When it comes to hiking in Phoenix there are a few different muscle-building trails in and around the metro area. Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak are two of the most popular, but neither is going to kick your ass like the Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail. For that reason, I would only suggest this trail to hikers who have trained for it. You need physical and mental stamina something fierce to make it up and down this trail in one piece. It’s steep, it’s busy, and it can be dangerous. But for those who are up to the challenge, it is also a supremely beautiful climb up one of the most iconic mountains in Arizona, and there is nothing more satisfying than making a difficult push to the finish line on a very hard trail.
TL;DR The Flatiron via Siphon Draw trail is the perfect challenge for hikers who are comfortable with the likes of Camelback and Piestewa, and it will reward those who scale it’s heights with unbelievable views and a unique trail experience not found elsewhere. If you aren’t prepared, however, this is a trail better used as a training goal than a risk.
Need to Know Information

(c) ABR 2019
Trail Difficulty: Extreme
Trail Length: 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2600+ feet
Fees: $10.00 per vehicle on holidays and the weekend (Fri-Sun), and $7.00 per vehicle on weekdays
Facilities: Yes, at the trailhead
Vehicular Access: Paved roads provide all access to this trailhead
Water Availability: None after the trailhead
Good for Dogs and Kids? No
Season: Late spring and early fall; avoid high temperatures and ice on the trail.
Fear of Heights Difficulty: High