Arizona has a multitude of state parks (33 of them!) that offer a wealth of things to do and the Lost Dutchman State Park about 42 miles east of Phoenix is no exception. Places like these are such a relief to get away from the noise, pollution, and snarling traffic of the sprawling Phoenix metro area. Now is the perfect time of year to visit the Lost Dutchman as the summer months from May through September may be too oppressive for biking, camping, or hiking for some people. Of the numerous events scheduled at the park starting in January – I was surprised to learn that a “Full Moon” hike is scheduled for January 24 & 25 to begin at sundown until the moon turns full. Talk about learning something new every day! I had no idea there was such a thing.
After thinking about it for a bit, this seems like a wonderful way to enjoy nature. Too many of us spend way too much time in the city (I certainly do) and this seems like a unique way to spend time outdoors and get some exercise. Among some other intriguing events that I’d love to attend are the “Star Party” which is scheduled for January 13th to learn more about the stars and planets. This would be a another cool event to be part of since night skies above the city are not ideal for stargazing. Being at places like Lost Dutchman State Park would be just the place for a more authentic experience of that type. Large metro areas like Phoenix have way too much artificial light to enjoy night skies.
Then, on January 14th & February 25th there’s another event called “America’s Greatest Idea: A Park Origins Story” where attendees can learn more about how two of our past presidents, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt played such prominent roles on the movement to create national parks for all to enjoy. Among other educational and fun events is something called “Nature’s Bounty: Discovering The Herbal Riches Of The Desert” where visitors will learn about how Native Americans used herbs to treat various ailments, which will occur on January 17th. Of course, the ultimate lure of the Lost Dutchman State Park and the surrounding Superstition Mountains (especially for many out-of-state visitors) is the legend and somewhat intangible mystique of lost treasure.
I wrote previously in another Armchair Travelogues post about the Peralta family from Mexico who supposedly discovered a rich vein of gold in the Superstitions during the 1840s but were ultimately ambushed by Apaches with most of the Peralta’s being killed during the last attempted gold shipment to Mexico. Later on in the 1870s the “Dutchman” (Jacob Waltz, who was actually from Germany) and an accomplice supposedly found more gold and hid it somewhere in those mountains. To this day the lost Peralta/ Dutchman gold has never been found and seems to have a curse attached to it. Over the past 180 years or so dozens have died (including JacobWaltz) in the harsh, vast desert climate and terrain – or met suspicious ends in their quest to find it.
While hunting for lost treasure from nearly two centuries ago isn’t a likely way to spend your time here, there are many other things to do. The Lost Dutchman State Park (mainly from October through April) is an excellent place for biking, (there is a four-mile bicycle loop) exploring, hiking, & camping. Since the park covers only 320 acres, this makes it easier to get around – but being prepared with plenty of water (at least one gallon per person: even during the winter season!) sturdy hiking shoes, bug repellent, first aid kit, and any other items necessary when visiting the park. One of the best aspects of exploring the park is spotting the wide variety of wildlife such as roadrunners, lizards, coyote, gophers, jackrabbits, or foxes.
Of course, while hiking around the park it’s advisable to not wander off paths – and be on the watch for rattlesnakes and scorpions! While the Lost Dutchman is only one part of the great Sonoran Desert its still an ideal place to visit for those intrigued by desert plants, especially the wide variety of cactus that make this park their home. For more information about camping, scheduled events and other things to do at Lost Dutchman State Park, please visit the following website:
