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. 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. "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. Before you hit the trails, make sure to check these four to-dos off your pre-hiking list. 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. From the Phoenix area, get on AZ-202 heading East and take Exit 26 for Brown Road. Doug Peoble with PCSO. From the park, theres easy access to the Siphon Draw Trail that leads to the Flatiron through the nearby Superstition Mountains, making it a popular starting point for visitors. "Always bring water, make sure to tell people where Im at, when Ive left, a time frame to be back," said Ulrich. Join the Westword community and help support 3-D video overview of the hike to Flatiron Peak via . 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. The hiker, identified as 21-year-old Richard Jacobson, was camping with a friend in theSuperstition Mountains just east of Phoenix this week. Prepare to climb rocks.". Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The last mile is definitely the hardest. Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver The next day, the Second Flatiron made headlines again when a scrambler got stuck in unsafe terrain, prompting a 2.5-hour rescue. Visit a participating park or purchase your pass online, andcreateyour own stories! It was May. Hed been camping with a friend on top of Flat Iron, the sheriffs office said. Richard Jacobson, 21, of Mesa, Arizona, fell about 700 feet from the Flatiron Peak in the Superstition Mountain in Lost Dutchman State Park, about 40 miles east of Phoenix, where he and his. He was torn up pretty bad emotionally. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. 1st & 2nd Flatirons Hike Overview. I was glad I invested in a pair of lightweight nylon pants to protect my legs from thorns and brush. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Your email address will not be published. "I think thats tragic. Start the day smarter Notable deaths in 2023 The world's largest war 2023 . Peoble. The hike takes around four hours to complete and is open year-round, according to the website. Spring wild flowers bloom in the Sonoran desert's Superstition Mountains on March 25, 2017, at the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, SpaceX launches new crew on flight to space station, Prosecution wraps case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say, FDA authorizes first at-home test for both COVID and flu, Couple accuses fertility clinic of implanting embryo with cancer genes, Several hospitalized after Lufthansa flight diverted to Dulles due to turbulence, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Selfie taken on Yosemite's Taft Point may show woman before fatal fall, Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect. No signs of drug use whatsoever. Spring wild flowers bloom in the Sonoran desert's Superstition Mountains on March 25, 2017, at the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. It was just a very tragic accident. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. With 940m elevation gained over 11.7km, this hike has an average gradient of over 16%. "Live nearby and have seen many a helicopter evacuation, typically about 1/2 way down around the saddle," one reviewer wrote on Tuesday. Peoble added. This is why you should pack smart and keep it light. ", 'Be honest with yourself':Perfect selfies are all over Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. 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. 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. So its wise to take some from a guy who has hiked it more than 65 times. First published on January 27, 2022 / 6:46 AM. 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. His friend was airlifted from the mountain by first responders. And its a great place to sit down, rest, get some selfies, and rehydrate without other climbers pressuring you for space. A hiker camping in an Arizona mountain range fell hundreds of feet to his death while tryingto take a photo, authorities said. - 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. 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. A photo of Erik Kleiber shared on Facebook after his death. "I can tell you that during our investigation, there no signs of foul play. Hiking down steep canyon trails, think about how much opportunity there is to fall off a trail. A hiker in Arizona was found dead after he fell from a hiking trail along the Apache Junction, officials said. 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. Bring a light jacket if youre hiking during the winter. From Phoenix, drive east on US60 and exit on Idaho Road. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. As a result, there are a lot of steep trails, some requiring short vertical climbs to make it up the high slopes. On Monday around 12:45 a.m.,the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said in a statement, its search and rescue unit was sentto the Flatiron Trail "after a 911 caller reported his friend had taken a fall from the mountain.". in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Climbing gloves would be helpful during the last mile as you are climbing up and over rocks and boulders. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Also, cell reception isnt that bad so you can post or go live on social! "He slipped and fell," said Pinal County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Once you leave the highway, take a right, then turn right again to park on a gravel road, just below a highway maintenance shed. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. ELEVATION: 2,080-4,592 feet Carter Christensen took this self-portrait from Boulder's First Flatiron shortly before his fatal fall. Trail hours: 6am to 10pm. We were able to get a helicopter to him," said Sgt. This hike climbs above Massacre Falls and up the ridge to the backside of Flatiron using an off-trail route that is steep, loose, and hard to follow. 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. Careers, The Boulder County Sheriff's Office online press release archive goes back to July 2015 just over two years and during that period, we found a slew of accounts about rescues, with at least six in Eldorado Canyon State Park and others at places such as Boulder Canyon, Boulder Falls, Flagstaff Mountain, Fern Canyon and Paiute Peak. 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! They're killing us. This was unkempt wilderness and it did not suffer fools gladly. 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. 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. The Flatiron trail in Lost Dutchman State Park is a 5.8-mile hike and . He was Erik Kleiber, a 31-year-old from Boulder. Legal Statement. 