The hike takes around four hours to complete and is open year-round, according to the website. However, due to the nature of the trail, I would not recommend hiking with children under the age of 10. 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. Peoble. 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 100 Carter Christensen took this self-portrait from Boulder's First Flatiron shortly before his fatal fall. Start the day smarter Notable deaths in 2023 The world's largest war 2023 . When I asked the cashier at REI what his favorite day-hike in the Phoenix area was, he thought for a minute before answering, Oh! "As you can imagine, he was very distraught. "I can tell you that during our investigation, there [were] no signs of foul play. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. From the park, theres easy access to the Siphon Draw Trail that leads to the Flatiron through the nearby Superstition Mountains, making it a popular starting point for visitors. "He was just my companion in that sense," said Thomas. He was torn up pretty bad emotionally. Follow. Another hiker reported that his friend, a 21-year-old hiker named Richard Jacobson, had fallen from the mountain. Jacobsons body was recovered some 700 feet below the camping spot. "You gotta be super focused about being next to the edge, and not just at the rim. With 940m elevation gained over 11.7km, this hike has an average gradient of over 16%. Hed been camping with a friend on top of Flat Iron, the sheriffs office said. A hiker in Arizona was found dead after he fell from a hiking trail along the Apache Junction, officials said. His body was found 700 feet from where he initially fell. This hike requires great stamina. Prepare to climb rocks.. This is a fairly difficult hike overall, though it's not the longest and I'd be inclined to say it's on the lower end of difficult, closer to moderate. The Superstitions are a sculptural mountain range formed by intense volcanic activity that pushed the rock straight up from the earth. The Arizona Department of Public Safety sent a helicopter to help in the recovery effort, however, no other details about the incident have been released. Updated: 5:22 PM MST January 26, 2022 PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. Authorities say a hiker camping on Flatiron peak in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix was found dead after apparently slipping. Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. TRAIL STATS. The hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. The sheriffs office said the Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter assisted with recovering Jacobsons body from the trail. ELEVATION: 2,080-4,592 feet Richard. Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners. Many give up. Yet, it's unknown if Jacobson took this route. This and Superstition Mountain is a climb that is one nasty bee-yatch. Details: 480-982-4485 . He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. The first part of the trail is exposed, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and SPF chapstick. "I spent all my waking hours with Richard, so I got to know him pretty wellhe was an outdoorsman, hunter, hiker. Reverse Flatiron is an adventurous alternative to the traditional hike to the top of Flatiron. They're focused on what they're doing.". Generally considered a moderately challenging route. One reviewer called it "not for the faint of heart. A 21-year-old man fell to his death while attempting to take a picture during a camping trip at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona, according to authorities. Hiking the Flatiron Located in Apache Junction just 40 miles outside of Phoenix, Lost Dutchman State Park When I asked the cashier at REI what his favorite day-hike in the Phoenix area was, he thought for a minute before answering, "Oh! Getting to the top of the landform that juts out 2,500 feet above Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction is challenging - it does not give up its bragging rights easily. I was glad I invested in a pair of lightweight nylon pants to protect my legs from thorns and brush. Preferably with ankle support as there are a lot of loose rocks on the trail. No signs of drug use whatsoever. One reviewer said the hike is not for the faint of heart., Hardest hike Ive done in the valley so far, but so worth it when you get to the top, wrote another review on January 23. Flatiron hike via Siphon Draw Trail 8,749 views May 4, 2020 199 Dislike Share Save Laura Leanne 3.34K subscribers Flatiron hike in Phoenix, Arizona is a scary and tough hike! Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopterhelped recover Jacobson's body. The first part of the trail is exposed, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and SPF chapstick. And in short order, two women came to join them wearing t-shirts with bridesmaids dresses on them. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. ", Siphon Draw Trail to Flatiron Summit in the Superstitions, For the latest local news, download the FOX 10 News app. The investigation into Friday's death is ongoing and the identification of the fallen climber has not been released. Go north on Idaho Road for 2.5 miles and turn right (follow signs for Hwy 88) toward Canyon Lake. Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail is a very challenging day hike in the Superstition Mountains. Peoble added. ", 'Be honest with yourself':Perfect selfies are all over Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. From the point of the sign on this map, it's about 2.5 very steep and challenging miles up Siphon Draw Trail to The Flatiron. This is a very popular area for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. From the right angle, you can see an uninterrupted span of desert that seems to resemble the earth as it was centuries ago. Brandon Torres, the branch chief of Emergency Services at the Grand Canyon, urged hikers to remain focused on trails after multiple hiking deaths at the park in 2019. "I think thats tragic. