What a beautiful state park! I can see why it is highly recommended. Only a 45 minute drive from where I live in South Phoenix, it is well worth it. Along the road to get there you will stumble across little shops and ghost towns. I did not stop but will next time...they are so cute! Anyway, the Lost Dutchman has it going on...the rangers were helpful...and directed me to the trail I wanted to take...I had researched and while I had wanted to do Flatiron I knew I wasn't up for such a challenging hike so I chose Treasure Loop instead which was rather easy and still beautiful, leading up to the side of the mountain. I could have continued on a few other trails but I basically hiked to the top and then came back. It was probably about 2ish miles and I took my time so I was probably there under 2 hours. It is cleaned and well taken care of. The landscape is pristine and it is so peaceful there. Next time I will come back and try to attempt Flatiron! read more

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Gorgeous, stunning views! Who doesn't love the Superstition Mountains :) So much to do out this way! Fun, scenic drive! I always take family members out here when they visit. Arizona is beautiful. read more

I like to come here when I want to be outdoorsy. It's a great place to get up close with the Arizona desert - see the terrain, plants, and animals. If you hike in far enough you end up in the Tonto National Forrest. I've been coming here for the past 3 years and it has always been $7 to enter and park. Now the price has increased to $10 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be aware of the price increase for Friday and weekends! read more

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If you are coming to this area with an RV... try your darndest to camp here! The views Unfortunately we tried several times in hopes they had cancellations but no luck. We did however come and hike Treasure Loop with our 3 kids ages 4,7,9... breathtaking. One of our top 2 favorite hikes in the area - the other being Saguaro Lake, Butcher Jones trail. The loop was rocky and had some elevation, but just when the kids were wanting to give up, we cut over and then headed back down. Around the top section, there are some cool formations the kids (and my hubby and I) enjoyed climbing around and grabbing a snack. Doesn't seem like a prime sunset spot but certainly being there when the light changes makes for different colors on the mountains. We counted 6 photographers on a Saturday evening in mid February! read more

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Awesome place with loads of places to hike and camp, just have enough water. Speak to a ranger or ask local hikers of their favorite routes. Lots to explore and be challenged by. read more

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Great park with tons of hiking opportunities. Check it out. Great spaces and close to superstition mountain.

Epic scenery, variety of trails from beginner hikers to adventure seekers... My first time here won't be the last. I did the siphon draw to flatiron hike this weekend (yeah free entry on national holiday ) and am still feeling it. Tip: it's steep. Make sure you have room for the toes because they take a pounding going down. Most people buy hiking shoes that fit too snug to take this into account. For that matter.... Tennis shoes really don't cut it on this type of trail. I saw many people struggling to maintain footing in their body armor shoes. This ain't planet fitness, folks. Amazing views all the way up. Rewarding sense of wow and accomplishment once you're on top. Go. read more

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short hike on an overcast day was still beautiful in its own way. read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - rainfall in the desert at sunset - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

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Superstition Mountains. Changes dramatically with the light. Campground is very nice, clean and very well kept. 2017 photo. read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchman campground. 2017 - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

I've been here before to hike the superstitions but this time I just needed my meditation time so I rented out one of the new cabins for 24 hours. Absolutely beautiful experience and phenomenal view of the superstitions. The cabin was cute and quaint. It is perfect for tranquility and nature time. Sleeps six. Each cabin comes with bunk beds and one queen bed. I loved the fire pit too. We made s'mores over the fire Draw backs are the cabins have no amenities. You have to walk to the shower and park bathrooms. No refrigerator but take an ice chest and you are good! Pretty reasonable with the price. The best thing about this place and experience is the view. :) read more

