Lost Dutchman State Park Is The Single Best State Park In Arizona And It's Just Waiting To Be Explored
By Beth|Updated on November 15, 2023(Originally published July 12, 2021)
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
There are 31 beautiful state parks in Arizona, so deciding which one is your favorite can be quite the challenge. There is one that comes to mind, however, and it offers a bit of everything we love about the Arizona landscape: mountains, abundant wildlife and vegetation, the spirit of the Old West, and, of course, a dash of some of the spookiest lore in the state. We’re talking about Lost Dutchman State Park, a treasure trove of adventures, activities, and mystery tucked away near the Superstition Mountains in central Arizona. Below we’ve outlined some unforgettable things to do at Lost Dutchman State Park: camping, hiking, and more.
According to the story, the Peralta family found a gold mine in the Superstition Mountains in the 1840s. All but a few members of the family were killed, but rumors of the mine's location persisted.
Jacob Waltz, whose nickname was "The Dutchman," claimed to have found the mine during the 1870s, and he hid several caches of gold somewhere in the mountains.
When Waltz died, he may have been the last person to know the true location of the mine, and no one has rediscovered it since...so it's forever known as the "Lost Dutchman Mine."
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Once you get a look at this park, you'll see how someone could lose an entire gold mine. The desert is seemingly endless, inviting visitors to explore its enchanted mysteries.
One of the most obvious things to do at Lost Dutchman State Park is to simply take note of the natural landscape. The vibrant plants and plentiful wildlife might surprise you!
They're especially abundant after rainstorms, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Another option for a fun and certainly memorable adventure would be to embark on a haunted hike. A 2.3-mile loop, Treasure Loop is a moderately difficult trek that winds around the base of the eerie Superstition Mountains.
Given the lore surrounding Lost Dutchman Mine, every step you take will be absolutely rife with fear.
Since the park has so many different hikes, you shouldn't have to share the pathway unless it's a weekend. That means the wandering spirits of explorers who perished while searching for the elusive treasure will be more likely to make their presence known.
Adding to the mysteriousness, petroglyphs can be seen on many rock formations. Imagining what the Native peoples might have been communicating is absolutely fascinating.
Timing your visit just right results in a thick blanket of fog surrounding the mountaintops. Perhaps Mother Nature will cooperate and put on a spooky show!
It's a four-mile loop featuring some of the most incredible scenery the park has to offer.
Lost Dutchman State Park Hiking
There's no doubt about it; the best way to explore Lost Dutchman State Park is by hiking one of its six trails through the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape.
You'll be pleased to learn that there really is a hiking trail for everyone. For an accessible option, try the Native Plant Trail. For a moderate option, Prospector's View is a popular choice, and finally, for those up for the challenge, Flatiron never disappoints.
Along the way, you'll get a look at some unique rock formations and several overlooks that will have you pulling out your camera every few minutes to capture the latest incredible scene in front of you.
You'll have a hard time tearing yourself away from this park at the end of the day. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to camp at Lost Dutchman State Park.
If it's your first time visiting Lost Dutchman State Park, be sure to stop by the visitor's center to learn more about the park, including its unique ecosystems, trails, and other frequently asked questions.
6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
No matter the time of year you visit, preparation is key! Be sure to bring sun protection, closed-toed shoes, and plenty of water. Temperatures can change drastically throughout the course of your visit.
Lastly, be sure to keep your eyes open for the majestic wildlife that lives here. Some residents include mule deer, coyotes, desert cottontails, bobcats, and even roadrunners.
So there you have it, a complete guide to visiting Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. For more information, head on over to the official Arizona State Park website. And don’t forget to take a look at our ultimate hiking packing list before your trip.
Have you ever been to Lost Dutchman State Park? Do you agree that it’s the best state park in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below — we would love to hear from you!
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Beth C. |November 15, 2023
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