique for us.
Now a bit about water. Many advise bringing lots, and lots, of water. But water equals weight. So, bring the optimum amount of water. Look at the temperature (on our day in the 70's, lower than normal). Look at your start time (we started in the dark, with lights, in the cool dawn, given the first sections are regular trails ready traversed with lights). Know how much water you typically need (for me, not much). I brought four bottles, but needed only one. But then, if you project you need four, don't skimp and bring one. |
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Route Editor
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