Lost Dutchman State Park Things to Do

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There is much to do at Lost Dutchman State Park. The park is well developed with modern ammentiies which include:

Visitor Center with maps and publications for sale.
Picnic areas with tables and grills
Group use areas
Restrooms with showers
Hiking and nature trails
Campground with 35 electrice sites
Dump station

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Another dramatic rock formation, and one which hikers may easily walk around, is called the Green Boulder, no doubt because of green algae which grows on its side. This huge rock, soaring several stories high, is at about the half way point on the 2.4 mile Treasure Loop Trail, and near the junction with the Prospector's View Trail.

The Treasure Loop Trail actually goes behind and above the Green Boulder which is at 2,580 feet above sea level. From here there is an outstanding view. In one of the photos Karen and I can be seen posing above the Green Boulder, overlooking an inspiring desert landscape which seems to go on forever.

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Perhaps the most dramatic of several interesting rock formations visitors to Lost Dutchman State Park may see is the "Praying Hands." The formations consists of two rock spires pointing skyward. They may be found on the northeastern slope of the mountain beneath the dramatic peak called "The Flatiron."

No trail leads all the way to the Praying Hands, but hikers on the Treasure Loop Trail will approach near enough to take a photo - such as the ones seen here. A telephoto lens helps.

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Lost Dutchman is actually at the beginning of a wonderful journey along the Apache Trail. Route 88 offers up a spectacular array of scenery, so while you are out this way enjoy it!
Just across the road from the entrace to Lost Dutchman is the Old mining town of Goldfield. It's a little kitchy and touristy, but a fun place to visit. (The kids would like the train ride) It's mostly little shops and tours, the train ride the mining tour, ect. There are also a couple resturants including an Ice cream shop and a bakery. After leaving Lost Dutchman and Goldfield continue East on RT 88, you will have enter into Tonto National Forest. If you have time, pull off and do a bit of hiking. Back in the car, continue on the winding road and you will come to Canyon Lake. A gorgeous spot with steep rock faces on one side of the lake and sandy beaches on the other. Boat rentals are available. By this time you may be a bit hungry. you could stop off at the lakeside dining resturant or push on to the funny little town of Tortilla Flat (population 6) there is but one little resturant, a gift shop a post office and a tiny motel here (as well as campgrounds). This is where we ended our Apache Trail trip(we were pressed for time) but you could continue on to Apache Lake, Roosevelt Dam and Lake and Tonto National Monument. Tonto National Monument is a Native American dwelling built into a cave on a cliffside. I will definately be heading that way next time I travel the Apache Trail!

We stayed in the park until sundown to get some great sunset shots. The park closes at 10pm but I wouldn't recommend hiking in the dark, unless you had a flashlight, even then I would think it would be best to wait until the next day.
The park has camping facilities, but no hookups for RV's. There is a separate fee for camping in the park.

The park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to 10pm.

Unfortunately we did not see much wildlife in the park. The only thing we saw was this one bird. We fought over who got to take the picture for a minute,(we figured 2 of us would definately scare it away) but in the end it was Lou who took this amazing shot of a California Quail.