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A great park with nice trails. This park is perfect for people who want to start with something easy and gradually work up to a challenging hike. The park has several nice trail heads with parking. It also has several options for camping including hook ups. There are day hike access passes and year round as well. Facilities are good with restrooms spread across the different areas. Maps are available with good advice from the ranger station with you enter the park. One of the best things about this park is its accessibility to the metro Valley area. On the outskirts of Apache Junction in the east valley, this state park is one of the closest opportunities for you to view natural Arizona dessert scenery and still sleep in your Valley hotel (or your home). That said, what I love most about this park, and its main attraction is not the camping (though, that is very good for Arizona), but it's great hiking trails. As such, I list my recommendations below for the park's best hikes, in my opinion. EASY: The simplest and easiest hikes to start with here are Treasure Loop and Jacob's Trail. Treasure Loop has some elevation but is relatively short (3 miles) and rewarding (nice views and scenery). Jacob's Trail is flatter and a bit longer with a nice walking range across the face of the park. MODERATE: When you've progressed to something more considerate, try Siphon Draw trail to the basin. At 3.9 miles, it has 1000 ft elevation and is a worthy hike for a family afternoon. Don't take it lightly, being plenty of water and take your time. Please note that March through September will have plenty of opportunity (as all Arizona trails do) to encounter rattlesnakes sunning themselves on the trails. Be aware and stay clear. ADVANCED: When you are in very good shape and are ready for an intermediate to advanced level challenge, do the Flatiron ascent via Siphon Draw trail. You basically do the Siphon Draw trail mentioned above, and simply keep going the remaining mile to the top of the plateau! It sounds amazing- and it is! Flatiron hike via Siphon Draw is just under 6 miles round trip with a whooping 2900ft elevation, wherein the last mile is approximately 2/3 of the entire hike's climb! That is 1900 ft gain in one mile. In fact, this trail is classified as Class 3 by rock climber scale. That means there is a good amount scrambling across rocks and some pulling yourself up in a few places. It's a work out. You shouldn't be scared if you are in strong shape, but bring a LOT of water and give yourself 6 hours. Attempting this hike with its steep incline in the last 1/3 of the ascent is not for folks who have not already prepared for it. If you are a hiker, Flatiron Trail via Siphon Draw should be on your list as one of the top 5 hikes in the entire state. Stunningly beautiful, physically challenging and probably 2000-3500 calorie burn depending on your body weight. When you are done this, you've accomplished something and you should feel good about it. Cost: Lost Dutchman, like many state parks, are not completely free. But the cost is very minimal. Park Entrance Fees: Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00, or Individual/Bicycle: $3.00 For all the reasons I've listed above, Lost Dutchman State Park is a winner in my books. If you hike, it should be your first stop out of Phoenix. read more

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What a fun few hours we spent here on a quick weekend trip to visit family. We did our due diligence with research on the wisdom of hiking in Arizona in August and packed plenty of water, and spent about an hour (at two separate times of the day) out on different trails. The rangers were all very friendly and made sure we had adequate water and gave some ideas on what to go hike. They showed my kiddos lots of different critters - all things we happily don't see in WI. I would love to come back in the spring and at a cooler time of year. Loved the native plant trail - now I know the name of that cactus I thought was so cool! The facilities were clean and well kept; probably the nicest bathrooms I've been in at a state park anywhere! Love seeing what our country's state parks have to offer and AZ was no exception. read more

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What a gorgeous place for hiking! The trails here are well-marked, well-maintained, and varied enough for different hikers with varying capabilities and degrees of stamina. The rock formations and vistas are amazing, and along the trails there are a number of benches where you can sit and rest while taking in the view. On a clear day, (such as today when my friend and I did the hike), you are treated to a spectacular view of other mountains in the Valley, and even the skyline of Phoenix is visible in the distance. And if you're up for a more challenging hike, you can proceed to the Siphon Draw area and even the Flatiron area beyond that; just be sure that you bring plenty of water, as these are really long hikes. read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Rock formations on the northeastern slope - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

I did the Flatiron hike for the first time on Feb 14th 2016. Boy was it tough! I have done Piestewa Peak several times and Camelback Chollo trail once. but Flatiron was the hardest I have done yet. We parked at Saguaro parking lot, it was not too hard to find a spot. It took us about 7 hours round trip from the parking lot, to the top of Flatiron and back. We did take a lot of breaks and my tracker said the round trip was about 10 miles. Overall, the park is beautiful and the weather was perfect for the hike. Flowers are starting to bloom and there are some easier trails for nice walks. Enjoy and Be Safe! read more

