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Flatiron

Arizona > Central Arizona > *Phoenix Areas > Superstition Mountains
Warning Access Issue: PLACING BOLTS IS ILLEGAL IN THE SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS! DetailsDrop down

Description

The Flatiron is a 450' wall of volcanic rock that is some of the best in the Superstition mountains. The Superstitions are located on the east edge of the Valley of the Sun. The Flatiron has a southern and northern exposure. The two meet at a visible prow seen from the valley below. Only a few routes have been done, earlier routes were scare fests that keep most away. For some reason, the shadier the route, the better the rock.

Getting There

To access the west face of the supes, drive to Lost Dutchman State Park. The entry fee is $5 and a map will give you directions to Siphon Gully. Walk up the gully @ 2hrs til near the north side of the Flatiron and follow a trail heading towards the prow along the bottom of the cliff.

Routes from Left to Right

5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 15
Sidewinder
Trad 3 pitches
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 7
Rio Del Mundo
Trad 4 pitches
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 47
Field of Dreams
Trad 5 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 2
In Dust We Trust
Trad 5 pitches
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R
 5
Rocky Horror
Trad 5 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Sidewinder
 15
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad 3 pitches
Rio Del Mundo
 7
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Trad 4 pitches
Field of Dreams
 47
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Trad 5 pitches
In Dust We Trust
 2
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad 5 pitches
Rocky Horror
 5
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R Trad 5 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

S.P. on pitch 2 of Rocky Horror
[Hide Photo] S.P. on pitch 2 of Rocky Horror
Not ideal conditions... but the send is still on!
[Hide Photo] Not ideal conditions... but the send is still on!
Field of Dreams is a great Superstition's outing on a warm february day.  Unfortunately, it was windy and that made it a bit uncomfortable.  I am on the 3rd pitch, following Mike K.  The route is solid and clean enough.  We began walking @ 0840 and topped out at 3 pm.
[Hide Photo] Field of Dreams is a great Superstition's outing on a warm february day. Unfortunately, it was windy and that made it a bit uncomfortable. I am on the 3rd pitch, following Mike K. The route is s…
Funky and junky prow hunting.
[Hide Photo] Funky and junky prow hunting.
On the white, traversing band of rock that splits the Flatiron.  Pondering the upper pitches of something Evil…
[Hide Photo] On the white, traversing band of rock that splits the Flatiron. Pondering the upper pitches of something Evil…
Evil Edge (5.10 R) and Evil Edge Direct (aid) belay station.  Evil Edge traverses left from this and joins Field of Dreams. Evil Edge Direct climbs upwards using an old piton and old bolt(s).
[Hide Photo] Evil Edge (5.10 R) and Evil Edge Direct (aid) belay station. Evil Edge traverses left from this and joins Field of Dreams. Evil Edge Direct climbs upwards using an old piton and old bolt(s).

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Sam F
Arizona
[Hide Comment] From the top there is a 2nd-3rd class descent near the base of the wall that will take you back to you pack without any uphill hiking. Please consider collecting a couple pieces of trash thrown by hikers from the top of the Flatiron on the way out! There is a lot.

Also, you can park for free here (33.4678204, -111.4779570) near the First Water trailhead. The Jacobs Crosscut trail will add about an extra mile of flat hiking, but will allow you to avoid having your vehicle towed if you return after State Park hours. Oct 26, 2019