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! Trail hours: 6am to 10pm. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was reportedly trying to take a picture when the fall happened. So they answered that question before I even asked it. They're killing us. "I think thats tragic. Market data provided by Factset. 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. So its wise to take some from a guy who has hiked it more than 65 times. He was Erik Kleiber, a 31-year-old from Boulder. I was glad I invested in a pair of lightweight nylon pants to protect my legs from thorns and brush. They're focused on what they're doing.". Very sad, very unfortunate," said Guzman. Winter Weather: Can Arizona home roofs withstand heavy snowfall? 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). His friend also was flownfrom the campsite. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. Hiking down steep canyon trails, think about how much opportunity there is to fall off a trail. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Prepare to climb rocks.". Before you hit the trails, make sure to check these four to-dos off your pre-hiking list. A hiker camping in an Arizona mountain range fell hundreds of feet to his death while tryingto take a photo, authorities said. Hiking down steep canyon trails, think about how much opportunity there is to fall off a trail. Arizona State Parks says the trail is difficult and steep, so it advises that only experienced hikers in good shape climb it. Only those with an appetite for adventure and a GPS should attempt it. 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. 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 100 Theres been a couple of accidents where people took a picture and posed like they were going to fall off, and they really fell off, said Torres. "As you can imagine, he was very distraught. It was just a very tragic accident.. A hiker camping in an Arizona mountain range fell hundreds of feet to his death while trying to take a photo, authorities said. Prepare to climb rocks.. People dont tend to fall off the trails at Grand Canyon because theyre pretty focused. 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. 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. He did stuff like that, so I guess he did die doing what he loved to do, just in a tragic way.". For more than 50 years, PHOENIX magazine's experienced writers, editors, and designers have captured all sides of the Valley with award-winning and insightful writing, and groundbreaking report and design. No signs of drug use whatsoever. Join the Westword community and help support How strenuous: Strenuous. Richard. Doug Peoble, according to the report. We were around 15, 14, and 12 and were decent hikers but not serious at all. We were able to get a helicopter to him," Sgt. Many give up. Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. Thomas told the station he remembers Jacobson as someone who was kind and had a good sense of humor. The summit is only about a 15 minute hike/scramble away from the Flatiron. A photo of Erik Kleiber shared on Facebook after his death. Carter Christensen took this self-portrait from Boulder's First Flatiron shortly before his fatal fall. 4:52AM. Share Them by March 3. At the end of the exit ramp keep left at the fork, enter the traffic circle, and take the exit for Brown Rd East. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. Flatiron is a taxing and difficult hike, but everyday people do it, well, every day. You will be hiking parallel to Highway 20 for a short distance before veering left and continuing north in a landscape of western juniper with . She brought three water bottles. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He fell an estimated 700 feet and was pronounced dead at the scene. Its a hard way up, and a long way down, and youll need hydration both ways. Peoble added. From Phoenix, drive east on US60 and exit on Idaho Road. Follow. Jacobsons body was recovered some 700 feet below the camping spot. Go north on Idaho Road for 2.5 miles and turn right (follow signs for Hwy 88) toward Canyon Lake. The easy 1.5 mile trail features some rocky, rough terrain but with little elevation gain. Getting There. Yet, it's unknown if Jacobson took this route. Bulger advises approaching the trek which begins on the moderate Siphon Draw Trail before morphing into a difficult scramble on slick rock with an understanding of its nature. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was camping with a friend in theSuperstition Mountains just east of Phoenix this week. 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. As I took in the otherworldly beauty, it started to dawn on me this is the halfwaypoint. 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. Peoble. Andrew Thomas told KPHO-TV he spent three months as a missionary with Jacobson in 2020. Update: The climber who fell to his death from Boulder's First Flatiron on October 26 has been identified. All rights reserved. Back in 2006, Dave . The climb is rugged, vertical and difficult to follow. "Mr. Jacobson went to go take a photograph with himself and the city skyline in the background, and he lost his footing, and he slipped, and he fell," Sergeant Doug Peoble with Pinal County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, told CBS affiliate KPHO-TV. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. 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. 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. Drive 5 miles to Lost . Although short, the steep incline of the trail and scrambling over rocks can really wear you out. 3-D video overview of the hike to Flatiron Peak via . An Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopterhelped recover Jacobson's body. Can kids hike Flatiron? "He slipped and fell," said Sgt. October 30, 2017 Bring a light jacket if youre hiking during the winter. Water refill stations are located near the restrooms at the trailhead. This is why you should pack smart and keep it light. You gotta be super focused about being next to the edge, and not just at the rim. Climbing gloves would be helpful during the last mile as you are climbing up and over rocks and boulders. "You gotta be super focused about being next to the edge, and not just at the rim. The body of Richard Jacobson, 21, was found by another hiker near Flatiron Peak. No other details about the incident have been released. 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. 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. An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter helped recover Jacobson's body, the office said. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! ", 'Be honest with yourself':Perfect selfies are all over Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Yet, its unknown if Jacobson took this route. It was May. The other hiker, a friend of Jacobson's, said the body was found 700 feet below their camping site, Fox 10 reported. It'll kick your hubric booty. The trailhead is in Lost Dutchman State Park located along AZ Highway 88. Spring wild flowers bloom in the Sonoran desert's Superstition Mountains on March 25, 2017, at the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. 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. A hiker in Arizona was found dead after he fell from a hiking trail along the Apache Junction, officials said. Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This and Superstition Mountain is a climb that is one nasty bee-yatch. The Superstitions are a sculptural mountain range formed by intense volcanic activity that pushed the rock straight up from the earth. Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! The hike up to the summit is enjoyable and scenic. ELEVATION: 2,080-4,592 feet 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. 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 Superstition Mountains are very rocky, Bulger says. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Spring wild flowers bloom in the Sonoran desert's Superstition Mountains on March 25, 2017, at the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. People don't tend to fall off the trails at Grand Canyon because they're pretty focused. Live nearby and have seen many a helicopter evacuation, typically about 1/2 way down around the saddle," wrote a reviewer on Tuesday. A picture when the fall happened took this self-portrait from Boulder 's First Flatiron on October 26 has been.... Join the Westword community and help support how strenuous: strenuous be super focused about being to! East on US60 and exit on Idaho Road for 2.5 miles and turn right ( signs... 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