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This place is a beautiful environment. Creative backdrop to an alluring mountain in the midst. Picture perfect area. Take a camera. Visit the museum and be ready to be impressed. read more

My husband and I enjoyed a hike and picnic at the Lost Dutchman State Park on a Sunday, Valentine's Day. We wanted to purchase the annual pass, but we were told we had to park and go inside to fill out paperwork. Next time I guess. read more

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I can't say enough about this place. The view is stellar. The sites are private. And the nearby trails are gorgeous. Truly a great park. Site 69 was wonderful and close to bathrooms. Great for dogs. read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Entrance - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

Camping was fantastic. Facilities were clean and views are absolutely amazing. Don't skip out on this gem close to the city! Camping spots are large and spread out, so you don't feel crowded at all. read more

One of my favorite places to hike in Arizona. The Treasure Loop is a nice easy 2.4 mile hike,and if you want more of a challenge or longer hike the Dutchman loop which is about 9 miles should satisfy that adventure itch. Make sure to bring several liters of water and snacks. read more

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This is a great park and we were thrilled with the campsite and views. 4 stars only due to the aging bathrooms maintained well by the staff but just in need of an update to compete with neighboring campgrounds. read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Nice backdrop from site 48 - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

It's a fun place to spend the day with your family. Fun stuff to do and great food. They also put on shows throughout the day.

The hike up to the Flatiron is not for the faint of heart, but the view is well worth the effort. This trail is fairly difficult, with a steep climb in the latter half and the path not as maintained the higher up you go. Lots of loose rocks, quite slippery especially going back down. Good hiking boots and plenty of water are a must. Not recommended for elderly folks and small children. You don't have to be super fit to hike this since you can go at your own pace, but be prepared to last several hours out here. Things to note: - $7 per car for parking, multiple lots with plenty of space. - 2 public restrooms in the parking lots, both clean with multiple stalls (not portopotties!) - Multiple hiking trails available, make sure to keep checking your map since the trails aren't always obvious read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Sunrise over the Flatiron. Who knew the desert could be so gorgeous. - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

I grew up in the East valley of Phoenix and have hiked around here a few times but only went up to the top of flat iron on the Superstition Mountains once about 13 years ago. I decided to take the wife up there to show here the beautiful views. Well the hike to the top of flat iron is a strenuous treat. For those who are physically in shape and like a challenge this is right up your alley. There is a trail so start but then you pretty much head straight up a ravine climbing up boulders to the top. If you are not confident in your balance, flexibility, strength or endurance you may want to call it quits where the trail ends. But at that point there's still a decent view and enough of a calorie burn for the day. Really green from the recent rain and little creeks running here and there where it's normally dry 95% of the year. read more

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It's a must. Setting is gorgeous and there's tons of stuff to do. Campground is huge. Just be sure you're booking electric on those scorching hot days as they have no flexibility with generator hours even in 100+ temps. We were not impressed with the staff. The electric loop for the one night we had it was obnoxiously loud until the wee hours and then again at day break. They made sure to tell us tires were 2" on the sand but were no where to be found when the neighbors blared vulgar music, lots of drinking, yelling and nearly a fist fight until after midnight. Then at 6:30am 3 constantly barking dogs, yelling, etc. We moved to non electric and it was dead silent. So that was a huge plus. On a few different occasions we asked questions of staff about standard things...their odd photo permit sign at the entrance, moving sites and about the generators and were met with curt responses and not even a remote willingness to have a conversation. Cut off, short, absolute responses with horrible attitude. It really casts a shadow on a stay when you feel like they don't really care if you're here or not. All of that aside...it's truly a must. Or stay elsewhere in the area if you don't care for the state park vibe.... read more

No stars if we can post it with no stars, they make up their own rules not posted on my online reservation receipt. They' will bully u especially that manager she said she's the manager no customer service at all. Will not be back here in this campground again read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

