Siphon Draw Trail, Lost Dutchman State Park, Phoenix - Scottsdale - Mesa, Arizona
Siphon Draw Trail - 4.0 miles
Lost Dutchman State Park
| Round-Trip Length: | 4.0 miles (to The Basin) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 2,078' - 3,085' (elevation at The Basin) |
| Elevation Change: | +1,007' net elevation gain (+1,072' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | Yes |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Siphon Draw Trail - 4.0 Miles Round-Trip
The Superstition Mountains took shape about 40 million years ago as overlying sedimentary rock was stripped away by intense steam erosion, leaving only a relatively flat Precambrian rock layer.
Subsequent pressure from underlying magma pushed the solidified interior of the volcano up more than 2,000’ in a geological action called resurgence; this caldera was then replaced by a resurgent dome.
About 25 million years ago violent steam blast eruptions alternated with periods of collapse, forming a huge volcanic caldera filled with rhyolite flows.
Volcanic ash fell back to earth and covered the area, which was removed by erosion to expose weathered remains of the resurgent dome – and the Superstition Mountain we see today.
The Siphon Draw Trail leads up the bajadas of Lost Dutchman State Park into a rugged canyon within the Superstition Mountain complex. The maintained portion ends at the base of a slickrock chute called The Basin, and continues on a well-established but strenuous route to the Flatiron and summit:
The Siphon Draw Trail rises quickly through the bajada to the Jacob’s Crosscut Trail intersection (.85 miles : 2,215’). It continues on a steeper grade to the Superstition Wilderness Boundary at the foot of a high-walled gap in the mountain (1.35 miles : 2,550’).
The Siphon Draw Trail heads into the gap on a markedly rugged path lined by thick brush to the base of a steep slickrock chute and The Basin (2.0 miles : 3,085’).
This shady slot offers great views across the bajada, and spire-topped walls of the canyon. A seasonal waterfall trickles into a corner of the chute, which can make slickrock hazardous under heavy flows. Travel beyond the Basin is strenuous, and requires basic route finding skills. Only experienced hikers in good condition should attempt further travel.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N33 27.561 W111 28.798 — 0.0 miles : Siphon Draw Trailhead
- N33 27.213 W111 28.744 — .48 miles : You Are Here sign on edge of park facilities
- N33 27.136 W111 28.608 — .65 miles : Tonto National Forest boundary
- N33 27.003 W111 28.450 — .85 miles : Jacobs Crosscut Trail split
- N33 26.720 W111 28.062 — 1.4 miles : Superstition Wilderness Boundary
- N33 26.583 W111 27.803 — 1.75 miles : Enter canyon leading to the Basin
- N33 26.504 W111 27.606 — 2.0 miles : Basin (3,085')
- N33 26.445 W111 27.482 — 2.2 miles : Dry fall in slickrock chute above Basin
Worth Noting
- Despite modest distances, reaching the Flatiron (3 miles) and Superstition Peak (3.5 miles) takes considerable time and effort. Anticipate slow progress up the canyon, and carry extra water.
- Scorpions are ubiquitous in the Sonoran Desert, though negative encounters are rare. Scorpions can be found under rocks, in rotting logs and debris piles. The smallest species - the Bark Scorpion - has the strongest venom.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $7 fee to enter Lost Dutchman State Park.
Directions to Trailhead
Lost Dutchman State Park is located just east of Apache Junction, 7.1 miles north of Highway 60 on Highway 88.
From Highway 60, take the 88 / North Idaho Road exit. Continue 2.2 miles to a fork and bear right. Continue to Lost Dutchman State Park (7.1 miles) and turn right.
Pay the fee and follow signs (right) to the Siphon Draw Trailhead.
Contact Information
Lost Dutchman State Park
6109 N. Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
480.982.4485
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