Before you hit the trails, make sure to check these four to-dos off your pre-hiking list. The Flatiron trail in Lost Dutchman State Park is a 5.8-mile hike and is not a "maintained trail" leading to . "I can tell you that during our investigation, there [were] no signs of foul play. Arizona State Parks says the trail is difficult and steep, so it advises that only experienced hikers in good shape climb it. Once you leave the highway, take a right, then turn right again to park on a gravel road, just below a highway maintenance shed. She brought three water bottles. The body of Richard Jacobson, 21, was found by another hiker near Flatiron Peak. Can kids hike Flatiron? Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Many give up. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was reportedly trying to take a picture when the fall happened. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Tips for Hiking Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains. Carter Christensen took this self-portrait from Boulder's First Flatiron shortly before his fatal fall. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Pinal County deputies say they received a. Details: 480-982-4485 . Very sad, very unfortunate," said Guzman. Jason Hahn is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. A hiker in Arizona was found dead after he fell from a hiking trail along the Apache Junction, officials said. The Flatirons pretty good. That should have been a clue. As a result, there are a lot of steep trails, some requiring short vertical climbs to make it up the high slopes. From the point of the sign on this map, it's about 2.5 very steep and challenging miles up Siphon Draw Trail to The Flatiron. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Share Them by March 3. The last mile is definitely the hardest. Flatiron is about endurance more than anything else, says Patrick Bulger, a Gilbert freight driver who climbs it monthly. Updated on: January 27, 2022 / 4:49 PM Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners. (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images), Fox News Flash top headlines for January 26. 3-D video overview of the hike to Flatiron Peak via . The top of the Flatiron is an uneven plateau with a sprawling view of Arizonas lower desert. We minded each other as we went, and I quickly realized how serious the danger of falling rocks was. - A hiker has died after falling from the Flatiron peak at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. Because when a weathered-looking young man with a Yosemite Sam beard and arms like gnarled bologna logs calls a hike pretty good, its more like something out of a Jack London novel. Doug Peoble, according to the report. One reviewer said the hike is not for the faint of heart., Hardest hike Ive done in the valley so far, but so worth it when you get to the top, wrote another review on January 23. Everyone could use a bit of coaching. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. independent local journalism in Denver. 101 Family-Friendly Things to do in the Phoenix East Valley, Cibecue Falls: Arizonas Best Kept Secret, 6 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Magnolia Market, Sycamore Falls: Northern Arizonas Best Kept Secret, The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip | Simply Wander, 7 Places to Escape the Crowds in Arizona | Simply Wander, 7 Awesome Hikes in Phoenix Arizona | Simply Wander, Hieroglyphic Trail: Best family hike in Phoenix | Simply Wander, Biosphere 2: Tour a Mini Earth in the Arizona Desert, 6 Unbelievable Things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, 5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit El Paso Texas. and help keep the future of Westword, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Good shoes with nonslip soles help greatly Not enough water on this hike can turn into a life or death situation., Conflicting online reports muddle the risk level and time requirement. And in short order, two women came to join them wearing t-shirts with bridesmaids dresses on them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. - A hiker has died after falling from the Flatiron peak at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. The Flatiron peak can be reached through a popular 5.5-mile hike on the Siphon Draw Trail, according to the hiking review website AllTrails. Flatiron and Siphon Draw, Superstition Wilderness, January 2022. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was camping with a friend in the Superstition Mountains just east of Phoenix this week. All rights reserved. Plan on at least six hours for first-timers and bring a minimum of three liters of water along with some salty snacks. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopterhelped recover Jacobson's body. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. A hiker camping on a peak in the Superstition Mountains east of metro Phoenix was found dead after apparently slipping while taking a selfie and falling hundreds of feet, authorities said Wednesday. It'll kick your hubric booty. Although short, the steep incline of the trail and scrambling over rocks can really wear you out. The Flatiron and Needle Peak trailhead is right by the Coquihalla highway (exit 217 on the south side.) Plan on at least six hours for first-timers and bring a minimum of three liters of water along with some salty snacks. ", Siphon Draw Trail to Flatiron Summit in the Superstitions, For the latest local news, download the FOX 10 News app. The investigation into Friday's death is ongoing and the identification of the fallen climber has not been released. A hiker in Arizona slipped and fell hundreds of feet to his death Monday after trying to take a photo in Lost Dutchman State Park, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. You wont need it much during the hike since youll be working up a sweat, but once you reach the summit and the breeze hits your damp skin it can get chilly. Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail is a very challenging day hike in the Superstition Mountains. October 30, 2017 A hiker in Arizona was found dead after he fell from a hiking trail along the Apache Junction, officials said. With 940m elevation gained over 11.7km, this hike has an average gradient of over 16%. Round 3: New winter storm pummels Arizona with snow and rain, Tree falls over during storm west of Phoenix. The trailhead is in Lost Dutchman State Park located along AZ Highway 88. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Or up the ante by continuing along the strenuous, three-mile Royal Arch Trail, which ends at a natural rock arch with awe-inspiring views of Boulder and its surroundings. Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. I made it to the top of the Flatiron just in time for I do, and watching everyone cheer and kiss and congratulate while overlooking the broad Sonoran Desert, I was glad that I did. This is not a good place to be prideful., If You Go Hiking the Flatiron Located in Apache Junction just 40 miles outside of Phoenix, Lost Dutchman State Park When I asked the cashier at REI what his favorite day-hike in the Phoenix area was, he thought for a minute before answering, "Oh! Hiking poles would also be useful for maintaining balance with the loose rocks. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. From the information kiosk, take the Flatiron Rock Trail on the right (An option is to go left on the Ancient Juniper Loop - see the Ancient Juniper Loop Hike - and rejoin the Flatiron Rock Trail later). Yet, it's unknown if Jacobson took this route. Updated: 5:22 PM MST January 26, 2022 PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. Authorities say a hiker camping on Flatiron peak in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix was found dead after apparently slipping. Once inside the park, drive to the last parking area and look for a sign for the Siphon Draw Trailhead. No signs of drug use whatsoever. A tarn sits below the summit and is a popular spot for camping. Also, cell reception isnt that bad so you can post or go live on social! Please use precaution and follow signs. Legal Statement. The trails description on the website warns that there have been several rock slides in the area. Go north on Idaho Road for 2.5 miles and turn right (follow signs for Hwy 88) toward Canyon Lake. There is space for quite a few cars, but this trail is popular at the weekend, so you may need a plan B (like Zoa . "He really was one of those guys that everyone loved, and it's sad to lose him, but we know that it's not the end," said Thomas. I can tell you that during our investigation, there [were] no signs of foul play. "Live nearby and have seen many a helicopter evacuation, typically about 1/2 way down around the saddle," one reviewer wrote on Tuesday. So they answered that question before I even asked it. Another hiker reported that his friend, a 21-year-old hiker named Richard Jacobson, had fallen from the mountain. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "The reporting party stated he and his friend were camping on top of Flat Iron when his friend went to the edge to take a photo and slipped," the office says. Theyre focused on what theyre doing., Seven passengers rushed to hospital after 'severe turbulence' on flight, Gabby Petito's family claim cop knew Laundrie was threat in lawsuit update, Jury inspect eerie Murdaugh murder scene where mom & son were executed, US Navy faces being totally outgunned by China in just seven years, says expert, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Richard Jacobson, 21, fell to his death after attempting to take a photo on the top of a mountain, Jacobson and a friend were camping at the Lost Dutchman State Park when the incident took place, The man's body was found 700 feet from where he originally fell. No signs of drug use whatsoever. The climb is rugged, vertical and difficult to follow. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The body of Richard Jacobson, 21, was recovered after a hiking companion called 911 at approximately 12:45 a.m. Monday, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "We're going to see him again.". He's the second person to suffer a. The reporting party stated he and his friend were camping on top of Flat Iron when his friend went to the edge to take a photo and slipped, said the office. The Superstitions are a sculptural mountain range formed by intense volcanic activity that pushed the rock straight up from the earth. The hike to the 1st Flatiron is a little over a mile and passes by the 2nd Flatiron along the way. The hike up to the summit is enjoyable and scenic. Hiking down steep canyon trails, think about how much opportunity there is to fall off a trail. Doug Peoble told Fox 10 Phoenix. This is a fairly difficult hike overall, though it's not the longest and I'd be inclined to say it's on the lower end of difficult, closer to moderate. Jacobson had gone to the edge of the mountain to take a photo when he slipped, authorities said. Richard Jacobson, 21, fell from the Flatiron Peak in the Superstition Mountains in at the Lost Dutchman State Park, east of Phoenix, Arizona. "He slipped and fell," said Pinal County Sheriff's Office Sgt. This and Superstition Mountain is a climb that is one nasty bee-yatch. Jacobson reportedly fell while trying to take a picture. Many give up. Authorities used a helicopter to airlift Jacobsons distraught friend from the mountain, according to the station. What makes backpacking Flatiron more difficult is strapping an extra 20-30 pounds to your back and hiking the 3.25 miles and 2780 feet in elevation gain to the top. Prepare to climb rocks.". Legal Statement. Andrew Thomas told KPHO-TV he spent three months as a missionary with Jacobson in 2020. Jacobson's body was found nearly 700 feet below where the hikers were camping on top of Flatiron near Lost Dutchman State Park, the office said. "He slipped and fell," said Sgt. Richard Jacobson, 21, of Mesa, Arizona, fell about 700 feet from the Flatiron Peak in the Superstition Mountain in Lost Dutchman State Park, about 40 miles east of Phoenix, where he and his. Bulgers advice? The incident occurred around the Flatiron peak area when the hiker, 21-year-old Richard. