A beautiful hike, with many wildflowers blooming.  However, one of the more difficult hikes in the Six Pack challenge.  Near the waterfall feature (just after the beginning of the canyon part of the hike) is a slippery volcanic area you must hike.  Gloves would be ideal during this section, due to the return hike being steep and lots of scooting along on your bottom, when traversing boulders and the slippery volcanic area.  Other parts of the trail require reaching out to rocks to assist yourself up.  Sometimes, I’d get a small thorn in my hand that I’d have to pull out (hence, gloves being important.)  There is a 10 foot vertical wall you must climb near the top of the trail that is just before the rim (and the trail to Flatiron.)  It is a doable section, just take your time.  We found that staying to the right side of the wall helped with footing and hand placement.  If you think you can’t do it, just remember that Flatiron Jim (who is 91 years old and a regular sight on the trail) hikes Flatiron routinely.

The top of Flatiron show as an incredible view of the valley.  Beware of the severe drop off at Flatiron, as some have fallen off.  Small birds on top will zip past you, to the point you can hear their feathers making a “buzzing” sound.  Larger birds will be seen gliding via an updraft.

Take your time with this hike and make sure to have plenty of water.  I had my camelback and one bottle of electrolyte and ran out coming back down.  The trail does have some spots for shade, but not many.  So, consider the time of day you hike.