November 4, 2016 - Siphon Draw Hike

Lost Dutchman Park is in the Superstition Mountains can be accessed from Apache Trail. On our way, we could see rain clouds toward our destination. It had rained a fair amount and the attendant at the park gate let us know that the basin was very slippery. The sun was out by 9:30, just in time for our hike. We walked up a wide path on Treasure Loop Trail that links up with Jacob’s Crosscut Trail. This trail became steeper as we walked up the mountain. There were loose stones and large rocks to climb but it was worth it because the scenery is spectacular. We turned onto Siphon Draw Trail that takes us to the Basin. Experienced hikers could go onto the Flatiron which goes straight up from 3100 feet at the Basin to an elevation of 4861 feet. We stopped at the Basin for lunch and did not pursue the higher elevation. There was a small stream flowing down the Basin, but the walls of the canyon were dry. We were careful not to get our boots wet. Our descent was down the same trail, but instead of turning onto the Treasure Loop Trail toward the parking lot, we stayed on the Jacob’s Crosscut Trail toward First Water Road which intersects with the other side of the Treasure Loop Trail and leads to the parking lot. See the map for clarification of the trail. It is estimated to be about 4.5-5 miles in length.

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/downloads/LODU_Park_Map.pdf

The Hiking Group's first hike of the season. Arrived at the parking lot by the
mailboxes around 8:00 to sign up and assigned vehicles.We left the park at 8:15. 

                                         

Treasure Loop Trail

   

Basin

                         

The young man in this picture was hiking to the top and he was taking gear to sleep there in a month.
He was going to make three trips in order to get all he needed to stay overnight to the top where he would store it. 

     

                                                                 

                                                                                                                                               

 

Jacob's Crosscut Trail

Siphon Draw Trail

               

Jacob's Cross Cut Trail toward First Water Pass

Junction of Jacob's Pass Trail and Treasure Loop Trail

                                                

Siphon Draw

Directions: From Florence go north on Hwy.79 13 mi. to Hwy. 60, Turn left on Highway 60 and go three miles past King’s Ranch. Just past Mountain View road bear right on E Old West Hwy. Turn right at the stop sign, then bear left continuing on Old West Hwy.  to the first traffic light on Tomahawk Rd.  Turn right going northward until you come to the junction of Hwy 88. Turn right. Proceed past the entrance to Lost Dutchman State Park, about 1 mile  to Lost Dutchman State Park. Enter and pay the fee. Continue to the trail-head at the west end of the parking lot.