Located off highway 88 in Apache Junction, Lost Dutchman State Park is a must see with beautiful of…read moreviews of the Superstition Mountains. It's clean and well kept with plenty of things to do. There is hiking and biking trails, camping, RV camp sites, pick-nick areas, restrooms, cabins to rent and plenty of parking. Too hot to hike for me today but will definitely be back when it cools down.

I don't do a good job keeping track of all the hikes I complete (unlike other friends I know who…read moredocument everything), so for the beginning of 2026, I'm going to try to do a better job of documentation. I love the Lost Dutchman and have been here several times and it never gets old and each time I come, I am still so awestruck by the beauty of this mountain. Years ago, I completed Flatiron with my then partner and didnt know that it was rated a very difficult hike. I enjoyed it, got a really nice work out and liked the scramble up to the top! I just remember it was quite windy at the top but spectacular views. Dogs are allowed on Flatiron, but don't do that to your pup, its a pretty gnarly hike, let your puppy rest honestly as I saw so many doggies struggling. Tonight, I came just for a leisurely stroll right before sunset and also hoping to catch the first almost full moon of 2026. I love nature and being outdoors and my favorite way to spend time. Park entrance was packed tonight and the fee was $10. There is a small visitor center with souvenirs, guides, some snacks, bathrooms and last minute hiking needs. I think you can also camp here, check on their website. I parked in the Cholla day use lot and did part of the Treasure Loop and hiked for about 3 miles slowly, and spent about 2+ hours in the park. My goal tonight wasn't really to hike strenously but more to get a glimpse of the sunset and the beautiful 2026 Wolf Moon. All my goals were accomplished. Park is well maintained. I used the bathroom and it was very clean and a nice park bathroom. Plenty of covered picnic tables too. Park closed at 8pm tonight (winter). There are all different level trails here and the rangers here are super nice and helpful. Ask them any questions and they are happy to help. There are also many kinds of free maps available in the visitor center. I had a MTB map, a hiking trail map, a birding map, a native plant map! I am all mapped up! If you come and do a hike, wear sturdy hiking shoes, wear sunscreen, head covering, bug spray (there were quite a lot of mosquitoes when I hiked tonight which annoyed the heck out of me as I left my bug spray at home), lots of water, some snacks, and also headlamps (I hiked back down after sunset and the headlamp helped a lot). One of the best AZ state parks, the views are amazing (so many couples here getting their photos professionally taken), definitely check it out.

Please don't go here when it's summer time in Az. Unless you think you can handle the actual sun…read moreBEATING YOU UP (iykyk). The hike is gorgeous, I recommend going at sunrise or sunset. You see the valley in a whole new light. It's always been one of my favorite places to explore. Every time I go, there's something new/someone friendly just around the corner. Love this mountain.

Super easy hike comparable to A mountain just a little more rugged. My 7 year old and 12 year old…read morejoined me on the hike with no issues.

Jacobs Crosscut Trail. It was a great day, but turned out…read morevery difficult as we lost our way on the path. We did make it to our destination, and we got to experience the beautiful flowers. So the broken finger tip, could of been worse! I WOULD RECOMMEND

Yes, I agree with the other reviews. Incredible hike, especially if you continue up to Flatiron…read more The waterfall was dry, and I bet its fantastic when its flowing. If you make it to Flatiron and back, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for making the 5.8 mile trip. I'd suggest hiking in a group. You'll park in the Lost Dutchman State Park. There is a $5 day use fee per vehicle.

This road is incredible. It is full of twists and turns at every corner. We had such a great time…read moredriving down to Apache Lake. The views were remarkable on this road. But beware it is a very dangerous road.

