FOX 10's Matt Galka reports. Reverse Flatiron is an adventurous alternative to the traditional hike to the top of Flatiron. So its wise to take some from a guy who has hiked it more than 65 times. The friend called 911 at about 12:45 a.m. He slipped and fell, Sgt. Flatiron is a taxing and difficult hike, but everyday people do it, well, every day. Fugitive in $18 million COVID fraud scheme extradited to U.S. Hiker dies after falling at Flatiron Summit near Apache Junction by azfamily powered by 3TV & CBS5AZ on YouTube An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter helped recover Jacobson's body,. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. It was just a very tragic accident.. On the trail, you reach whats commonly called the Basin, a natural depression where millennia of wind and erosion has worn the red volcanic tuff into a Martian landscape. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Jacobson had gone to the edge of the mountain to take a photo when he slipped, authorities said. He has a B.A. A photo of Erik Kleiber shared on Facebook after his death. We were around 15, 14, and 12 and were decent hikers but not serious at all. "I can tell you that during our investigation, there [were] no signs of foul play. They said their friends were getting married at the top of the Flatiron and they were joining the wedding party. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Pinal County deputies say they received a 911 call just after midnight on Jan. 24. Flatiron is about endurance more than anything else, says Patrick Bulger, a Gilbert freight driver who climbs it monthly. LENGTH: 6 miles round trip in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Legal Statement. It begins to get really steep here, causing many hikers to rethink their decision to hike it. Brandon Torres, the branch chief of Emergency Services at the Grand Canyon, urged hikers to remain focused on trails after multiple hiking deaths at the park in 2019. Doug Peoble toldFox 10. They're killing us. 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. A hiker camping in an Arizona mountain range fell hundreds of feet to his death while tryingto take a photo, authorities said. Round 3: New winter storm pummels Arizona with snow and rain, Tree falls over during storm west of Phoenix. From the Phoenix area, get on AZ-202 heading East and take Exit 26 for Brown Road. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The tallest point in the Valley, there's an elevation gain of over 3000'. Phoenix, AZ 85007. The Flatirons pretty good. That should have been a clue. 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. "He slipped and fell," said Pinal County Sheriff's Office Sgt. 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. The Arizona Department of Public Safety sent a helicopter to help in the recovery effort, however, no other details about the incident have been released. His friend also was flownfrom the campsite. Prepare to climb rocks.". It is unclear whether Jacobson took this route, but a description on the website notes there have been several rock slides in the area. 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"Always bring water, make sure to tell people where Im at, when Ive left, a time frame to be back," said Ulrich. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopterhelped recover Jacobson's body. With 940m elevation gained over 11.7km, this hike has an average gradient of over 16%. 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. She brought three water bottles. It also helps protect your hands if you slip, which we all did. Yet, its unknown if Jacobson took this route. A hiker in Arizona was found dead after he fell from a hiking trail along the Apache Junction, officials said. 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. The investigation into Friday's death is ongoing and the identification of the fallen climber has not been released. Spring wild flowers bloom in the Sonoran desert's Superstition Mountains on March 25, 2017, at the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. I can tell you that during our investigation, there [were] no signs of foul play. "He slipped and fell," said Sgt. Carter Christensen took this self-portrait from Boulder's First Flatiron shortly before his fatal fall. A tarn sits below the summit and is a popular spot for camping. Richard Jacobson, 21, fell an estimated 400 to 700 feet from the Flatiron Trail. 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. She had heard that flatiron was a good hike and that it would take about 3 hours round trip (and clearly did not Google it). Hiking down steep canyon trails, think about how much opportunity there is to fall off a trail. RATING: very difficult First and Second Flatirons Loop. Share Them by March 3. How strenuous: Strenuous. We were able to get a helicopter to him," Sgt. and help keep the future of Westword, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. The Flatiron trail in Lost Dutchman State Park is a 5.8-mile hike and is not a "maintained trail" leading to the peak of the mountains. Updated on: January 27, 2022 / 4:49 PM 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. His friend was airlifted from the mountain by first responders. As a result, there are a lot of steep trails, some requiring short vertical climbs to make it up the high slopes. 