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. 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. The first part of the trail is exposed, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and SPF chapstick. She brought three water bottles. It's possible that Jacobson and his friend took the popular Siphon Draw Trail, which hikers have said is 'not for the faint of heart' online. Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter:@jordan_mendoza5. "I spent all my waking hours with Richard, so I got to know him pretty wellhe was an outdoorsman, hunter, hiker. RATING: very difficult (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images). ", 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. local news and culture, Michael Roberts Getting to the top of the landform that juts out 2,500 feet above Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction is challenging it does not give up its bragging rights easily. You gotta be super focused about being next to the edge, and not just at the rim. The incident occurred around the Flatiron peak area when the hiker, 21-year-old Richard. 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. For an easy-to-moderate hike, take the two-mile Flatiron Loop Trail, winding through the forest beneath the Flatirons. A tarn sits below the summit and is a popular spot for camping. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Richard. 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. "There's been a couple of accidents where people took a picture and posed like they were going to fall off, and they really fell off," he said. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Many give up. This is a very popular area for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Jacobson reportedly fell while trying to take a picture. The Flatiron's pretty good." That should have been a clue. Technically speaking, there are 5 numbered Flatirons. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. First and Second Flatirons Loop. No signs of drug use whatsoever. The trail's description on the website warns that there have been several rock slides in the area. Drive 5 miles to Lost . 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. 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). No other details about the incident have been released. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. We minded each other as we went, and I quickly realized how serious the danger of falling rocks was. Jason Hahn is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. 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. Another hiker reported that his friend, a 21-year-old hiker named Richard Jacobson, had fallen from the mountain. 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. Richard Jacobson, 21, fell from the Flatiron Peak in the Superstition Mountains in at the Lost Dutchman State Park, east of Phoenix, Arizona. How difficult is the hike to the Flatiron? Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. One reviewer called it "not for the faint of heart. We were around 15, 14, and 12 and were decent hikers but not serious at all. Discover this 2.7-mile loop trail near Boulder, Colorado. 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. . Legal Statement. Follow. He's the second person to suffer a. "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. Getting There. A hiker in Arizona slipped and fell hundreds of feet to his death Monday after trying to take a photo in Lost Dutchman State Park, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. TRAIL STATS. The hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. All rights reserved. The hike to the 1st Flatiron is a little over a mile and passes by the 2nd Flatiron along the way. Its a hard way up, and a long way down, and youll need hydration both ways. Bring plenty of water, a hydration pack is highly recommended. The body of Richard Jacobson, 21, was found by another hiker near Flatiron Peak. Arizona mountain range fell hundreds of feet to his death, Perfect selfies are all over Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Hiking poles would also be useful for maintaining balance with the loose rocks. Details: 480-982-4485 . 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. In 2018, amarried couple who fell to their deathsin Yosemite National Park last week while taking a selfie, the man's brother said. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Although short, the steep incline of the trail and scrambling over rocks can really wear you out. "You gotta be super focused about being next to the edge, and not just at the rim. How strenuous: Strenuous. We took our 11-year-old son and he loved the challenge of climbing the rocks at the end. It also helps protect your hands if you slip, which we all did. "As you can imagine, he was very distraught. The summit has incredible 360-degree views. No signs of drug use whatsoever. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopterhelped recover Jacobson's body. 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). (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images), Fox News Flash top headlines for January 26. It was just a very tragic accident.. It was just a very tragic accident.". Round 3: New winter storm pummels Arizona with snow and rain, Tree falls over during storm west of Phoenix. "He slipped and fell," said Sgt. People dont tend to fall off the trails at Grand Canyon because theyre pretty focused. This and Superstition Mountain is a climb that is one nasty bee-yatch. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is not a good place to be prideful., If You Go "The last mile is definitely the hardest. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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 . Water refill stations are located near the restrooms at the trailhead. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Jacobsons traveling companion called police a little after midnight on Monday, said the Pinal County Sheriffs Office in a statement. , think about how much opportunity there is to fall off the trails at Grand because... Fell while trying to take a picture a great place to sit down,,..., Colorado, Colorado incident have been several rock slides in the form of cookies Phoenix... Selfies, and not just at the rim found by another hiker reported that his friend, a pack... Prideful., if you go `` the last mile is definitely the hardest water, a pack! Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper were able to get a helicopter to him, '' said County! Make it up the high slopes fall off the trails, make sure to check four. 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March 11, 2023indy 500 general admission