They say that no visit to Phoenix is complete without driving the Apache Trail. Not quite willing…read moreto trust our budget car on the no doubt rocky terrain we took a jeep tour that started at Goldfield Ghost Town at the Apache Junction. The trail is fairly long and very scenic. You'll definitely see a lot of cacti, especially the Saguaro, on your drive. I was very glad someone else was driving because I swear at one stage one of our tires was actually hanging out over the edge! The Saguaro is known as the Hotel of the Sonoran Desert and is the most amazing plant. However it is extremely slow growing, taking between 60-80 years just to develop an arm, and slow to propagate! I'm not sure if its true but our tour guide said that literally millions of seeds would probably produce just one Saguaro. This is probably why they are therefore protected so if one gets in the way of you building a house you have to apply for permission for it to be moved and then I think it has to be returned to the same spot.

I had heard good things about this trail and it has a cool name, so I decided to check it out one…read moremorning. I didn't want to pay for parking so I started at a different trailhead and hiked a few kilometers to get to the beginning of this trail. I saw a good amount of people along the way, but not too many. They were all courteous and respectful of the trail and its rules. There are lots of switchbacks and some decent elevation, I'd classify it as a moderate hike. The top with the "cave" was nice, more like an indentation, and I saw 2 chipmunks. I guess I didn't make it all the way to the top according to my map, but close enough. I went back down the trail and continued on my loop back to the parking lot I came from. There isn't much cover from the sun so be sure to dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, a hat, drink water, etc. I'm glad I got to do this trail.

This was a good workout and moderately challenging trail. We got started a bit too late so it was…read more"hot" on the trail. I'm glad I was wearing a hat, sunscreen, and had plenty of water. The weather was nice today, it's just a lot of sun exposure on the trail. I saw people of all ages on the trail and dogs are allowed. Personally it was a bit busy on the trail for my liking and I don't love paying $7 to access a trail but we were hiking with a friend who is new to the area and thought this is a nice intro to AZ hiking. There are plenty of other trails in the Usery Mountain Regional Park to check out as well, but we were ready to head out after this trail. Wind cave trail is 3.2 miles out and back, it's about 1,000ft elevation gain and on average takes about 2 hrs to complete. One interesting thing we found at the "cave" area at the top was large honey comb coming out of the rock. There are quite a few bees there and man I would have loved to eat that honey comb haha. That added an element of interest. Overall, nice hike and a good mix of effort. I would have liked to do it earlier in the day, but I'm sure it was even busier then so it worked out.

I've been on all of the trails and have competed in races on several. Prices have gone up for park…read moreentry and passes for the first time in quite a while -- it's $10 per vehicle for entry, which I think is still a bargain for a weekend activity with the family. They keep improving the park and it's always clean when I go -- which is quite frequently (at least once a week, but usually more in the spring and summer). The facilities have changed for the better over the years and there is actually more parking within the park itself than you might guess. The volunteers are friendly and do a wonderful job welcoming people, collecting fees and offering advice. Recently, there has been work on the Pass Mountain trail that reroutes it a bit and makes it more easily passable. Wind Cave is still really popular with families, but I have noticed Talon getting a lot of traffic, especially from mountain bikers. The loop around Pass Mountain is great for a longer challenge. Be sure to subscribe to the Maricopa County Parks newsletter to be notified of activities that take place at the park.

We are so lucky. This park is right down the street from us - easy access for walks or hikes…read moreyear-round. My husband buys the Day Use annual pass for $85. It's good for a car entering or him entering without the car. ($20 extra to add an additional person, but I'm covered if I'm in the car with him.) Such a great variety of trails and elevations here. There is truly something for every type of enthusiast. I walk a lot on Blevins which is about a 3.3 mile loop. My husband does trail running. I always see lots of mountain bikers out enjoying the trails. There are also trails like Wind Cave: it's about 3.2 miles up with around 1000 ft elevation gain. At the top you get a great view of Phoenix and Ft. Hills. If the timing is right you can even see the famous Ft. Hills fountain going off in the distance. In the spring if it's a good wildflower year you might see some good wildflowers on the Pass Mt. trail. It's really just a beautiful park to come visit and enjoy the beauty of Arizona. I've seen a gila monster, rattlesnakes, lizards, jackrabbits, coyotes, tarantulas, deer and scorpions so stay alert but enjoy!

