lost dutchman state park

Gorgeous views, watch out for traffic. Wanted to hike but beware it is rattlesnake mating season. Well worth the trip.

Lost Dutchman was our favorite park during our recent visit to Arizona. The Treasure Loop Trail was a perfect way to explore the beautiful scenery and abundant wildflowers on an early morning. We also did part of the Prospector's View and Siphon Draw trails. When we have more time, we will return to complete The Flatiron trail to the top. We were day use visitors but the campsite areas are a great way to spend more time and wake up to the panoramic views.

The state parks in Arizona are consistently excellent, but Lost Dutchman deserves a shout out for being extra beautiful because of its proximity to the Superstition Mountains and the thoughtful way it is designed. We did not have water and electric, but there are 68 sites that do. The staff and most likely, a few volunteers, have taken pains with the landscaping so that each site is contained by a forest of cholla, mesquite, creosote and prickly pear. The bathhouses can be accessed by following beautiful paths where there are more often than not quail and other birds to see. Our site had space for two extra tents which was very convenient, and we also had both a fire pit and a grill.On our first day we only had enough daylight to hike the Treasure Loop Trail, which we did in the late afternoon so that we could catch the sunset. Collectively, we probably took 300 photographs because the light was so spectacular as it shone on the cholla, saquarro, sage and copious wildflowers that were in bloom on the foothills. Later that evening, the full moon rose over the jagged edge of the mountain range. The following day we got up early to beat the heat and hiked up to the Flat Iron. This is a very difficult hike, but doable if you take your time (allow 6 hours), start early in the day, bring at least 3 litres of water and wear sunblock and a hat. There is some shade due to the steepness of the climb but because you must gain 3000' of altitude in a very short distance, it is important to stay hydrated. The trail does not have switchbacks and pretty much goes straight to the top, meaning that there is a lot of climbing. It is important to pay attention to the trail blazes to conserve your energy. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a spectacular view and, you find yourself in a very beautiful mesa covered in all sorts of cacti. For me, the descent was painstaking and torturous, but that is because I am more fearful of descending than most people are, due to an old injury. If you don't want to go to the Flat Iron, you can stop about halfway up at a huge rock basin. This is a good option if you are hiking with young kids who might not be tall enough or have enough endurance to reach the summit. It's important to remember that dogs often can't reach the summit because of the climbing involved.If you are an intrepid driver, take a day to drive the Apache Trail to Randolph and the highway back to the park. This is a gorgeous and somewhat terrifying drive on a dirt road that takes you past several interconnected lakes and beautiful canyons. We spotted a heard of mountain goats on a canyon wall. The park has potable water spigots conveniently located and the showers are nice and clean.

This is the best place to hike if you come to Phoenix . My wife and I hiked to the top of the Flat Iron and the views were amazing. I would plan on spending 5 to 6 hours to hike to the top and be prepared for actual climbing over boulders and up a few rock walls this hike will test you abilities .

Amazing and yes... challenging! It is really steep... and the trail is not well kept, as they advise! If you are an experient hiker, you can find your way... if you get lost, the trail can became extremely exposed. I loved!!!! Would go back!

This is a great place to hike. There is a lot of desert hiking. A great place to enjoy the warm weather & beautiful scenery.

What a beautiful State Park to visit when visiting Mesa, AZ. Short drive from where we were staying. Even though I'm challenged by uneven surfaces, I was able to hike the 1 1/2 hour hike the guides give us. I could see that in the next few weeks the desert is going to be covered in color. Wish I could be there to see the blankets of flowers that are gonna open up soon. Beautiful is all I can say.

We camped in this park and found it to be very relaxing. For April it was very hot. Every body kept saying but it is dry heat. Well in my opinion heat is heat and it was still hot....The wind blew most of the time. There was a ghost town just down the road that was really interesting.....

When we arrived at Lost Dutchman the person at the gate suggested a 2.2 mile hike that would have us go by the desert plants that were in bloom. It was wonderful. There were four seniors in our group and no one had any trouble navigating the trails. Many of the trails intersect so it is easy to add on to the hike if you want. Everything was very well marked. We went in the morning before the sun got too warm and the people too numerous. We'll visit again when we come back this way.

The trip to Lost Dutchman State Park was a highlight of our trip to the Phoenix area. It cost $7 to enter the park. We were provided with a trail map and advice on which trails were recommended for an enjoyable day. We decided on the Treasure Loop Trail and Prospector's View Trail. At the trail head there was a picnic area, bathrooms and a water fountain, to top up our water bottles. The trails are clearly marked and well defined. We quickly discovered a good reason to stay on the trail...Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus. One of the members of our group left the trail to take a photo and had pieces of the cactus attach to his pant leg and shoe. Coming from a cold weather climate and having no experience with cacti, our first instincts were to remove the spines with our hands but thankfully we had been told earlier to use a stone to remove them. After that incident we stayed on the trail. We saw a variety of wildflowers in bloom on the Prospector's View Trail. Absolutely beautiful scenery.

I am a Director of Photography for a living and have been shooting TV shows and Commercials in and around the park for years. I love the park and it's legends. If you are new to the area this should be your plan: 1) Take the drive around the Mountains and enjoy the view from the road and view points. The Apache trail road to Canyon Lake is very nice. Next drive out the 60 for the south side of the Mountain it is breathtaking and both are easy day trips for any car. Also one of my favorite views of Weavers needle is from the Beeline state Route 87 just past fountain hills. Now remember golden hour for your best views and pictures. Arizona sunsets and sunrises are amazing (a whole different subject)2) Break out the SUV or truck (It is time for Dirt Roads) and drive past Canyon lake to Apache lake, fish creek hill is harry but beautiful or even continue on to Roosevelt lake a drive you well never forget. Drive back into the South Side to the Peralta trail head or drive the dirt roads on the South east side of the Mountain. Get a map it is helpful. I like to get lost and find stuff, not recommended 3) Break out a trail map and pick the hike for you. Remember your two W's water and winter time for hiking. I have been on about 25% of the trails Short and long it is rewarding hiking. Start small this can be very dangerous many have died in this wilderness and most have had the times of their lives.Enjoy and be safe. stop and explore, the view points, the tourist shops, Ghost towns, Museums and crazy pit shops and Boat docks and fishing. there is life of fun the be had here it is what you make of it.Do not forget the Camera!

A busy park with lots of artists; a hike up the hill is good exercise with lots of chances for stumbling. Amazed to see joggers going up and one jogging down a very rugged and loose rock path.

I took one trail and it was pretty decent, but I turned around before I headed into the canyon because it was hot and I was not prepared to go further. I don't really like paying to hike either, but one time is fine and enough in this park. If you find the gold, let me know, but one week after I hiked here, somebody fell and died, so be careful in dem dar hills.

There were many trails for all levels of fitness and length of time. There were picnic areas as well as toilets. The rangers were very friendly and helpful. The ranger station had some snacks and drinks as well as souvenirs available to purchase.

Spacious easy parking and warm desert weather. Not too far from shopping. Nice walking trails. Friendly staff. Good restaurants nearby.