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Arizona State Parks says the trail is difficult and steep, so it advises that only experienced hikers in good shape climb it. A YOUNG hiker fell to his death while trying to take a picture on a mountain peak in Arizona, authorities say. This is why you should pack smart and keep it light. At the end of the exit ramp keep left at the fork, enter the traffic circle, and take the exit for Brown Rd East. LENGTH: 6 miles round trip Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter:@jordan_mendoza5. Very sad, very unfortunate," said Guzman. A companion of Jacobson's called 911 around 12:45 a.m. on Monday, and his body was eventually found around 700 feet from where he slipped while attempting to take a photograph, per officials. As a result, there are a lot of steep trails, some requiring short vertical climbs to make it up the high slopes. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Many give up. Getting to the top of the landform that juts out 2,500 feet above Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction is challenging it does not give up its bragging rights easily. The Flatiron Peak is one of several fantastic hikes at the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, near Hope. Andrew Thomas told KPHO-TV he spent three months as a missionary with Jacobson in 2020. Jacobson had gone to the edge of the mountain to take a photo when he slipped, authorities said. You will be hiking parallel to Highway 20 for a short distance before veering left and continuing north in a landscape of western juniper with . Tips for Hiking Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains. They're killing us, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Flatirons pretty good. That should have been a clue. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. There is space for quite a few cars, but this trail is popular at the weekend, so you may need a plan B (like Zoa . The reporting party stated he and his friend were camping on top of Flat Iron when his friend went to the edge to take a photo and slipped, said the office. Back in 2006, Dave . Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. We've received your submission. Located in Apache Junction just 40 miles outside of Phoenix, Lost Dutchman State Park. Flatiron and Siphon Draw, Superstition Wilderness, January 2022. Flatiron is a taxing and difficult hike, but everyday people do it, well, every day. 1st & 2nd Flatirons Hike Overview. They're killing us. On the trail, you reach whats commonly called the Basin, a natural depression where millennia of wind and erosion has worn the red volcanic tuff into a Martian landscape. It is full of tough scrambles and is recommended for seasoned hikers and scramblers only. The top of the Flatiron is an uneven plateau with a sprawling view of Arizonas lower desert. (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images), Fox News Flash top headlines for January 26. A hiker trying to take a photo on an Arizona mountaintop slipped and fell to his death, authorities said. Share Them by March 3. 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On Monday around 12:45 a.m.,the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said in a statement, its search and rescue unit was sentto the Flatiron Trail "after a 911 caller reported his friend had taken a fall from the mountain.". "The reporting party stated he and his friend were camping on top of Flat Iron when his friend went to the edge to take a photo and slipped," the office says. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was reportedly trying to take a picture when the fall happened. 3-D video overview of the hike to Flatiron Peak via . For hikers Shirley Guzman and Corrie Ulrich, who were hitting the trail for an evening walk, the tragedy emphasized the importance of safety when out and about. We took our 11-year-old son and he loved the challenge of climbing the rocks at the end. APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. - A hiker has died after falling from the Flatiron peak at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. It was just a very tragic accident. RATING: very difficult Authorities used a helicopter to airlift Jacobsons distraught friend from the mountain, according to the station. From Phoenix, drive east on US60 and exit on Idaho Road. Psaki grows defensive when asked about Biden-Xi talk on CO 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Mike McCarthy shreds ex-Cowboys coordinator after firing, Family raises 250-pound 'dog' for 2 years then realizes it's a bear, 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards: Lana Del Ray, Kim Petras, & more, RHOA star Drew Sidora accuses ex Ralph Pittman of cheating, mental abuse, Original Gone With The Wind script reveals secret war over slavery, cut scenes, Good luck 'worming' your way out of this one, Sunny Hostin Points Finger at China for COVID Crisis: Did Not Cooperate With the International Community, Kanye West and 'wife' Bianca Censori look surprisingly happy on dinner date. Updated on: January 27, 2022 / 4:49 PM Richard Jacobson, 21, fell an estimated 400 to 700 feet from the Flatiron Trail. or redistributed. "Mr. Jacobson went to go take a photograph with himself and the city skyline in the background, and he lost his footing, and he slipped, and he fell," Sergeant Doug Peoble with Pinal County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, told CBS affiliate KPHO-TV. Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. And its a great place to sit down, rest, get some selfies, and rehydrate without other climbers pressuring you for space. The Flatiron peak can be reached through a popular 5.5-mile hike on the Siphon Draw Trail, according to the hiking review website AllTrails. FOX 10's Matt Galka reports. The Superstition Mountains are very rocky, Bulger says. The staff at Lost Dutchman State Park are always eager to share information about the hike. Hiking down steep canyon trails, think about how much opportunity there is to fall off a trail. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Pinal County deputies say they received a 911 call just after midnight on Jan. 24. