Oops, We Did It Again: Flatiron Round Two – Stronger, Wiser… and Still Learning
Flatiron: A Tough Hike with Even Better Views
If you're looking for a hike in Arizona that pushes your limits, tests your nerves, and rewards you with jaw-dropping views, Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is the one. Rising to about 4,800 feet, the 6.2-mile round-trip trek via Siphon Draw Trail is one of the toughest in Arizona. It’s steep, rocky, and relentless—but the reward? A panoramic view so incredible, it makes every grueling step worth it.
My husband and I first hiked Flatiron on December 31, 2023, when we were still hiking rookies. We didn’t have the right gear, weren’t fully prepared, and honestly had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. But somehow, we made it. And after that? We set out on even more adventurous hikes.
So naturally, when the year rolled around, we found ourselves saying: "Oops, we did it again."
The last time we tackled this beast, we saw it all—hikers in tears, a rescue helicopter swooping in for someone with a sprained ankle, a worn-out kid whining their way up, and even an old dog struggling to climb the rocks alongside its owner. This time? None of that. There were plenty of hikers on the trail, but most looked prepared for the challenge—or at least doing a good job pretending they were.
This time, we were stronger, more experienced, and way more prepared... or at least, we thought we were.
Hiker’s Amnesia: Forgetting the Struggle, Remembering the Fun
It’s funny how your mind tricks you. We knew the hike was tough, but somehow, we forgot just how brutal that final climb really is. That’s hiker’s amnesia for you—it lets you focus on the excitement and adventure while conveniently erasing the exhaustion and pain.
The good news? We were in way better shape than last time. The bad news? We packed like we were trekking the Grand Canyon. Between the extra water, snacks, flashlights, first aid kit, and backup supplies, our backpacks felt heavier than they needed to be. We even had hiking poles, which were great at first—until they just became annoying when we needed to scramble up rocks. Lesson learned: less is more.
Of course, we still made the classic mistake of starting late—11:40 AM, which meant we’d be racing against daylight again.
The Climb: Familiar Yet Still Grueling
The first part of the hike was pretty smooth. The weather was perfect—cool air, clear skies, and no recent rain to make the rocks slippery. We kept a steady pace, stopping at the small saddle (about halfway up) for water and snacks before tackling the hardest part—the steep climb to the top.
That’s when we met a young couple who were pretty impressed that we were taking on Flatiron at our age. We laughed, told them we’d see them at the top, and kept moving.
Then, just like last time, we somehow ended up off the main trail. Again.
Instead of following the usual route, we veered a little too close to the actual rock face of Flatiron. That meant steeper climbs, trickier footing, and way more effort. The views were amazing, but we had to be careful—one wrong step, and you could end up in a bad spot real fast.
At one point, I hit a wall. The next section was so steep, I wasn’t sure I could pull myself up. My husband, already at the top, turned a corner and accidentally popped up in front of the young couple we met earlier—totally startling them.
Yep, we were way off course. But hearing their voices gave me the last push I needed, and I finally climbed up, too.
The Summit: Epic Views… and a Warning About Where You Sit
Reaching the top felt just as incredible as the first time. The sky was clear, the valley stretched for miles, and the sense of accomplishment was unbeatable. A group of three tourists joined us, and though they spoke little English, we all helped each other take our victory photos. The wind was so strong we didn’t linger too long. It was time to descend, as the sun was setting.
Now, a word of advice for future hikers: watch where you sit to enjoy the view. As my husband quietly pointed out—most hikers don’t stop for bathroom breaks until they reach the top. My husband referred to it as the Flatiron toilet. Let’s just say, some areas have been… used. Blame it on the rain! With no measurable rain in months, well—nature hasn’t exactly taken care of things. So, pick your spot wisely, or better yet, wait until you’re back on the trail!
The Descent: Tougher Than Expected and an Unexpected Rescue
Going down was brutal. By this point, our legs were sore, our joints were feeling it, and the heavy backpacks weren’t helping.
Then we saw a young woman literally running up and down the mountain like a gazelle. Meanwhile, we felt like we were moving in slow motion.
As it got darker, we pulled out our flashlights—just in time to hear voices.
Turns out, two guys were lost. They had been out since 8:30 AM, didn’t bring water or food, didn’t have a flashlight, and had no clue where they were going.
Luckily, they finally got enough phone service to use Google Maps. We had our flashlights to help guide them out.
By 8:00 PM, we were all safely back at the parking lot.
Lessons Learned and… Round Three?
We did it again. And this time, we learned:
✅ Start earlier—way earlier.
✅ Pack smarter—lighter is better.
✅ Retractable hiking poles = a must.
✅ Double-check the trail to stay on course.
✅ And always bring a flashlight—someone will need it.
And yet… we’re already talking about doing it again. Just faster and more efficiently.
Oops… are we seriously considering Flatiron round three?!
Hike #1 of 2025—done. Let’s see what’s next.
Would you take on Flatiron? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Hiking Flatiron and other strenuous trails involves inherent risks, including injury, dehydration, and extreme fatigue. Always research your route, check weather conditions, pack essential gear, and know your physical limits before attempting a difficult hike. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect your own. Consult a professional if you have health concerns before taking on a strenuous hike. Stay safe and hike responsibly!
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