Amazing mountains. It is a bit of a challenge hike. Bring plenty of water, comfortable or hiking shoes, and keep awareness of the trail. One can easily lose track of the hiking trail as you progress into the higher areas of the rocks. The hike was about 4 hours. Take breaks and set a good paste for yourself. Overall it was a spectacular view and a great hike. read more

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Superstition Springs has tons of different trails to try. Most are fairly easy or moderate in terms of difficulty. There is a 7$ admission fee per car (not person). Lovely views as well. Not my favorite hike in AZ, but is the closest distance from where I live so it's a solid option. My friends and I came here in search of the wildflowers, but they were nowhere to be found. We went in Feb so try to visit in March maybe. read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

This was my favorite hike I did with my family while we were staying in Mesa. The rock formations at the Lost Dutchman are awesome and allow for great pictures! The park ranger was very helpful in giving us suggestions for hikes and directing us to the trail head. We did the treasure loop trail, which was about 2.5 miles. It was perfect for a moderate hike! read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

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This beautiful state park is so close to Phoenix that it is crazy that I only just found it. It's very accessible but do make a reservation as there are a lot of snow birds that are also trying to partake. It's a beautiful location at the foot of the Superstitions and it has a wide range of options for you to be as active as you want to. We found a last minute campsite that afforded us amazing views in every direction. The restrooms were a bit of a hike and while that might be a downside at night, they were a bit of a hike and I enjoyed it. There is a well-marked trail system and you can give yourself a rigorous workout on Syphon's Draw. It's slippery when wet so use caution and appropriate footwear. The supervisor of the park has extra firewood for sale if you forget yours. We saw plenty of outdoor runners and bikers too. The park also has little cabins for rent but when I went online, I noted that you can't cook inside them so will still with a campsite in the future. read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

If you're in Phoenix and want to get out into the Sonoran Desert among the saguaros, no need to drive far. Lost Dutchman State Park is on the eastern edge of the greater Phoenix area near Apache Junction. It's got plenty of trails of relatively short duration, but they all give you the chance to see the unique saguaros and chollas and offer open views of the scenic and wonderfully named Superstition Mountains. We hiked the 2.4 mile Treasure Loop which climbed a bit up to the base of the mountains. This park is scenic but not secluded; on a January weekend the parking lots and campground were full, and lots of people were out on the trails. read more

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Lost Dutchman State Park is named after the rumor called Lost Dutchmans Gold Mine which is thought to be in this area. While you may not find gold here you will find plenty of desert scenery and hiking trails. Originally this was a simple day use area but in 1977 it became a state park and today this park has 320 acres of land. Some of the trails lead into Tonto National Forest which is where Superstition Mountain is located. This mountain is one of the main attractions of Lost Dutchman State Park because it is the easiest place to access it from. There are so many picnic tables near the parking lot with one of the most beautiful views. read more

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Love this place, we stayed in our Motorhome and got a spot at the last minute. Campground was very clean and landscape. Well with many little trails running through the campground, I highly read more

This place is very nice. I've gone there may times to look around and get a few pictures. The camp sites are good sized and prices are much cheaper then the RV parks around . Besides, I'm not a fan of RV parks, much rather walk in nature then asphalt and see wild life and talk to people and I don't have a fancy RV (over 10 years old) but it's mine. Superstition mountain is a great backdrop for pictures and memories . read more

Had a wonderful time here last weekend! The park is so large it's quite easy to find an open campsite last minute & it is so clean. We truly had an amazing time, can't wait to go again! read more

Lost Dutchman State Park - Hiking panorama - Parks Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

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I would suggest to access the trails from outside the park if that is what you are looking for. We went there to hike and see the park but the loop for the trail system is not that impressive and most of the trails are out of the park and accessible without paying to go in the park. Other than that the Treasure Trail was very impressive and we watched an awesome rain storm blow in from the top and hiked back in the wind and rain! Very beautiful! read more

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Our favorite AZ camping location!!! We love the views and all the hiking trails! The spring bloom in late February to early March is spectacular!!! read more