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. How difficult is the hike to the Flatiron? His friend was airlifted from the mountain by first responders. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. From the Phoenix area, get on AZ-202 heading East and take Exit 26 for Brown Road. ", RELATED VIDEO: Parents of Florida Woman Who Fell to Her Death at Grand Canyon Reveal 'Fearless' Daughter's Last Words, "Hardest hike I've done in the valley so far, but so worth it when you get to the top," reviewer Kira Northrop wrote on Jan. 23. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was camping with a friend in the Superstition Mountains just east of Phoenix this week. It was just a very tragic accident.. Spring wild flowers bloom in the Sonoran desert's Superstition Mountains on March 25, 2017, at the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. The tallest point in the Valley, there's an elevation gain of over 3000'. In recent years there have been several rock slides, and the upper part of the trail has been altered extensively. 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Plan on at least six hours for first-timers and bring a minimum of three liters of water along with some salty snacks. Market data provided by Factset. Live nearby and have seen many a helicopter evacuation, typically about 1/2 way down around the saddle," wrote a reviewer on Tuesday. Climbing gloves would be helpful during the last mile as you are climbing up and over rocks and boulders. The out-and-back trail is 2.6 miles round-trip with a 1,400-ft elevation gain - a pretty moderate hike! A photo of Erik Kleiber shared on Facebook after his death. Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! "He slipped and fell," Police Sgt. All rights reserved. Everyone could use a bit of coaching. I made it to the top of the Flatiron just in time for I do, and watching everyone cheer and kiss and congratulate while overlooking the broad Sonoran Desert, I was glad that I did. It was May. Or up the ante by continuing along the strenuous, three-mile Royal Arch Trail, which ends at a natural rock arch with awe-inspiring views of Boulder and its surroundings. Also, cell reception isnt that bad so you can post or go live on social! From the information kiosk, take the Flatiron Rock Trail on the right (An option is to go left on the Ancient Juniper Loop - see the Ancient Juniper Loop Hike - and rejoin the Flatiron Rock Trail later). "I hike with a friend and just pay attention to the surroundings and whats around you. This is not a good place to be prideful., If You Go 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In 4.2 miles, continue straight onto W Lost Dutchman Blvd, then after another 3.4 miles, turn left onto AZ-88 N Apache Trail. These towering rocks protrude from the ground at about a 55-degree angle and soar into the air forming the perfect backdrop for the city of Boulder and a great place to explore. Visit a participating park or purchase your pass online, andcreateyour own stories! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The other hiker, a friend of Jacobson's, said the body was found 700 feet below their camping site, Fox 10 reported. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. He did stuff like that, so I guess he did die doing what he loved to do, just in a tragic way.". 2023 FOX Television Stations, from WED 5:00 PM MST until THU 11:00 AM MST, Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys including Nogales, Southeast Pinal County including Kearny/Mammoth/Oracle, Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra Vista/Benson, Eastern Cochise County below 5000 ft including Douglas/Wilcox, Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys including Clifton/Safford, White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties including Hannagan Meadow, Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains including Mount Graham, Chiricahua Mountains including Chiricahua National Monument, Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains including Bisbee/Canelo Hills/Madera Canyon, Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains including Mount Lemmon/Summerhaven, until THU 5:00 AM MST, Yavapai County Mountains, Yavapai County Valleys and Basins, until THU 11:00 AM MST, Grand Canyon Country, Coconino Plateau, Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau, Western Mogollon Rim, Eastern Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, Northern Gila County, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Black Mesa Area, Mazatzal Mountains, Pinal/Superstition Mountains, Southeast Gila County, from THU 1:16 AM MST until THU 5:00 AM MST, Northwest Deserts, until THU 5:00 AM MST, Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra Vista/Benson, Eastern Cochise County below 5000 ft including Douglas/Wilcox, Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys including Clifton/Safford, from WED 5:00 PM MST until THU 11:00 AM MST, Tucson Metro Area including Tucson/Green Valley/Marana/Vail, South Central Pinal County including Eloy/Picacho Peak State Park, until THU 2:00 PM MST, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, until THU 11:00 AM MST, Marble and Glen Canyons, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Chinle Valley, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264, New River Mesa, Rio Verde/Salt River, Superior, Tonto Basin, Mazatzal Mountains, Pinal/Superstition Mountains, San Carlos, Dripping Springs, Globe/Miami, Southeast Gila County, Arizona weather forecast: Winter storm brings more rain, snow, Preying on a People: Inside the scheme of trafficking, health care fraud that victimizes Native Americans, Major Arizona storm: 'Enormous' amounts of snow, major highways closed, damaging winds, power outages, Chicago police officer fatally shot on Southwest Side, Arizona man selling brooms surprised by TikToker after string of counterfeit buyers, 'When it hit me, I just lost it': Wife of Arizona Intel campus murder victim speaks out, Arizona couple makes historical find following Goodwill purchase, Arizona Republicans disavow wide-ranging bribery allegation, How unlicensed sober-living homes are getting paid with taxpayer money.