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A companion of Jacobson's called 911 around 12:45 a.m. on Monday, and his body was eventually found around 700 feet from where he slipped while attempting to take a photograph, per officials. His body was found 700 feet from where he initially fell. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was camping with a friend in theSuperstition Mountains just east of Phoenix this week. The staff at Lost Dutchman State Park are always eager to share information about the hike. The Superstitions are a sculptural mountain range formed by intense volcanic activity that pushed the rock straight up from the earth. azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman. Update: The climber who fell to his death from Boulder's First Flatiron on October 26 has been identified. How difficult is the hike to the Flatiron? The climb is rugged, vertical and difficult to follow. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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 . You could do Camelback Mountain [the highest point in Phoenix] up and down two times and it still does not equal one trip up and down Flatiron in distance and elevation., Even with this knowledge, some hikers need rescuing. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images). 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. - 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. Climbing gloves would be helpful during the last mile as you are climbing up and over rocks and boulders. It is full of tough scrambles and is recommended for seasoned hikers and scramblers only. Trail hours: 6am to 10pm. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. The out-and-back trail is 2.6 miles round-trip with a 1,400-ft elevation gain - a pretty moderate hike! Richard. It was just a very tragic accident.". You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! The Associated Press contributed to this report. It was May. 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. No other details about the incident have been released. Its spectacular. One reviewer called it "not for the faint of heart. The body of hiker Richard Jacobson was recovered after he fell from Flatiron Peak in the Superstition Mountains, located to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office says in a statement to PEOPLE. All rights reserved. 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Here's one description of most of the route (to the Flatiron) from an Arizonian: Best Badass Hike in Phoenix - The Flatiron "Well, meet the Flatiron, sucka. Peoble. Richard Jacobson, 21, fell an estimated 400 to 700 feet from the Flatiron Trail summit at Los Dutchman State Park after midnight Monday, a spokesperson from the Pinal County Sheriffs Office told The Post. Although short, the steep incline of the trail and scrambling over rocks can really wear you out. According to the page, the hike takes about four hours to complete and is open year-round. The other hiker, a friend of Jacobson's, said the body was found 700 feet below their camping site, Fox 10 reported. No signs of drug use whatsoever. 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 reportedly fell while trying to take a picture. Arizona State Parks says the trail is difficult and steep, so it advises that only experienced hikers in good shape climb it. A YOUNG hiker fell to his death while trying to take a picture on a mountain peak in Arizona, authorities say. Taylor Powers, who was taken to safety following a mushroom-fueled strip tease, Austin Stevens survived a fall while on hallucinogenic drugs, Jeremy Caldwell cheerfully admitted that he might have won a Darwin Award, feature article about the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Male rescued from the base of the First Flatiron in Chautauqua Park, Rescue on injured hiker on trail between the First and Second Flatiron, 16yo Hiker Rescued From Trail by 2nd Flatiron, Climbers Rescued From Top of 1st Flatiron in Overnight Rescue. This and Superstition Mountain is a climb that is one nasty bee-yatch. Located in Apache Junction just 40 miles outside of Phoenix, Lost Dutchman State Park. The body of Richard Jacobson, 21, was found by another hiker near Flatiron Peak. 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. According to the hiking review website AllTrails, one of the most popular ways to visit Flatiron Peak is through a 5.5-mile hike on the Siphon Draw Trail. Youll be burning plenty of calories and working up an appetite so be sure to pack protein bars and snacks that you can enjoy at the top. 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. Water refill stations are located near the restrooms at the trailhead. Described as "one of the state's top ten hikes to experience" and one of the "best hikes near Phoenix," Flatiron in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness offers an exceptionally scenic vista, but most hikers will remember it for its challenging and unique ascent: a seemingly endless scramble, including one 12-foot pitch . Doug Peoble told Fox 10 Phoenix. Go north on Idaho Road for 2.5 miles and turn right (follow signs for Hwy 88) toward Canyon Lake. "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. or redistributed. