text: Siphon Draw trail is probably my favorite Phoenix area hike It provides a great mix of unique scenery and physical exercise The first mile or so beginning in Lost Dutchman State Park is relatively boring and easy but it gets interesting when you approach the cliffs and begin to gain elevation After the next half mile or so which is decidedly less maintained than the beginning you come up to a smooth basin known as Siphon Draw This provides a nice shady area to rest or if you are just looking for a nice stroll a good turnaround pointnnOnce you pass Siphon Draw you are met with a seemingly vertical quarter mile scramble up to a small saddle If you struggled to mightily to get up to this point this could also serve as a good spot to turn around as it only gets more difficultnnThe remaining half mile or so to the top of the plateau is a rocky climb that gets steeper and steeper as you go with some minor climbing involved in a few spots until you reach a foot vertical wall at the edge of the plateau Once you pass this barrier you are atop the plateau where you can either hike a relatively flat quarter mile to the edge of the cliff formation known as Flatiron or hang a left and continue to the top of Superstition MountainnnThe views from atop Superstition Mountain are phenomenal with a degree panorama of the Superstition Wilderness Four Peaks and the Phoenix area It is a strenuous hike with an elevation gain of almost feet most of which occurs in the last mile of hiking but it is always a fun time Bring enough water and be careful not to slip or break your ankles on the way downnnNote Parking in Lost Dutchman State Park costs per vehicle Free parking is available a mile or so down the road at the First Water Trailhead but you will have to hike an extra mile or so each way