Lost Dutchman State Park

Lost Dutchman Now Offers 24/7 Online Campground Reservations!

Reserve a campground RV or tent site from the comfort of your home, anytime of day. Make online reservations Site reservations for this park are also available by calling the Reservation Center at (520) 586-2283. You can call 7 days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm MST. There is a $5 non-refundable reservation fee per site.

Adopt A Cactus Program Helps Keep Park Open

Friends of Lost Dutchman SP Volunteer Patricia Carter shares her story and explains about the New Adopt a Cactus program, which allows individuals and groups to adopt a Saguaro cactus to help to raise funds for the Friends Group's continuing efforts. Learn More.

Lost Dutchman Events: Hikes & Programs

Please join us for exciting interpretive ranger and volunteer-naturalist guided hikes and family-oriented programs at Lost Dutchman State Park. Fees for guided hikes and programs are included in the park entry fee of $7 per vehicle or with your annual pass. Reservations are not required unless specified in the program description. See specific dates and activities below.

Lost Dutchman Events: Hikes & Programs

Please join us for exciting interpretive ranger and volunteer-naturalist guided hikes and family-oriented programs at Lost Dutchman State Park. Fees for guided hikes and programs are included in the park entry fee of $7 per vehicle or with your annual pass. Reservations are not required unless specified in the program description. 

Feb. 1: Challenge Yourself Hike!

9 am. Join us at Siphon Draw Trailhead for a 4.2 mile round trip hike to the basin (slick rock waterfall area). A steady uphill grade provides hikers the opportunity to exercise leg muscles and the heart. Come prepared to hike on a less than smooth trail. Elevation change: 1030’. Wear sturdy trail or hiking shoes; carry at least 2 bottles of water and bring a hiking snack for a 3 hr. moderately strenuous hike. Led by volunteer hiking leader Barb

Feb. 4: Ranger Led Hike

9 am. The Treasure Loop trail, 2.5 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 500’ Moderate, 2 hr hike. Meet at Cholla picnic area.

Feb. 4: The Apache Junction Community Band (Canceled)

1 - 3 pm. Sorry, this event has been canceled.

Feb. 4: An Amazing Night Under the Skies

7 - 9 pm. Join Dr.Sky, a radio/TV journalist based in Phoenix, for An Amazing Night Under The Skies. What planets will we see in the dark desert sky? Dress warmly and be prepared to be amazed at the sightings. Cholla Day Use area (weather permitting)

Feb. 6 & 7: Ranger Led Moonlight Hike  

7 - 9 pm. Due to popular demand during our busy season, we are now offering two moonlight hikes per month.  There is a limit of 100 hikers per night, so please call in advance to reserve your space: 480-982-4485. This is a guided 2.5 mile hike on Jacob’s crosscut Trail at the base of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Hikers should dress appropriately and wear trail shoes or boots. Please bring a flashlight in case of cloudy conditions. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven with occasional steep grades (elevation gain: 120’). Participants should be in good health with no walking or night vision difficulties. Trail is NOT suitable for strollers or walkers. After the hike gather round the campfire for a marshmallow roast (marshmallows and sticks provided). All ages welcome. No pets, please. Parking in Cholla Day Use Area

Feb. 7: Moonlight & Music

5:30 pm. Featuring musicians Larry and Margaret Cada singing popular old classic country western songs accompanied by their rhythm guitar and electric bass. The couple hails from Florence, AZ jam sessions. Join around the campfire for music as the full-moon rises. Bring a chair & blanket. Parking in Cholla Use

Feb. 8: Praying Hands to Weekes Wash

9 am. This 4 mile round-trip hike will travel east on Treasure Loop Trail, into Tonto National Forest, to the “Praying Hands” formation atop the first ridge. From there we continue east, walking an un-maintained, cairned* trail traversing the north facing slope of the Superstition Mountain to a second large geological formation, dubbed “The Apartment”, on the west side of Weekes Wash. Four Peaks, Black Mesa, Weekes Wash, First Water Creek, and the Massacre Ramp are just a few of the fantastic sights- a photographers dream.  This is a challenging, 3 hr hike, bring camera and GPS. Experienced hikers only. The trail can be rocky and appx 800’ elevation gain within the first mile. Meet at Cholla Parking bring water, a snack, sunscreen, a hat, hiking boots and be ready for a challenge. Led by volunteer hiker Georgy.