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from WED 5:00 PM MST until THU 11:00 AM MST, Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys including Nogales, Southeast Pinal County including Kearny/Mammoth/Oracle, Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra Vista/Benson, Eastern Cochise County below 5000 ft including Douglas/Wilcox, Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys including Clifton/Safford, White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties including Hannagan Meadow, Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains including Mount Graham, Chiricahua Mountains including Chiricahua National Monument, Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains including Bisbee/Canelo Hills/Madera Canyon, Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains including Mount Lemmon/Summerhaven, until THU 5:00 AM MST, Yavapai County Mountains, Yavapai County Valleys and Basins, until THU 11:00 AM MST, Grand Canyon Country, Coconino Plateau, Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau, Western Mogollon Rim, Eastern Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, Northern Gila County, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Black Mesa Area, Mazatzal Mountains, Pinal/Superstition Mountains, Southeast Gila County, from THU 1:16 AM MST until THU 5:00 AM MST, Northwest Deserts, until THU 5:00 AM MST, Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra Vista/Benson, Eastern Cochise County below 5000 ft including Douglas/Wilcox, Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys including Clifton/Safford, from WED 5:00 PM MST until THU 11:00 AM MST, Tucson Metro Area including Tucson/Green Valley/Marana/Vail, South Central Pinal County including Eloy/Picacho Peak State Park, until THU 2:00 PM MST, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, until THU 11:00 AM MST, Marble and Glen Canyons, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Chinle Valley, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264, New River Mesa, Rio Verde/Salt River, Superior, Tonto Basin, Mazatzal Mountains, Pinal/Superstition Mountains, San Carlos, Dripping Springs, Globe/Miami, Southeast Gila County, Arizona weather forecast: Winter storm brings more rain, snow, Preying on a People: Inside the scheme of trafficking, health care fraud that victimizes Native Americans, Major Arizona storm: 'Enormous' amounts of snow, major highways closed, damaging winds, power outages, Chicago police officer fatally shot on Southwest Side, Arizona man selling brooms surprised by TikToker after string of counterfeit buyers, 'When it hit me, I just lost it': Wife of Arizona Intel campus murder victim speaks out, Arizona couple makes historical find following Goodwill purchase, Arizona Republicans disavow wide-ranging bribery allegation, How unlicensed sober-living homes are getting paid with taxpayer money. Technically speaking, there are 5 numbered Flatirons. 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). This is not a good place to be prideful., If You Go The Flatiron and Needle Peak trailhead is right by the Coquihalla highway (exit 217 on the south side.) He did stuff like that, so I guess he did die doing what he loved to do, just in a tragic way.". The last mile is definitely the hardest. "I can tell you that during our investigation, there were no signs of foul play. Can kids hike Flatiron? Hiking poles would also be useful for maintaining balance with the loose rocks. Thomas told the station he remembers Jacobson as someone who was kind and had a good sense of humor. Reference the . Hed been camping with a friend on top of Flat Iron, the sheriffs office said. The Flatiron Peak is one of several fantastic hikes at the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, near Hope. He was Erik Kleiber, a 31-year-old from Boulder. 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. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners. Flatiron hike via Siphon Draw Trail 8,749 views May 4, 2020 199 Dislike Share Save Laura Leanne 3.34K subscribers Flatiron hike in Phoenix, Arizona is a scary and tough hike! 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! As I took in the otherworldly beauty, it started to dawn on me this is the halfwaypoint. 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. A hiker camping in an Arizona mountain range fell hundreds of feet to his death while trying to take a photo, authorities said. People dont tend to fall off the trails at Grand Canyon because theyre pretty focused. "He was just my companion in that sense," said Thomas. The easy 1.5 mile trail features some rocky, rough terrain but with little elevation gain. Plan on at least six hours for first-timers and bring a minimum of three liters of water along with some salty snacks. 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). Hiker, 21, Falls to Death While Taking Photo from Arizona Mountain Peak Human Interest 21-Year-Old Hiker Falls to Death While Taking Photo from Arizona Mountain Peak The body of Richard. On occasion, I stopped to I check my laces and picked off all kinds of sharp desert vegetation. I went up with an 80 oz Hydropak, two additional bottles of water, a bottle of an electrolyte drink, and snacks, and came down with empty containers and wrappers. "As you can imagine, he was very distraught. ", RELATED VIDEO: Parents of Florida Woman Who Fell to Her Death at Grand Canyon Reveal 'Fearless' Daughter's Last Words, "Hardest hike I've done in the valley so far, but so worth it when you get to the top," reviewer Kira Northrop wrote on Jan. 23. 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. 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