Leading a Hike in the Superstition Wilderness

The group hikes put on by "ALT", "Mr X" and "Tucson Hiking Club" have mostly petered out as the temperature has risen but recently a new group was formed, "High Noon Hikers".  It's niche, rather than start hikes early, do so around noon, which makes a lot of sense for 9 months out of the year but for the other 3, sure, why not? The organizer, "Kim" wanted to do the Flat Iron trail out of the Lost Dutchman State Park at the Superstition Wilderness, I signed up mentioning I had done it before and for this hike, our roles were reversed as I became the hike leader. The above is not our destination, it being behind the formation visible in the foreground.  We hiked the steepish slope to the right and then went up canyon via the Siphon Draw.

At the top of the Draw, the canyon narrows but offers great views to the west.

Farther up, more great views.

Then it gets really steep and the going is difficult requiring some route finding.  Kim, a sub 5 minute mile runner, pushed me all the way to the top where we navigated the 12' wall to make it to the top of the......

....Flat Iron which had some plants in bloom I had not seen on my previous 3 trips.  If you are ever in Phoenix, you have to do this hike.  Only 6 miles round trip but lots of climbing.

Descending, we entered the Siphon Draw and noted the temps were rising.  fortunately, I had frozen some liquid the night before and it was a relief to drink something cold.  Below, you may be able to see downtown Phoenix in the center.  Dang, a car sitting in the sun with temperature at 105 is HOT.