Siphon Draw Hike

Where:   Apache Junction, AZ
When:    March 12, 2010
Who:      Mo
What:     Desert Hike
Cost:      $7.00 per car
Rating:   3.5 (out of 5) 

I recently bought a book, “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles” of Phoenix which was recommended by a couple I had met on a recent hike.  The book is great for many reasons, but mostly because it tells you everything you need to know about a particular hike.  When looking for a hike, I’ve found bits and pieces on various Web sites and blogs, but never enough from a single author to get the full “gist” of the hike.  I have also come to the realization that I am geographically challenged since I am having trouble finding trailheads lately.  

Sihpon Draw Trailhead

I was looking through the book, looking for a hike to help burn a few hours in my afternoon.  I was looking for a hike around 5-6 miles, somewhat challenging and not too far from Phoenix.  I also was hoping to find some wildflowers with all this rain that we’ve gotten lately, but I figured no matter what hike I went on, if there were wildflowers out, I would find them.  

Siphon Draw is a 6 mile hike and was described as moderate-difficult, and this is to the top of the flat iron.  The intriguing part of this hike was that it led up to a waterfall, which is where most people stop and turn around; which is what I did.  Who knew there were so many waterfalls in the desert.  I did the Hieroglyphic Trail earlier this year and have read about a couple other waterfall hikes, so I was really excited about tackling Siphon Draw.  

The lone poppy

This hike starts at the Lost Dutchman State Park, which costs $7 per car.  I hear that the park is closing this summer due to budget cuts, but I can’t imagine this would be a fun hike in the summer anyway.  The Siphon Draw trail starts with the “Discovery Trail” for 1/2 mile or so.  After you leave the Discovery Trail, you start to enter into the depths of the Superstition Mountains.  It’s amazing how many hikes I have done in this mountain and how many I have yet to discover.  How did I not know this trail existed?  

Spectacular!

This is a one-way hike, not a loop.  The 2 mile ascent to the waterfall is just that, up the entire 2 miles.  There are no switch backs or breaks, it’s all uphill.  It starts off gradual at first but the last mile or so are a little tough so if you are not in decent shape, I would stay away from this hike.  You don’t have to be an avid hiker to do this hike, but it definitely isn’t for the faint of heart or for someone looking for a desert stroll.  I ran across a couple who turned around because it was tougher than they expected.  The good thing is that there are many places to stop, catch your breath and take in the amazing beauty, which I recommend you do anyway:) 

Water from the fall

Once you get to the the bowl, you are wondering, “Where is the waterfall”?  Well, it’s around a small bend and it’s worth it!  It’s not a very eventful waterfall but it’s a waterfall nonetheless!  When I got to the fall, I was the only one there and got to lay on a rock, close my eyes and listen to the peacefulness of the trickling water.  

Waterfall

I always forget about a hike like this that is entirely uphill, with no breaks, that the downhill portion is somewhat hairier than the ascent.  Uphill is all cardio and downhill is all muscle work on your legs; holding yourself up from not face planting down the mountain.  

Beautiful Desert

I highly recommend this hike.  The 4 miles goes by quickly, and it’s worth it.  I hiked Siphon Draw in 1.5 hours but I’m a pretty quick hiker and didn’t dilly dally along the way.  I started the hike at 2:30 thinking I would be on the mountain longer than two hours and would get to see some nice long shadows from the sun setting.  But, I finished at 4:30pm when the sun was still brightly shining.  There were not many wildflowers, to my surprise and disappointment, but the mountain was green and spectacular! 

Giant Saguaro

Enjoy the desert!

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