Flat Iron Trail Great Views, Rough Trails in Spots! Flat Iron Trail So this is my favorite hike in the Phoenix area. That being said you can easily lose track of the trail on the way down with ease. Many landslides and erosion have caused many areas that look similar to the crazy loose rock unmarked trails you used to get up there. Bring LOTS of water and wear good hiking boots. If you are even remotely athletic this will be an I've little hike that will take around 5 hours, if you are fit you can do 3-4 hours. Overweight people or old people may want to not try this one... read more

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This is probably my favorite place to come when visiting the valley of the sun. When up for a hiking challenge, the siphon draw trail which leads into flat iron is always my go to. Parking at the facility is $7 a day and is payable at the ranger station , which they will then issue you a pass for the day. There is ample parking for multiple trails and campsites are also available. When pursuing flat iron, I highly recommend giving yourself plenty of time to go up and come down. With my party of 3, we started around 11am and finished roughly at 530p. The majority of the trail is at an incline and is unmarked once you pass the siphon trail. The beauty of reaching the top is like no other. The views are spectacular and the effort you put into reaching the top is definitely worth it. Overall, I recommend being up for a hard strenuous hike and some soreness after the fact. This is definitely a must when in AZ. read more

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The best first date I've ever been on - a moonlight hike around Lost Dutchman Park. I've never hiked this area because I hike alone and Lost Dutchman always gives me an eerie feeling when I'm close by. I think that eerie feeling combined with the fact that it was dark and we were only led by the light of the full moon gave the date much more excitement. We took the Siphon Draw to the Green Boulder Trail and it was very long, maybe two miles and not difficult. The weather was perfect and the moon reflecting off the jagged peaks and saguaros looked stunning, very romantic. The smell of the desert and its sounds - they seemed to be present more so at night. I've been on hikes at night before but nothing like this, I don't know if it was because I was in good company and he was so knowledgeable and respectful of nature that it heightened my senses or what but it was such a wonderful and unique adventure. Fellas, if your lady likes to hike, take her here. This sweet man said he had to wait longer than he would have liked to ask me out because he wanted there to be a full moon for our perfect first date. read more

In a state where the memory of one hike gets lost in another, with its endlessly-similar vistas of cacti, red rock, and sand ...much like the female lookalike contestants on "The Bachelor" ...the Lost Dutchman State Park really stands out. Go during the spring time and you'll be rewarded with a majestic view of Mount Superstition in the background with carpets red and yellow wildflowers as its welcome mat. Be lucky enough to snag a campsite during the (extremely) busy season and say "hello" to your camping neighbors - Peggy and Bob from Wichita Falls, KS with their snappy Casita, or Joe and Karen from Boise, Idaho, with their 1980s camper, detailed in brown and orange. Just know that nobody...NOBODY...in these parts camp with a tent and poles - that's tres gauche, baby. It's RVs, the occasional ATV, and electric generators all the way, baby. There are about 70 campsites, which are pretty well maintained. When we arrived the campsite had been cleaned and carefully raked in a hypnotic pattern, like a Japanese rock garden. Even the most basic ones have a firepit, picnic table, and a great view of Mount Superstition. Unfortunately - the way that the sites are so close together and positioned, and the tendency for camping neighbors to make the rounds - fulfilling my greatest fantasy, peeing in the great outdoors next to a dying cactus and a crumpled up Pabst can - is out of the question. Instead, one must find her way through a maze of other campsites and other people roasting their weenies - to one of the only two bathroom/showers. The park offers many easy to moderate and the killer-est of hikes - Siphon Trail up to Flatiron. Staying at the campsite allows you to start about midway, though that won't make the trail any easier. Bringing your own oxygen tank, stretcher and medic might be more helpful. All hikes offer magnificent views of the mountain and surrounding areas. Once you ascend the mountain, Phoenix - in all of its magnificent smoggy flatness - lays before you. Be warned that the park is extremely popular with EVERYONE and his third cousin. Even early morning on a Monday we were met with large groups of hikers attempting the Siphon trail. Fortunately, the sun rises from behind the mountain, so hiking early morning is nice and cool, while the sun's at your back when you make your decent (assuming you made it all the way up in one piece). A worthwhile visit for anyone in the Phoenix area and beyond. read more

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