There are 31 beautiful state parks in Arizona, so deciding which one is your favorite can be quite the challenge. There is one that comes to mind, however, and it offers a bit of everything we love about the Arizona landscape: mountains, abundant wildlife and vegetation, the spirit of the Old West, and, of course, a dash of some of the spookiest lore in the state. We're talking about Lost Dutchman State Park, a treasure trove of adventures, activities, and mystery tucked away near the Superstition Mountains in central Arizona. Below we've outlined some unforgettable things to do at Lost Dutchman State Park: camping, hiking, and more.

About Lost Dutchman State Park

You'll find Lost Dutchman State Park on the edge of the Tonto National Forest. It's about 40 miles directly east of Phoenix.

The park encompasses 320 acres, and it got its name from a fascinating legend.

According to the story, the Peralta family found a gold mine in the Superstition Mountains in the 1840s. All but a few members of the family were killed, but rumors of the mine's location persisted.

Jacob Waltz, whose nickname was "The Dutchman," claimed to have found the mine during the 1870s, and he hid several caches of gold somewhere in the mountains. When Waltz died, he may have been the last person to know the true location of the mine, and no one has rediscovered it since...so it's forever known as the "Lost Dutchman Mine."

Once you get a look at this park, you'll see how someone could lose an entire gold mine. The desert is seemingly endless, inviting visitors to explore its enchanted mysteries.

Things to Do at Lost Dutchman State Park

One of the most obvious things to do at Lost Dutchman State Park is to simply take note of the natural landscape. The vibrant plants and plentiful wildlife might surprise you!

This hardy teddy bear cholla is proof that even a harsh desert climate is home to many beautiful, living things.

If you happen to visit in the springtime, look out for all the vibrant wildflowers that pop up between March and May.

They're especially abundant after rainstorms, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Another option for a fun and certainly memorable adventure would be to embark on a haunted hike. A 2.3-mile loop, Treasure Loop is a moderately difficult trek that winds around the base of the eerie Superstition Mountains.

Given the lore surrounding Lost Dutchman Mine, every step you take will be absolutely rife with fear.

Since the park has so many different hikes, you shouldn't have to share the pathway unless it's a weekend. That means the wandering spirits of explorers who perished while searching for the elusive treasure will be more likely to make their presence known.

Adding to the mysteriousness, petroglyphs can be seen on many rock formations. Imagining what the Native peoples might have been communicating is absolutely fascinating.

Timing your visit just right results in a thick blanket of fog surrounding the mountaintops. Perhaps Mother Nature will cooperate and put on a spooky show!

Looking for something a little different? Check out the newly added bike path that leads cyclists on an exhilarating journey up into the mountains.

It's a four-mile loop featuring some of the most incredible scenery the park has to offer.

Lost Dutchman State Park Hiking

There's no doubt about it; the best way to explore Lost Dutchman State Park is by hiking one of its six trails through the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape.

You'll be pleased to learn that there really is a hiking trail for everyone. For an accessible option, try the Native Plant Trail. For a moderate option, Prospector's View is a popular choice, and finally, for those up for the challenge, Flatiron never disappoints.

For the most incredible views of all the trails in the park, take the Treasure Trail and Siphon Draw Loop, which measures 3 miles in total.

Along the way, you'll get a look at some unique rock formations and several overlooks that will have you pulling out your camera every few minutes to capture the latest incredible scene in front of you.

Bring a snack or lunch with you when you visit; there's nothing like dining while enjoying a view like this!

Lost Dutchman State Park Camping

You'll have a hard time tearing yourself away from this park at the end of the day. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to camp at Lost Dutchman State Park.

In total, the park offers 134 campsites. Each includes a fire pit, picnic table, and a barbeque grill.

There are a total of 68 sites with electric (50/30/20 amp service), and there are no size restrictions on RVs. Pets on leashes are also allowed.

If you're camping overnight, you'll be able to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets you've ever seen.

And just wait until you see the night sky!

For Lost Dutchman State Park camping reservations, be sure to visit the official Arizona State Parks website.

How to Get There

Lost Dutchman State Park is located just east of Apache Junction, AZ.

From there, you'll take State Route 88 north from U.S. Route 60 for approximately seven miles.

The park entrance will be on your right.

Tips for Your Visit

If it's your first time visiting Lost Dutchman State Park, be sure to stop by the visitor's center to learn more about the park, including its unique ecosystems, trails, and other frequently asked questions.

No matter the time of year you visit, preparation is key! Be sure to bring sun protection, closed-toed shoes, and plenty of water. Temperatures can change drastically throughout the course of your visit.

Lastly, be sure to keep your eyes open for the majestic wildlife that lives here. Some residents include mule deer, coyotes, desert cottontails, bobcats, and even roadrunners.

So there you have it, a complete guide to visiting Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. For more information, head on over to the official Arizona State Park website. And don't forget to take a look at our ultimate hiking packing list before your trip.

Have you ever been to Lost Dutchman State Park? Do you agree that it's the best state park in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below -- we would love to hear from you!