Lost Dutchman State Park sits right at the base of the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction, about 40 miles east of downtown Phoenix. It’s one of our favorite places to hike close to home, and the trails here range from easy desert walks to some of the toughest climbs in the Valley. We’ve hiked and camped here, so here are the best hikes at Lost Dutchman State Park, listed from easiest to hardest, plus what to know before you go.
Lost Dutchman State Park Quick Facts
- Location: Apache Junction, AZ, off State Route 88 (Apache Trail), about 45 minutes to an hour from Phoenix.
- Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle with one person, $20 for two to four people, or $5 per person on bike.
- Payment: Cash, or a Visa or Mastercard with a readable magnetic stripe. The park doesn’t currently take tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
- Trail hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Day-use gates close at 8 p.m.
- No walk-ins or drop-offs: The park doesn’t allow walk-in entry or hiker drop-off and pick-up, so plan to drive in and pay the entrance fee.
- Restrooms and water: Available at the park, but there’s no water on the trails.
Leave No Trace at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park and the surrounding Superstition Wilderness see a lot of hikers, especially on cool winter weekends. Please help keep these trails beautiful by following the seven principles of Leave No Trace:
- Plan ahead and prepare: Check the forecast, bring more water than you think you’ll need, and know your limits before attempting Flatiron or the Ridgeline.
- Travel on durable surfaces: Stay on marked trails and avoid cutting switchbacks. Desert soil and plants take years to recover.
- Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, including food scraps and dog waste, and use the park restrooms before you head out.
- Leave what you find: Don’t take rocks or plants, and never carve or paint on rocks.
- Minimize campfire impacts: Only use fire rings at designated campsites, and always follow current fire restrictions.
- Respect wildlife: Give snakes, javelina, and other wildlife plenty of space, and never feed animals.
- Be considerate of other visitors: Yield on narrow sections, keep music off, and share the views at the top.
Best Hikes at Lost Dutchman State Park
1. Treasure Loop Trail (Easy to Moderate)
Length: 2.4 miles round trip | Elevation gain: about 500 feet
Treasure Loop is the best all-around hike in the park if you want big views of the Superstitions without a huge climb. The loop starts and ends at the picnic areas, and it’s how we connected to Praying Hands. It’s a great choice for beginners, families, or a quick sunset hike.
2. Jacob’s Crosscut Trail (Easy)
Length: 0.8 miles inside the park, continuing about 4.5 miles beyond it
Jacob’s Crosscut runs along the base of the Superstition Mountains, so it’s a gentler hike than the trails that climb up the mountain. You can hop on it from the park or start from the Crosscut or Broadway trailheads outside the park. We’ve hiked it from both ends. Read our full Jacob’s Crosscut Trail #58 guide.
3. Praying Hands (Moderate)
Length: about 3.5 miles round trip (we recorded 4.4 miles on our 2025 loop) | Elevation gain: about 980 feet
Praying Hands is our top pick for a moderate hike at Lost Dutchman. The trail climbs steadily to a dramatic rock formation with wide desert views, and it’s much quieter than Flatiron. In 2025 we returned and turned it into a loop using Treasure Loop and Jacob’s Crosscut. Read our full Praying Hands hike guide.
4. Flatiron via Siphon Draw (Hard)
Length: about 5.5 miles round trip | Elevation gain: about 2,640 feet
Flatiron is the park’s most famous hike and one of the hardest in the Phoenix area. Siphon Draw itself is a scenic canyon hike, but the final push to the Flatiron is a steep scramble that’s hard to follow. Plan for a long day, start early, and skip it in hot weather. Read our full Flatiron via Siphon Draw guide.
5. Siphon Draw to Peak 5024 (Hard)
Length: about 6.2 miles round trip | Elevation gain: about 2,000 feet
If you’ve already done Flatiron and want something different, Peak 5024 also starts up Siphon Draw from Lost Dutchman State Park. It’s a challenging route for experienced hikers. Read our full Siphon Draw to Peak 5024 guide.
6. Superstition Ridgeline (Very Hard)
Length: about 11.25 miles (recorded) | Elevation gain: about 4,255 feet
The Superstition Ridgeline is the ultimate challenge here. It follows the ridge between the top of Siphon Draw and Carney Springs Trail. We hiked up Siphon Draw from Lost Dutchman and down Carney Springs, so you’ll need to plan your logistics. Read our full Superstition Ridgeline guide.
Easy Trails at Lost Dutchman State Park
Looking for something short and easy? These trails are great for kids, a quick walk, or learning about desert plants:
- Native Plant Trail: A short, easy walk with labeled desert plants like cholla and ocotillo.
- Discovery Trail: An easy trail connecting the campground and day-use areas, with wildlife viewing spots along the way.
- Prospector’s View: A 0.7-mile connector between Siphon Draw, Treasure Loop, and Jacob’s Crosscut.
Camping at Lost Dutchman State Park
We’ve camped at Lost Dutchman, and it’s a great base for hiking because several trails start right from the campground. [ADD: your campsite tips, which loop you stayed in, hookups, and how far ahead you booked.] Reservations are made through Arizona State Parks.
Tips for Hiking at Lost Dutchman
- Go in the cooler months. October through April is the best time to hike here. In summer, start at sunrise or skip the longer hikes entirely.
- Bring more water than you think. There’s very little shade on any of these trails.
- Arrive early on weekends. The park is very popular, especially on cool winter weekends.
- Watch your footing. The rock here is volcanic, sharp, and loose in places. Sturdy shoes make a big difference.
Lost Dutchman State Park FAQ
What is the easiest hike at Lost Dutchman State Park?
The Native Plant Trail and Discovery Trail are the easiest. For a short hike with mountain views, Treasure Loop (2.4 miles) is the best easy-to-moderate option.
What is the hardest hike at Lost Dutchman State Park?
Flatiron via Siphon Draw is the park’s best-known hard hike. The Superstition Ridgeline is even longer and tougher.
How much does it cost to get into Lost Dutchman State Park?
$10 per vehicle with one person, $20 for two to four people, or $5 per person on a bike.
How far is Lost Dutchman State Park from Phoenix?
About 40 miles east of downtown Phoenix, or roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car.