Feb. 11: Ranger Led Hike

9 am. Jacob’s Crosscut to Prospector’s View, 2.2 miles round trip, with elevation gain of 500’. Moderate 2 hour hike. Meet at Saguaro picnic area.

Feb. 11: Kids Program

10 am - Noon. Learn about geocaching! The outdoor sporting activity which participants use a GPS to hide and seek containers called geocaches. A cache is a waterproof container with a small treasure or trinket. Children should be accompanied by a parent, and a GPS if possible. A limited number of GPS units will be provided. Bring water, no sandals. Cholla Day Use

Feb. 11: Cowboy Poet Jan Michael Corey

2 - 4 pm .Cowboy Poet Jan Michael Corey will be highlighting his favorite western poetry. Reciting classical and contemporary cowboy poems (stories) he will bring the audience into those stories. Appropriate for all ages Campground amphitheater.

Feb. 15: Sunset Hike

5:30 pm. Following the Treasure Loop trail to Jacobs Cross Cut to intersect with Siphon Draw Trail will find hikers marveling at the mountain and the sky full of color especially when there a few clouds. Elevation change is 102’ on very well maintained trails. Easy 2 hour hike. Meet at Saguaro picnic area. Led by volunteer hiking leader Nancy

Feb. 18: All-Day Park Event

9 am - 4:30 pm. Activities for the day include a Ranger led hike at 9 a.m.; arrival of 3rd Annual LDSP Benefit Riders at the park, followed by lunch, live music, party activities; then Prospector, Historian and Goldfields’ Mayor Bob Schoose will share his prospecting for gold experiences in the Goldfields and discuss another viewpoint of the Lost Dutchman. Group campground and amphitheater.  www.superstitionhd.com

Feb. 22: A Walk in the Park 

9 am. “Everything you ever wanted to know about this area but were afraid to ask” This hike will begin at the Saguaro Day Use area, follow Discovery Trail to Siphon Draw, to Prospectors and north side of Treasure Loop. Returning to Jacobs Crosscut and Saguaro Day Use. This 3.2 mile hike with about 500’ elevation change is a Moderate hike. Volunteer hiking leaders will be prepared to answer questions on geology, Superstition gold lore, history, Sonoran desert plants and critters, and more. Bring your curiosity and questions! Led by volunteer hiking leader Jim and joined by other volunteer hiking leaders.

Feb. 24: Star Talk

7:30 pm. Learn about the night sky, constellations and planets with local astronomer Bill Dellinges. Parking and seating at campground amphitheater

Feb. 25: Ranger Led Hike

9 am. To Praying Hands, 2.8 miles round trip. Elevation gain 800’, Wear sturdy trail or hiking shoes; carry at least 2 bottles of water and bring a hiking snack. More difficult, 3 hrs. Walking stick or trekking poles recommended. Meet at Cholla picnic area.

Feb. 25: Venomous Animals of Superstition Mts .

2 pm. Dr. Andy Baldwin, professor of biology at Mesa Community College, gives an up close and personal presentation on venomous animals of the Lost Dutchman State Park that will include descriptions and natural history of the animals that call the park home. Amphitheater

Feb. 29: Getting to Know the Birds Around You  

9 am. Beginning at Cholla Day Use, birders will learn how to tell one bird from another and where one might look to find a particular bird (like a woodpecker). Many birds can be located at the Cholla Day Use area. Then, birders will walk up to Jacob’s Crosscut Trail and eventually back to the parking area. Bring binoculars, water to drink and protective footwear. Walk will last approximately 90 minutes, Easy, 1 hour hike. No dogs, please. Led by birder Babs.