Hike to Praying Hands from Lost Dutchman State Park
Praying Hands Trail in Lost Dutchman State Park is a short but rewarding hike in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. At about 3.5 miles round trip, the trail climbs steadily to the dramatic Praying Hands rock formation, with wide desert views, jagged cliffs, and colorful sunsets. While it isn’t as well-known as Flatiron, this route is quieter, easier, and a great option for hikers of all skill levels.
Update
In 2025 we hiked to Praying Hands again, this time going beyond the split rock formation. More details and photos are below.
How to get to Praying Hands
Praying Hands can be reached from several starting points inside Lost Dutchman State Park. We began directly from our campground, but you can also connect from the Treasure Loop Trailhead near the main parking area. If you’re driving in for the day, there is a state park entry fee ($10 per vehicle) and parking is available at designated lots.
Quick Stats
Length:
3.5 miles recorded
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
980 ft recorded
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
Yes (Park Entrance)
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
At park
Treasure Loop Trail to Praying Hands
2021
From the start, the trail is easy to follow but keep an eye out for junctions—especially on the way down when light is fading. We recommend downloading the route on AllTrails before you go. The first stretch is moderate with a steady incline, then the final approach to the formation involves light bouldering and hands-on sections.
Though we passed a few groups on the way up, the summit area was quiet and we had it to ourselves. The rock formation is striking up close, and you can see Cathedral Rock-like spires, surrounding desert peaks, and the vast Superstition landscape. If you want a longer day, you can continue onto the Treasure Loop Trail for additional mileage and views.
2025 Praying Hands Loop via Treasure Loop & Jacobs Crosscut
In November of 2025 after one of the wettest falls in Arizona history in over 100 years, we returned to hike Praying Hands from Lost Dutchman State Park. Similar to our hike mentioned above, we started via Treasure Loop Trail. On this hike we continued pasted the praying hands rock formation on the unofficial trail through Tonto National Forest. The trail was mostly easy to follow with a few spots that required careful attention to where the trail went. This section of Praying Hands trail is a narrow single track trail in most places and can be overgrown due to the vast rain received. As always, we downloaded the trail for offline use via our paid version the AllTrails app.
The desert was so green and looked absolutely amazing! Since we extended the hike this time, we recorded 4.4 miles. As the trail comes back towards Jacobs Cross Cut trail, it does become harder to follow. We suggest paying close attention to AllTrails and to look for the trail via footprints left and natural. We could not find the exact loop we did from Lost Dutchman State Park as a selectable route on AllTrails, but by downloading this version, we were able to navigate back to Lost Dutchman State Park.
Quick Stats: 2025 Update
Length:
4.4 miles recorded
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
1145 ft recorded
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
Yes (Park Entrance)
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
At park
Other Hikes in Phoenix
Praying Hands is a fantastic hike in Lost Dutchman State Park that offers big views without the crowds of Flatiron. The short distance makes it accessible, yet the incline and bouldering add just enough challenge to feel rewarding. Bring water, good shoes, and a headlamp if you’re hiking near sunset. If you’re planning more adventures in the Superstitions, check out our full guide to hikes near Phoenix.
5 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains
This guide highlights the five best hiking trails in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, showcasing stunning views, diverse terrains, and varying difficulties. It emphasizes outdoor ethics and provides specifics on each trail, including distance, elevation, and amenities. The trails cater to different experience levels, ensuring memorable adventures in the desert landscape.
Jacob’s Crosscut Trail #58
Jacob’s Crosscut Trail offers stunning views right by the Superstition Mountains. You can start from either Crosscut or Broadway Trailheads. It’s vital to wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be rough, and watch out for local wildlife. A perfect spot for day hikes with different lengths and paths!
Flatiron Hike via Siphon Draw Trail: Superstition Mountains
Flatiron, a challenging hike in the Superstition Mountains, offers stunning views but requires careful planning. The 5.5-mile route with 2,641ft elevation gain includes steep terrain. Start early, bring sunscreen, and leave no trace. Parking fees vary.
