Lost Dutchman State Park, an Arizona State Park located near Apache Junction, Chandler and Fountain Hills

LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK

LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK
6109 North Apache Trail
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119

(lat:33.4593 lon:-111.4872)

Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, 40 miles east of Phoenix. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail or hike the challenging Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron. Depending on the year?s rainfall, you might be treated to a carpet of desert wildflowers in the spring. Enjoy a weekend of camping and experience native wildlife including coyote, javelina and jackrabbit.

The park offers a variety of hiking trails, nature trails, picnic facilities, 70 campsites, a dump station, restrooms, showers, and group use areas. The visitor center sells maps and other publications.

Ranger CamBefore you hike, be prepared with enough water and proper footwear as the trails are steep and challenging.

Nature of the Area

A variety of desert wildlife inhabit the park. Mammals of interest include deer, coyote, javelina, bobcat, and jackrabbit. Most desert animals are nocturnal, so early morning and late evening viewing are best. Any of the park trails offer good opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

History of the Area

The Superstition Mountains have been a source of mystery and legend since early times. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation by a number of different Native American groups, up until the 1800's. Even the name is inspired by Pima Indian legends.

During the 1840's, the Peralta family of northern Mexico supposedly developed a rich gold mine in the Superstitions. According to legend, an Apache ambush ended the family's last expedition, and the gold remained in the area. In the 1870's, Jacob Waltz ("the Dutchman") was said to have located the mine through the aid of the Peralta descendant. Waltz and his partner, Jacob Weiser, worked in the mine and allegedly hid one or more caches of gold in the Superstitions. Most stories place the gold in the vicinity of Weaver's Needle.

After Waltz's death in 1891, several people attempted to seek out the Lost Dutchman's Mine, all without luck. Later searchers have sometimes met with foul play or even death, contributing to the superstition and legend of these mountains.

The legend of the "lost mine" has been fueled by a number of people who were supposed to have known the mine's location or even worked it. Maps have surfaced over the years, only to become lost or misplaced.

Passes

Arizona offers a non-commercial standard pass for weekday use at all parks, including weekends at most parks and the non-commercial premium pass which includes weekend and holiday access to the parks. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is not included in either annual park pass. You can find additional Arizona Annual State Park Pass informataion and order online by visiting the ARIZONA ANNUAL STATE PARK PASS web page.

Visitors Center

The Lost Dutchman Visitor Center includes a gift shop and is open daily 8 am ? 4 pm. Summer hours vary. Restrooms are located inside. The park is open 365 days a year.

Camping

The campground currently has 70 non-hookup campsites on paved roads for tents or RVs. Each site has a picnic table and barbeque grill, but no fire pits. Sites are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no size restrictions on RVs. Pets on leashes are welcome. Cigarette butts and animals waste must be picked up; no animals left unattended.Group: Camping Sites

A group camping area is available by reservation for RV or tent groups. A non-refundable fee is required to serve this area. Groups are encouraged to look area over for suitability prior to making a reservation.

Location

Lost Dutchman State Park is located near Apache Junction, Chandler and Fountain Hills

Day Use Area

3 Group Ramadas are available with restrooms and drinking fountains nearby.

The Cholla Group Ramada can be reserved by groups of 12 or more up to 6 months in advance. It has 4 tables under a large roof with lights, electricity, grills and a fire pit; a non-refundable fee reserves this area.

Amphitheatre is located in the campground. It can seat up to 100 people and has lights and electric outlets, and a fire pit. No shade is available; a non-refundable fee reserves this area

Picnicking

13 single shaded ramadas with tables, grills are available for picnics. Restrooms and drinking fountains are located nearby.

Trails

Please use caution when hiking at the park. Those planning to use the longer trails should carry a topographic map. Each person should carry at least one gallon of drinking water per day. Remember summer temperatures often exceed 100?F. A trail map is provided with entrance fee.

Native Plant Trail: Located near Visitor Center, this 1/4 mile trail features desert plants along an accessible paved trail..

Treasure Loop Trail: Length 2.4 miles round trip, rated moderate, elevation change of 500 feet. It terminates at either picnic area.

Prospector's View Trail: Length 0.7 miles, rated moderate. It connects Siphon Draw Trail with Treasure Loop Trail also connects with Jacob's Crosscut Trail.

Jacob's Crosscut Trail: Trail runs 0.8 miles along the base of the mountain, rated easy. It connects Treasure Loop Trail with Prospector's View Trail, and continues 4.5 miles past the park area along the base of the Superstitions.

Siphon Draw Trail: 4 miles round trip, a very scenic hike, this trail winds up into a canyon known as Siphon Draw. It is possible to hike up the Flatiron (5.8 miles roundtrip), although it is not a designated, maintained trail all the way. It's advised that only experienced hikers in good shape attempt to hike to the top, as the climb is steep and difficult to follow. Allow at least five hours to the Flatiron and back.

Discovery Trail: Connects the campground and day use areas. Features information signs, a wildlife pond, bird feeder and viewing bench.

Bicycling

This park has dirt biking trails. Bikes can use the lower trails (#58) shared with hikers. Bikes are not allowed above Jacobs Crosscut Trail.

Area Attractions

Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum

Located on 12 acres near the park, this non-profit museum helps to preserve and protect the history and legends of Arizona's Susperstition Mountains. Features a variety of exhibits. Open Daily from 9 am to 4 pm.

Goldfield Ghost Town Scenic railroad and mine tour located down the street from the park. This 1890s period town features a saloon, rock shop, an ice cream parlor, Native American art and crafts, the Goldfield Museum, live "gunfights" on weekends, and more.

Arizona Steamboat Cruises Cruise the secluded inner waterways of nearby Canyon Lake on an old-fashioned steamboat.

Tortilla Flat The last remaining stage coach stop along the Apache Trail, two miles past Canyon Lake, 18 miles north-east of Apache Juntion. Population: 6.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

March 29 One great name by Flying Dutchman

This place is great. I want to thank my Irish friend for telling me about it. As a Dutchman it a great name Thanks to my Irish friend I got a great Bumper sticker hope to visit soon.

February 7 Sonoran Desert experience by TGavazzi

First visited way back in 1998 after an Ultimate tourney. Hiked up Flatiron and loved it. Returned again in 2004, 2007 an 2009 as a part of various AZ trips. Always great clean facilities, nice interpretive trail at the Visitor center, and nice and helpful Park Rangers. The park has great access to the trails of the Superstition wilderness. Oh, I also saw a great Astronomy/Stargazing program at the Ampitheater.

December 23 great view from the top! by Catfish Jones

My son and i have been hiking the flat iron trial for 7 years. what a view people,,a must hike! the staff at the park are very helpfull and friendley. Catfish & Brice,,,,gilbert az.