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Lost Dutchman State Park
Rating Details »
6109 E Apache Trl
Apache Junction, AZ 85219
(480) 982-4485
Apache Junction, AZ 85219
(480) 982-4485
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for Lost Dutchman State Park
So I am reviewing LDSP mainly to write a review for the hike to the top of the Flat Iron and the first (or last... depending on the route you take) peak of the dreaded Superstition Ridgeline.
The state park itself is fine, ample parking and camping spots, if designated camp areas are your thing. Personally I am more of a backcountry camper myself so I prefer to get out in the middle of nowhere and find a spot to throw my tent. The thing with the Superstition mountains is the trails that are maintained are maintained well, leaving little to no chance of losing the trail. So while hiking in the state park, you wont get lost. Now if you feel like taking a little risk (and are with someone who has done it before) hike the Siphon Draw trail, you will hike this trail for a little over a mile until you see "The Siphon Draw" This is where the maintained part of the trail ends and it is suggested that you stop here.... but.... wait, you mean stop before the fun starts? Not a fucking chance. Off to your right (south) you will see this giant rock formation that looks like, you guessed it, a Flat Iron, which is why the portion past the Siphon Draw is called, yup, The Flat Iron hike!
So continuing up the "Draw" you will notice that the "trail" if you want to call it a trail... its more of a suggested route up boulders that will require you to use your hands at points, is significantly steeper than the child's play in route of the Siphon Draw. Thats right... its not for the weak. Once you get past the saddle you will dip down into a canyon and this is where the climb really begins. At this point you will notice blue and white dots spray painted on the rocks, follow them, This is the best way to the ridge line... trust me, although once the canyon walls begin to narrow there really isnt much of a choice on which route to take ;)
So, lets say you have followed the blue dots and you have the flat iron on your right, or to the south in view and you are getting painfully close to the top... there is a section towards the end that is PAINFUL... wait I dont know if I got my point across... there is a section towards the top that is P A I N F U L.... it is relentless, I often find myself getting into some kind of zone to where I dont really think I am human anymore at this point in the hike and try to zone out the pain my legs feel at this point,.... although i will say the more you do it the less it hurts. right when you think it has to give you hit the WALL... yes there is a wall you have to climb to get to the top... it is about 10 ft high and requires you to use your hands, it is fun but for the love of god man... dont fall. after getting past this you will notice the trail continues up to the ridge line or goes to the right (south) to the top of the flat iron. Plan to spend at least an hour on top to explore and soak in the breath taking views.... this is my favorite hike in the valley!
So, get out and explore AZ... its a great state. Also, if anyone is up for hiking this beast drop a line... Im always game!!!!
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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.
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Easy to reach via the 202, great hiking and not too difficult BUT some of the downhills on the well-traveled trails get slick with loose gravel. If you're wearing a child in a backpack, you may need a hand down in a couple of spots.
Wonderful views, very quiet, my kids always have a great time here. We take out-ot-town guests here for the panoramic views. Check out the Goldfield Mining Town (right down the street) after your hike for ice cream!
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I love the Superstition Mountains! It is the most convenient place to get away from it all. The last time I was there I hiked Siphon Draw up to the Flat Iron. There were a lot of people on the trail but I still felt like I was in the wilderness. Camping sites fill up fast here, so I would recommend checking out the Canyon Lake area as it is close and a pretty drive.
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If you're a hiker you'll love how convenient this park is. The trails are in great condition and the views are spectacular. My favorite is Siphon Draw including the trek up to the Flatiron. The ranger at the station felt bad for my puggle, saying that it was a tough hike for the animal, but I beg to differ, my little "animal" pulled me up the mountain. I recommend this park for families, dogs, and all types of hikers. Also, make sure you bring your camera and start out early morning before sunrise to get great views. Also, the park arranges a moonlight hike during a week of a fullmoon...I highly recommend this because the desert is so mysterious at night. It has to do with the shadows from the moonlight I think.
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