The Flatiron

Details:
Hello everyone. On Saturday, February 14, we're going to hike the Flatiron. We will NOT be leaving from Lost Dutchman Park. Instead, we will hike from First Water Road. We'll hike an unnamed trail for about half a mile, then the Jacobs Crosscut for a little over a mile, and then we hit Siphon Draw that takes us to the top of Flatiron. The entire hike is 7.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 2800 ft. This makes it an expert level hike. It is very steep and strenuous. The top half is rock scrambling up a steep wash. Just before the top plateau is a 6-foot vertical wall (that can be scaled by using a crack in the rocks or a tree branch). You must be in very good shape to for this hike. Friendly dogs are always welcome on my hikes but some dogs struggle on this one.

Afterwards, if you wish to hang out near the trailhead for a bit, I'll bring some drinks to share. Bring a chair and take some time to relax and chat with friends after the hike.

What to bring:
plenty of water (bring more than you think you will need)
comfortable hiking shoes
snacks
sunglasses
hat
sunscreen
chair-for hanging out afterwards

PARKING:
There is no fee to park at First Water Road.

HOW TO FIND US:
Take the Apache Trail east from the intersection with Idaho in Apache junction, go about 6 miles and turn right onto first water road. Park in the are immediately to your left. If you drive more than 10 seconds on First Water Road, then you have driven too far. I drive a blue F-150 with a solid blue (no windows) camper shell.

REMEMBER:
The AZ sun is strong. Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply, don't forget to cover the tops of your feet and your ears and every other exposed surface. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Drink lots of fluids.

DISCLAIMER:
Please note that neither myself, nor any other trip leaders are professional tour guides, nor do we have any special training in first aid or rescue. You are entirely responsible for your own safety.

PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY. I'd like to begin hiking as close to 9:00 am as possible.