ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix Arizona - January 16, 2013) - Lost Dutchman State Park offers ranger and volunteer led hikes in February 2013 (see the full schedule below).
Star Talk on February 1 at 7:30pm
Learn about the night sky, constellations and planets with local astronomer Bill Dellinges. Parking and seating at campground amphitheater.
Ranger Led Hike on February 2 at 9am
Ranger Diana leads a guided hike on Jacob's Crosscut Trail, 2.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 120 feet. Rated easy, the hike will last about 2 hours. Along the way you will learn about desert plants and animals and legends of the Superstition Mountains. Meet at the Cholla Day Use Area.
Praying Hands to Weekes Wash Hike on February 6 at 9am
This 4-mile round-trip hike is a challenging, 3-hour hike. Bring camera and GPS. Experienced hikers only. The trail can be rocky and approximately 800 foot 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 hiking leader Barb.
Birds of the Sonoran Desert on February 9 at 8:30am
Join volunteer birder Vera for a morning of discovering the birds of the desert. Learn how to identify the birds in your back yard, the proper use of binoculars, where to find birds in our area and then take a guided walk through the desert to practice new skills. Bring binoculars, appropriate clothing, water and enthusiasm, but no dogs or small children please. Meet at the Native Plant Trail parking area on the right before reaching the ranger station for orientation. Participants will then relocate to Cholla Parking Area.
Ranger Led Hike on February 9 at 9am
Ranger Diana leads a guided hike on Siphon Draw Trail to the basin, 4.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet. Rated more difficult, the hike will last approximately 3.5 hours. Along the way you will learn about desert plants and animals and legends of the Superstition Mountains. Bring at least 2 bottles of water and a hiking snack. A walking stick or trekking poles are recommended. Meet at Siphon Draw Trailhead.
Sunset Hike on February 13 at 5:30pm
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 feet on very well maintained trails. This is an easy, 2-hour hike. Meet at Saguaro picnic area. Led by volunteer hiking leader Nancy.
Star Party on February 14 from 7-10pm
The Superstition Mountain Astronomical League will provide various models of telescopes and share the Valentine nighttime sky with visitors. What will be in the sky to share with your Valentine? Meet at the Palo Verde Ramada (weather permitting).
Ranger Led Hike on February 16 at 9am
Ranger Diana leads a guided hike on Prospector's View and part of Jacob's Crosscut, 2.7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 500 feet. Rated moderate, the hike will last approximately 2 hours. Along the way you will learn about desert plants and animals and legends of the Superstition Mountains. Meet at the Saguaro Day Use Area.
Dr. Sky: An Amazing Night Under the Skies on February 16 from 7-9pm
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. Palo Verde Day Use Parking (weather permitting).
Birding Walk on February 20 at 9am
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. This is an easy, 1-hour hike. No dogs, please. Led by birder Babs.
Moonlight and Music on February 23 from 5:30-6:45pm
Russ Marsh will be performing at the Lost Dutchman State Park on Saturday, February 23 in the Moonlight and Music Series. Russ played the guitar and sang whenever he could as he was growing up and also while in the Marine Corps. He has shared the spotlight with Marty Robbins, Mel Tillis, Tex Williams and the Smothers Brothers. A down-home kind of guy, making Americans proud of America is foremost in Russ' thoughts. He writes and sings of love of neighbors, God, and country. Join us at the Palo Verde Ramada at 5:30pm for some down home country as well as classical music as the Snow Moon Rises.
Ranger led Moonlight Hikes on February 23 & 24 from 7-9pm
Due to popular demand, 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 feet). 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 the Cholla Day Use Area.
Walk in the Park on February 27 at 9am
"Everything you ever wanted to know about this area but were afraid to ask." This hike will begin at the Saguaro Day Use area. Hiking leaders will answer your questions on geology, gold lore and history. This is a 3.2 mile, moderate, 3-hour hike with about 500 foot elevation gain. Meet at Saguaro Day use. Led by volunteer hiking leader Jim and joined by other volunteer hiking leaders.
The Park Entrance Fee is $7 per vehicle (up to four adults). Primitive to full hookup camping sites are available at a fee of $15 to $25 depending on the type of camping site needed. Lost Dutchman State Park is located off of Highway 88 (Apache Trail North) just outside of Apache Junction, AZ.
For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703), visit the website and online camping reservations at AZStateParks.com or Twitter/Facebook AZStateParks.
-end-
Learn More About Lost Dutchman State Park 
link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2013/PR_01-16-13.html
[Skip] Home Find a Park Arizona Map Fee Schedule
PDF Documents Require Adobe Reader
Read External Link Disclaimer