| | |
|
|
Hiking | 5.85 Miles |
2,900 AEG |
| Hiking | 5.85 Miles | 5 Hrs | | 1.17 mph |
2,900 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This is a great hike for beginners who are ready to adventure into something a little more strenuous. If you are looking for seclusion move on, this is a popular hike, but it doesn't take away from great views. We got out early and started around 7am. The trail starts out flat for the first mile or so going north/south with the iconic Superstitions mountains to the east, you have probably seen this view in pictures hundreds of times. As the trail bends to the east the trail steadily ascends into a canyon with many neat rock formations. Once in the canyon you can see Flatiron high overhead and it looks like the trail will probably ascend deep into this canyon and swing back towards Flatiron. This area had a small trickle of water and was extremely slick due to its smooth surface.
You soon realize that the trail does not ascend deep into any canyon and it becomes much more of climb, sometimes literally. Its a straight shot up from here and you will defiantly get a work out. The last portion of this hike involves about a 10ft climb up a wall and a nice steady climb along the edge of flatiron to its point overlooking Apache junction and the rest of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It is quite an amazing view. You can sit and hang your feet over the edge, but be extremely cautious, you will not be walking away from a fall.
We spent some time exploring the area around the Flatiron, it seems a lot of people set up camp in the area. Once we started back down the trail, and before the climb back down the 10ft wall portion we went up a side trail. Turns out this is where a plane crash on Nov. 23rd 2011 happened. Very sad. You can still see the crash site and some of the wreckage, basically nuts and bolts that were left behind. There is a small memorial up here too. Not the best way to end a great hike, but it really drives home why we should all cherish our short lives.
After that we headed down, this can be a little trickier than the way up as you must be a lot more aware of what you are doing. Seems we started at the right time since the crowds were getting larger as we made it down. All in all, a great day out. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|