Visiting Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona

Just outside Phoenix, Lost Dutchman a go-to spot for hiking, biking, and camping for the weekend.

Just 40 miles east (45 minutes) of Phoenix at the base of the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park is a short drive for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer road trip.

Most visitors spend time hiking the park’s 14 miles of trails, many with spectacular views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert.

Here’s a quick guide of what to do in Lost Dutchman State Park.

Planning Your Lost Dutchman State Park Visit

The park’s day-use gate and trails are open 6am–8pm daily.

Entrance fees are:

  • Per vehicle (1 person): $10

  • Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20

  • Individual/bicycle: $5

Parking areas near trailheads and at the visitor center are large and paved roads throughout the park are accessible for vehicles and RV of all sizes.

Stop in the Visitor Center (open year-round) for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, brochures, and educational exhibits about the park. Rangers are on hand to answer any questions you have about the area.

The best time to visit Lost Dutchman is October–April when the weather is mild. Stop by February–April to see wildflower blooms. Summers are blazing hot, with temperatures often over 100°F.

No matter when you visit, follow these safety tips on the trails:

  • Carry plenty of water, at least one gallon per person per day, even on cool days.

  • Wear sun protection like a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear.

  • Tell someone your plans before heading out. The park has good to excellent cellular coverage, depending on your cell phone carrier. Those using T-Mobile have reported the best coverage. 

  • Watch for desert wildlife like rattlesnakes and scorpions, especially if you have dogs.

Fun Fact: Lost Dutchman State Park sits along the historic Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a 39-mile route with beautiful views of Arizona’s desert landscapes.

Treasure Loop Trail // Stephanie Bloom

Hikes in the Park 

Lost Dutchman State Park has some of the best hikes in the Phoenix area, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs.

Native Plant Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 0.25 miles (loop) 

Elevation Gain: none/flat 

Perfect for beginners and families, this paved trail has interpretive signs about native desert plants. Be sure to pick up a desert plant guide at the visitor center beforehand.

Treasure Loop Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.4-mile loop 

Elevation Gain: 500 feet 

Offers sweeping views of the Superstition Mountains with moderate inclines and plenty of wildflowers in spring.

Prospector’s View Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 0.7 miles one way 

Elevation Gain: 300 feet 

A scenic connector trail with great views of the surrounding desert. It connects Siphon Draw Trail with Treasure Loop Trail and Jacob’s Crosscut Trail. 

Siphon Draw Trail 

Difficulty: Difficult

Length: 4 miles round trip to the basin; 5.8 miles to Flatiron round trip 

Elevation Gain: 2,780 feet if you continue to Flatiron 

This strenuous trail takes you into a canyon known as Siphon Draw. For the adventurous, the climb to Flatiron offers jaw-dropping panoramic views. This hike is not recommended during the mid-day summer months due to excessive heat. 

Biking Routes in the Park

Lost Dutchman State Park has a new, dedicated mountain bike loop, plus access to several mixed-use trails. While the park’s trails are mostly beginner-friendly, nearby routes in the Superstition Mountains are more challenging terrain.

Keep in mind that certain areas in the Superstition Wilderness are off-limits to mountain biking. Use a map to plan your route accordingly.

Discovery Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 4-mile loop

This singletrack trail is a scenic ride through the park, circling the campground and picnic areas. Connect to neighboring National Forest trails for extended rides.

Jacob’s Crosscut Trail

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Length: 6 miles one way 

Connecting Treasure Loop Trail with Prospector’s View Trail, it follows the base of the Superstition Mountains with gentle grades and fantastic desert scenery.

Goldfield East Access Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.9 miles one way 

A mix of dirt roads and trails with moderate climbs and historical sites like the Goldfield Ghost Town.

Hawes Trail System

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Length: 7.3 mile loop trail, but connects to other trails for a longer ride.

For mountain bikers, these are technical trails with steep climbs and fast descents with great views of Mount McDowell. 

Star Party // Arizona State Parks

Seasonal Events in the Park

The park hosts a variety of fun events throughout the year

  • Star Parties (Oct–Mar): Learn about the night sky with telescopes and astronomy guides.

  • Full Moon Hikes (Oct–Mar): Start with a nice sunset and end under a bright moon.

  • Guided Bird Walk (Nov–May): Join an experienced birder on the trails in search of feathered friends.

  • Ranger Programs: Year-round talks on desert wildlife, geology, and history.

 

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Camping in Lost Dutchman

Lost Dutchman State Park Campground has 135 paved campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring; 68 of those sites have electric and water hookups. There is little shade throughout the campground.

Fees: $25–35 per night, depending on the site and season.

Check in: 2:00pm / Check out: 12:00pm

You’ll find restrooms with hot showers, fresh water, and a dump station located near the entrance. There are no RV size restrictions at campsites, and day-use parking lots can accommodate RVs.

Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season of October–April. Book your RV camping spot through the Arizona State Parks website. Stays are limited to 14 days, and you can book up to one year in advance. If you arrive before noon on your reservation date, you will need to pay an entrance fee. 

Tonto National Forest

Camping Near Lost Dutchman

You’ll find several camping options near the park if you like more amenities, space, or want to experience a different area.

Mesa/Apache Junction KOA Journey

Campendium Rating: 4/5

Distance from Lost Dutchman: 6 miles

Map: 1540 S Tomahawk Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

This family-friendly campground offers spacious sites with full hookups, accommodating RVs up to 70 feet. Amenities include a heated swimming pool, hot tub, dog park, laundry facilities, and wifi. The campground is pet-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages.

Reservations: Call 480-982-4015 or book online.

Check-in: 1:00pm / Check-out: 11:00am​

Usery Mountain Regional Park

Campendium Rating: 4.5/5

Distance from Lost Dutchman: 10 miles

Map: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207

Each site has water and electric hookups, a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Restrooms have flush toilets and hot showers. There’s a dump station and access to hiking and biking trails. This Maricopa County park is open to all ages and pet-friendly.

Reservations: Call 602-506-2930 ext. 4 or reserve online.

Check-in: 1:00pm / Check-out: 12:00pm

Tortilla Campground (Tonto National Forest)

Campendium Rating: 4/5

Distance from Lost Dutchman: 18 miles

Map: AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85190

Sites are non-electric with picnic tables and fire rings, suitable for RVs up to 30 feet. The area is quiet with canyon views and close to Canyon Lake. This is a public campground open to all ages.

Reservations: Book through recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.

Check-in: 12:00pm / Check-out: 10:00am

Marine 69-71 // CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ready to Hit the Road?

Whether you’re hiking Lost Dutchman’s trails, bird-watching, or stargazing under Arizona's clear skies, this park has something for everyone.

Rent an RV from Blacksford in Phoenix and explore Lost Dutchman at your own pace. Our affordable, hassle-free rentals make it easy to road trip across Arizona and beyond. 

Book your Phoenix RV today and start planning your desert getaway!


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