There were many trails for all levels of fitness and length of time. There were picnic areas as well as toilets. The rangers were very friendly and helpful. The ranger station had some snacks and drinks as well as souvenirs available to purchase.
Gorgeous views, watch out for traffic. Wanted to hike but beware it is rattlesnake mating season. Well worth the trip.
I am a Director of Photography for a living and have been shooting TV shows and Commercials in and around the park for years. I love the park and it's legends. If you are new to the area this should be your plan: 1) Take the drive around the Mountains and enjoy the view from the road and view points. The Apache trail road to Canyon Lake is very nice. Next drive out the 60 for the south side of the Mountain it is breathtaking and both are easy day trips for any car. Also one of my favorite views of Weavers needle is from the Beeline state Route 87 just past fountain hills. Now remember golden hour for your best views and pictures. Arizona sunsets and sunrises are amazing (a whole different subject)2) Break out the SUV or truck (It is time for Dirt Roads) and drive past Canyon lake to Apache lake, fish creek hill is harry but beautiful or even continue on to Roosevelt lake a drive you well never forget. Drive back into the South Side to the Peralta trail head or drive the dirt roads on the South east side of the Mountain. Get a map it is helpful. I like to get lost and find stuff, not recommended 3) Break out a trail map and pick the hike for you. Remember your two W's water and winter time for hiking. I have been on about 25% of the trails Short and long it is rewarding hiking. Start small this can be very dangerous many have died in this wilderness and most have had the times of their lives.Enjoy and be safe. stop and explore, the view points, the tourist shops, Ghost towns, Museums and crazy pit shops and Boat docks and fishing. there is life of fun the be had here it is what you make of it.Do not forget the Camera!
We camped in this park and found it to be very relaxing. For April it was very hot. Every body kept saying but it is dry heat. Well in my opinion heat is heat and it was still hot....The wind blew most of the time. There was a ghost town just down the road that was really interesting.....
This is a great place to hike. There is a lot of desert hiking. A great place to enjoy the warm weather & beautiful scenery.
When we arrived at Lost Dutchman the person at the gate suggested a 2.2 mile hike that would have us go by the desert plants that were in bloom. It was wonderful. There were four seniors in our group and no one had any trouble navigating the trails. Many of the trails intersect so it is easy to add on to the hike if you want. Everything was very well marked. We went in the morning before the sun got too warm and the people too numerous. We'll visit again when we come back this way.
A busy park with lots of artists; a hike up the hill is good exercise with lots of chances for stumbling. Amazed to see joggers going up and one jogging down a very rugged and loose rock path.
Lost Dutchman was our favorite park during our recent visit to Arizona. The Treasure Loop Trail was a perfect way to explore the beautiful scenery and abundant wildflowers on an early morning. We also did part of the Prospector's View and Siphon Draw trails. When we have more time, we will return to complete The Flatiron trail to the top. We were day use visitors but the campsite areas are a great way to spend more time and wake up to the panoramic views.
The trip to Lost Dutchman State Park was a highlight of our trip to the Phoenix area. It cost $7 to enter the park. We were provided with a trail map and advice on which trails were recommended for an enjoyable day. We decided on the Treasure Loop Trail and Prospector's View Trail. At the trail head there was a picnic area, bathrooms and a water fountain, to top up our water bottles. The trails are clearly marked and well defined. We quickly discovered a good reason to stay on the trail...Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus. One of the members of our group left the trail to take a photo and had pieces of the cactus attach to his pant leg and shoe. Coming from a cold weather climate and having no experience with cacti, our first instincts were to remove the spines with our hands but thankfully we had been told earlier to use a stone to remove them. After that incident we stayed on the trail. We saw a variety of wildflowers in bloom on the Prospector's View Trail. Absolutely beautiful scenery.