Lost Dutchman State Park

This Park is Scheduled to Close June 3, 2010

The Park is Open until that date. Learn More About Current Budget Situation

Introductory Park Video

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About the Park

Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman is located in the Sonoran Desert at an elevation of 2000 feet. Althought the desert is exceptionaly green this year from heavy winter rains, flowers are still a bit sparse. Do not expect a profuse bloom of poppies this year, although there are some currently starting but are a bit small in size. Photo taken March 3, 2010.

Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, 40 miles east of Phoenix. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail or hike the challenging Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron. Depending on the year’s rainfall, you might be treated to a carpet of desert wildflowers in the spring. Enjoy a weekend of camping and experience native wildlife including coyote, javelina and jackrabbit.

The park offers a variety of hiking trails, nature trails, picnic facilities, 70 campsites, a dump station, restrooms, showers, and group use areas. The visitor center sells maps and other publications.

Before you hike, be prepared with enough water and proper footwear as the trails are steep and challenging.

Upcoming Events

Starstruck Program (Astronomy)

Learn about the night sky, constellations and planets with local astronomer Bill Dellinges. Parking and seating at campground amphitheatre. 7 pm start time. Free program.

Friday, April 2, 2010 (last show of the season). 7:30 PM start time.

Guided Hikes

Join us for guided hikes every Saturday, weather permitting. Most trails include some steep grades. Length: 2 to 3 miles, 2 to 3 hours. Walks will focus on plants, wildlife, local history and legends of Superstition Mountain. Free maps available at Ranger Station. Hike routes subject to change. For more information call (480) 982-4485.

Starting Time: 10 am

Mar 20: Wildflower hike. Easy to moderate. 2 hours.

Mar 27: Wildflower hike. Easy to moderate. 2 hours.

Ranger Led Sunset / Moonlight Hike

Sunday, March 28, 6:30-8:30 pm. (Last hike of the season).

Join us for a guided 2.5 mile hike on Jacob’s Crosscut Trail at the base of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Start at sunset and watch the moonrise as we hike. Hikers should dress appropriately and wear trail shoes or boots. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven with occasional steep grades; participants should be in good health with no walking or night vision difficulties. After the hike gather round the campfire for a marshmallow roast (marshmallows and sticks provided). All ages welcome. No pets, please. Large groups of 25 or more need to call in advance for special arrangements. Parking in Day Use Area.

Mystery and Legend

The Superstition Mountains have been a source of mystery and legend since early times. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation by a number of different Native American groups, up until the 1800s. Even the name is inspired by Pima Indian legends.

During the 1840s, the Peralta family of northern Mexico supposedly developed a rich gold mine in the Superstitions. According to legend, an Apache ambush ended the family's last expedition, and the gold remained in the area. In the 1870s, Jacob Waltz ("the Dutchman") was said to have located the mine through the aid of the Peralta descendant. Waltz and his partner, Jacob Weiser, worked in the mine and allegedly hid one or more caches of gold in the Superstitions. Most stories place the gold in the vicinity of Weaver's Needle.

After Waltz's death in 1891, several people attempted to seek out the Lost Dutchman's Mine, all without luck. Later searchers have sometimes met with foul play or even death, contributing to the superstition and legend of these mountains.

The legend of the "lost mine" has been fueled by a number of people who were supposed to have known the mine's location or even worked it. Maps have surfaced over the years, only to become lost or misplaced.

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