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. According to a study in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 259 people died taking selfies from 2011-2017. Technically speaking, there are 5 numbered Flatirons. Flatiron is a taxing and difficult hike, but everyday people do it, well, every day. He was torn up pretty bad emotionally. "I think thats tragic. / CBS/AP. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. This is the section of trail to the Flatiron known as Siphon Draw. No other details about the incident have been released. A photo of Erik Kleiber shared on Facebook after his death. After a string of hiking deaths at the Grand Canyon in 2019, Brandon Torres, the branch chief of Emergency Services at the park, told PEOPLE that he recommends hikers remain focused while on trails. The hike takes around four hours to complete and is open year-round, according to the website. The Superstition Mountains are very rocky, Bulger says. The hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. Hiking down steep canyon trails, think about how much opportunity there is to fall off a trail. "I can tell you that during our investigation, there no signs of foul play. Everyone could use a bit of coaching. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "There's been a couple of accidents where people took a picture and posed like they were going to fall off, and they really fell off," he said. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. A 21-year-old man fell to his death while attempting to take a picture during a camping trip at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona, according to authorities. Drive 5 miles to Lost . A hiker camping in an Arizona mountain range fell hundreds of feet to his death while trying to take a photo, authorities said. From the Phoenix area, get on AZ-202 heading East and take Exit 26 for Brown Road. Richard Jacobson, 21, fell an estimated 400 to 700 feet from the Flatiron Trail. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was camping with a friend in theSuperstition Mountains just east of Phoenix this week. 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 100 This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. These towering rocks protrude from the ground at about a 55-degree angle and soar into the air forming the perfect backdrop for the city of Boulder and a great place to explore. In 2018, amarried couple who fell to their deathsin Yosemite National Park last week while taking a selfie, the man's brother said. How strenuous: Strenuous. local news and culture, Michael Roberts The friend called 911 at about 12:45 a.m. He slipped and fell, Sgt. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. A hiker trying to take a photo on an Arizona mountaintop slipped and fell to his death, authorities said. His friend also was flownfrom the campsite. The tallest point in the Valley, there's an elevation gain of over 3000'. For hikers Shirley Guzman and Corrie Ulrich, who were hitting the trail for an evening walk, the tragedy emphasized the importance of safety when out and about. People dont tend to fall off the trails at Grand Canyon because theyre pretty focused. The easy 1.5 mile trail features some rocky, rough terrain but with little elevation gain. The day I went, there were several people ahead of and behind me, including a few young men in tuxedo t-shirts (well get to that in a minute). The body of Richard Jacobson, 21, was found by another hiker near Flatiron Peak at the Lost Dutchman State Park on Jan. 24, after he slipped while attempting to take a photo near the trail's edge, Fox 10 in Phoenix reported. Yet, its unknown if Jacobson took this route. "He was just my companion in that sense," said Thomas. Richard. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. . You gotta be super focused about being next to the edge, and not just at the rim. Water refill stations are located near the restrooms at the trailhead. They're killing us. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! RATING: very difficult It was just a very tragic accident.. Our expository features, narratives, profiles, and investigative features keep our 385,000 readers in touch with the Valley's latest trends, events, personalities and places. Arizona mountain range fell hundreds of feet to his death, Perfect selfies are all over Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Jacobson had gone to the edge to take a photo when he slipped, according to the spokesperson. It was just a very tragic accident.". It was May. Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. This beautiful program is designed to start with a famous Arizona sunset draping gracefully over the Superstition Mountains, and end under the light of the full moon. All rights reserved. Once upon a time, my mother decided she wanted to take my siblings and I for a hike. Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver The Flatiron peak can be reached through a popular 5.5-mile hike on the Siphon Draw Trail, according to the hiking review website AllTrails. A hiker has died after an apparent fall at Lost Dutchman State Park, Pinal County Sheriff's officials say. "The last mile is definitely the hardest. On occasion, I stopped to I check my laces and picked off all kinds of sharp desert vegetation. 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