Such a fun hike! It took my partner and me about 4-5 hours total to get up and back down. It's the…read moreperfect hike to get lost and go off trail a bit. Definitely bring snacks and hiking shoes. I was not expecting to be actually hiking lol but totally worth it. Lots of people had hiking sticks and dogs were on the trail. By the time we were heading back, more people had shown up to catch the sunset and take photos. Such a beautiful spot and a great hike if you're looking for something scenic and a challenging.

This difficult 6.5 mile (5.5 according to AllTrails) heavily trafficked out and back trail is…read moreanother favorite of mine out in the Superstitions. Total elevation gain is 2641' but almost all of that is in the second half, especially after siphon draw. This well-marked trail involves a lot of scrambling and vertical climbing. Lots of pretty flowers, cacti, and views along the way and at the summit. I began this one just before 11:30am when it was 55°, cloudy, and slightly windy. Ascended in 1h55min and descended in 1h37min. No water but restrooms are open at trailhead. Dogs allowed on leash (May be difficult for them past siphon draw). $7 park fee ($10 on weekends). @azfitfoodfun

I have rented Kayaks from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch several times over the past few years and have…read morealways had great service and a wonderful experience. Reserving a spot and kayak is easy on the online website. Once you navigate down to the main road to the Guest Ranch, it can be a little confusing as they always have a roadblock as you progress towards the parking lot. Just proceed past the sign to the parking lot ahead. After parking, walk back towards the ranch and check in. Guest services will provide a wrist band as well as a parking pass to place on your dashboard. Once your reservation time is ready, you will be provided a quick orientation of the equipment, navigation of the river and where the staff will pick you up at the end of your float. The staff is always super helpful. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a carabiner to hook on your dry bag or backpack to the kayak. Even though the majority of the river is an easy float, there are some small rapids. You may accidentally flip the kayak if you get caught in a tough spot on the River. This will prevent you from losing your bag! I'm experienced and have flipped once or twice. Depending on the time of year and water flow, the float can take 2 or 3 hours. Beautiful views of the landscape, wildlife including various birds and the gorgeous wild horses! At the end of the float, the staff will load your kayaks and take you back to the Guest Ranch. In the main building, be sure to stop by the gift shop prior or after the float for souvenirs or in case you forgot supplies you may need. They have several items including sunscreen, water shoes, hats, shirts snd much more. I found prices to be reasonable. This is the perfect place to bring out of town visitors. They will love it.

Such a fantastic time! I cannot recommend this enough…read more My bf and I are not outdoorsy people so I was nervous about how to take on the salt river. This was PERFECT, so happy we did this over the tubing. There's a reason tubing has mixed reviews and these are all positive! It took us exactly 2 hours and it was very leisure. We wanted to sit and enjoy the beauty, it was fun to race in our kayaks, and one time we pulled over to jump in the water to refresh. We did the 7:15am Sat July 5 hoping we would get a nice serene time and compared to how it usually sounds, it was very peaceful. Few party people down the river but nothing too crazy. I recommend not going later than 7:30 if you want a more peaceful time to yourself and low crowds. Plus the sun wasn't as brutal. Saw a woman go on her own, and you're definitely fine to do it by yourself. Charge up your phone so you have plenty of juice for photos and videos and in case you need to make a "help call" "Rapids" are not bad at all so fun and simple. The quality of what they provide is very nice. They send detailed instructions of what to expect, including parking (refer to email). Do not forget your water shoes. We didn't need a snack during but it was nice to have after, obviously water is a must plus sunscreen. We wore rash guards and hats and I recc that. Pre buy a waterproof phone lanyard. I got wonderful photos and videos from something cheap on Amazon The most wild life we saw was one horse and like 5 fish lol I wish there was an easier way to keep my water in front with me because every time I went to grab it behind me I was worried I would tip myself. I also wish they had little signs to point which way to go, it's simple, but after the excitement heat etc, it's like "wait they did say left middle right left, right?" lol Can't think of any other tips, besides just do this, can't imagine you would regret. We are new to the area and wanted to do something that felt very Arizona, super happy with the decision