Stop reading this review now. Get in your car and drive to the Lost Dutchman state park as quickly (and safely) as you can. Seriously. This park is gorgeous, easily accessible and provides plenty of outdoor options to suit just about any picky person. Wanna hike/run/bike some trails? Yep, LDSP has plenty of those with varying degrees of length and difficulty. Wanna gather some family or friends for a nice picnic- OK yes this park has tons of picnic tables and even larger verandas than can be reserved online. Are you looking for a place to dry park your RV- there are over 100 spaces for you. The park even just opened some cabins last summer (Aug 2018) that allow visitors to "camp" with a few more amenities. There are public restrooms everywhere for those emergencies. There are water spouts to fill up your bottles/packs. The trails are clearly marked and very easy to get to. Entrance costs a measly $7 per vehicle, which all goes straight back into the park. If you stop at the visitor's center there are plenty of events that are great for families or couples or adults. We saw a monthly "camping for beginner families" course that basically teaches you how to camp in a tent. The tents and a few other items are provided and you're expected to bring sleeping bags and food/snacks. It sounded like a really fun experience. There are stargazing nights, dog hiking events, and many other things that would appeal to a wider audience. Oh, and the views. Holy smokes. We recently hikes the Treasure Loop (about 3 miles round trip) and we were able to see the Phoenix skyline off into the distance at one point (though tiny, you could see it!) as well as incredible views of the Superstition range, plenty of cacti and other beautiful AZ-indigenous scenery. Really folks, this place is pretty. We saw folks of all ages and sizes hiking this trail- so it's suitable for a varying group of hikers- from inexperienced to expert. Bring a water bottle and a basic protein bar- you will thank me later. Regardless of the weather, you will get dehydrated walking these trails and your legs may get a little shaky too. So bring a power bar and a good sized bottle of water to keep those things under control. The drive into the park is cool; we saw lots of other fun options to spend out time another weekend. There's the Goldfield ghost town, the Lost Dutchman museum, several cool-looking locally owned restaurants, horseback riding, etc. Great place to ride the Harley too if that's your thing! 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

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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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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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

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

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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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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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

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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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 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

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

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

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

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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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

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

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

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.

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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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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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

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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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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Well maintained. Clean. Affordable. All in all a good tent camping experience. They are slowly adding steel roofs over picnic benches at some of the non-powered sites in the park. The bathroom I used was nearly hotel-clean. Staff were attentive and professional. On my site I never saw any snakes or scorpions but that doesn't mean they aren't around. Trash cans are never far away. The terrain is rocky-sandy. You are probably not going to be able to use tent stakes. Your tent should be free standing unless you want to take time to hammer in sturdy metallic stakes. The birds will invade your stuff when you're not at your table, so select what you leave sitting out accordingly. Birds can rip open paper and plastic bags. They pecked at the lid of my styrofoam ice chest. There's lots of insects, be sure to bring repellant (the more toxic the better) and flying insect spray as well as sprays for things crawling on the ground. I think they have no-see-ums too. Always check your shoes before putting them on. Never wear open toed shoes here. Do not go barefoot here. You might consider bringing a UV flashlight to check for scorpions at night. One thing you don't want is to get stung on your camping trip. The park is surrounded by coyotes, they sleep all day and run around partying all night. They're loud. Consider something in your ears to sleep through the coyotes screaming off and on all night long. This is another reason to never leave anything edible laying out. One thing you don't want is for your tent site to become home to a twenty coyote party at 3am. It looked like each site has an expanded steel picnic bench and two charcoal grills as well as a pull-through paved parking spot. These steel picnic tables are brutal to sit on, bring a cushion. I believe this park is part of a flood plain. You probably don't want to be here in the event of a large rain event on the Superstition Mountains. The park is located on Highway 88 (north Apache Trail) several miles north-east of Apache Junction, AZ. Drive up to the building at the entrance and pay for your site. You get handed a map then drive back to your spot. If the place is mostly empty you may drive back and pick a spot without committing to one at the entrance. Mine was $15 for one person per night. You will want to bring one flashlight per person. Water is available at the bathrooms. Read this if you're coming to AZ from the midwest: Someone in your family got stung by a scorpion? You're not gonna die. Unless you are an infant with entire body neuro symptoms the sad reality is: it's going to suck to be you for 48+ hours. Sorry, there is no medical emergency. If you're an infant/toddler with a sting, that's different. Just because you want scorpion anti-venum doesn't mean the hospital will have it or that you meet the qualifications for it. Scorpion anti-venum is super expensive $20k+ your insurance probably won't cover unless the doctor says you're a Stage-4 exposure. Just because you cry or demand it that does not make you eligible for scorpion anti-venum. Sorry, the stuff is rare and expensive. Better call your insurance company enroute to the hospital, their number is on the back of your insurance card. The ER does not need to see the scorpion so dont bring it along. The humidity is low so whatever amount of water you may be drinking, it's not enough. Add gatorade and always be sipping. Always be sipping. You lose lots of water just breathing. Don't attract wild animals, the wild animals we call Javelina and even Coyotes are not nice neighbors. They attack and bite, some will chase you at 30+mph just because. Don't become a victim. Food and trash attracts wild animals. This park is dotted with trash cans for your safety, not your convenience. There's cactus with thousands of needles really close to your tent site. Small kids can easily fall into a cactus or simply brush up against one, then you spend 12 hours at the hospital getting them plucked out one at a time. Most snake bites are a significant medical emergency, respond accordingly. You might call hospitals to see if they even have antivenum before you waste valuable time driving to one. And not all hospitals admit children so if your kid has a snake bite be sure to go to one that admits children or they'll transfer you to the one you should have gone to but you get to pay for the ambulance ride. Your insurance might not pay the ambulance bill because you went to the wrong hospital! Don't let the risks scare you away, the desert is a beautiful place, even in the summer. Be aware of your surroundings, stay on trails, never hike alone, bring a cell or walkie talkies. Avoid the critters, never reach into bushes, never pet the cactus, keep little kids on a very short leash. Do all these things and you'll be just fine. read more

I've spent many days hiking the trails of this state park, all of them in fact, and have found wonder in amazement in all of them. There are amazing views on all of the trails and the hardest trail, Siphon Draw is not all that difficult if you can take a steady incline and climbing over a few boulders towards the end. It's a great place to hike with pets, although I wish everyone would leash their dogs, mainly so other dogs (namely mine) don't start getting crazy excited when they see another dog running towards them. It can get crowded during the cooler months, especially on weekends. I've found the best times to go are on weekdays, early to late morning, in the less hot times of year. There's very few people on the trails and if you take a less traveled trail, like one of the easier ones, you're very likely to not see another person on your hike. If you can find an early summer morning after a monsoon when the temperature is in the 70's, you'll find virtually no one on your hike as well. Plus it's a nice temporary escape from the heat. The park is $5 per car or $2 if you walk or bike in. If you come often, you can buy a year-pass for about $65 (I think?). It's good for all the state parks, including Katchner Caverns and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (The arboretum can get VERY pricey per person. One year we had 4 people go and we were all covered under the pass. It paid for itself just that one time!) I recommend the pass if you plan on going to any of the state parks at least a few times during the year. It'll pay for itself. read more

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