Treasure Trail Loop, Lost Dutchman State Park, Phoenix - Scottsdale - Mesa, Arizona
Treasure Trail Loop - 2.6 miles
Lost Dutchman State Park
| Round-Trip Length: | 2.6 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 2,110 - 2,633' (max elevation 2,633') |
| Elevation Change: | +523 net elevation change (525' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy-Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | Yes |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Treasure Trail Loop - 2.6 Miles Round-Trip
Lost Dutchman State Park is located on the Apache Trail, State Route 88, north of Apache Junction. The Park provides access to some of the most scenic portions of the Superstition Mountains, with facilities to support the area's varied recreational activities.
The Treasure Loop and Jacob's Crosscut trails form an easy 2.6 mile lollipop loop, which travels through a diversely-vegetated Sonoran bajada at the base of Superstition Mountain.
This easy - moderate route is marked by 180 degree vistas across the bajada and offers up-close views of iconic Green Boulder and the Praying Hands spire formation.
The following description begins at the Treasure Loop Trailhead near the Saguaro Day Use - Parking Area within Lost Dutchman State Park and travels counter-clockwise:
The Treasure Loop Trail rises quickly up the bajada to Jacobs Crosscut Trail (.4 miles : 2,170’). Stay straight on the Treasure Loop Trail and the well-groomed path rises over 400' to its intersection with the Prospector Trail (1.1 miles : 2,606’).
The Treasure Loop Trail then bends N - NE around Green Boulder with views of the 4 Peaks Wilderness (north) and Camelback Mountain (west) improving as you reach the loop's crest (1.25 miles : 2,633').
The trail descends down the north side of Lost Dutchman State Park before reconnecting with Jacobs Crosscut Trail - turn left (south) to complete the loop.
Jacobs Crosscut Trail passes the Cholla Day Use Area access spur (2.1 miles : 2,181') before reaching the Saguaro Day Use Area access spur (2.2 miles : 2,170'), which leads west back to the Saguaro Parking Area (2.6 miles : 2,110').
Mountain Formation
The Superstition Mountains took shape about 40 million years ago as eroding sedimentary layers exposed a Pre-Cambrian granite foundation. Subsequent pressure from underlying magma thrust this solid, overlying rhyolite interior 2000’ into the air in what is called a resurgence.
About 25 million years alternating volcanic steam eruptions and collapses formed a huge caldera filled with rhyolite rock formations. The entire area was covered by volcanic ash that has since eroded to expose the remains of the resurgent dome and Superstition Mountain we see today.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N33 27.551 W111 28.690 — 0.0 miles: Saguaro Day Use Trailhead
- N33 27.480 W111 28.360 — .40 miles: Jacobs Crosscut Trail intersection
- N33 27.139 W111 27.914 — 1.1 miles: Prospector Trail split
- N33 27.178 W111 27.797 — 1.25 miles: Reach crest and begin downhill
- N33 27.587 W111 28.351 — 2.1 miles: Cross Cholla Parking Access split
- N33 27.520 W111 28.361 — 2.2 miles: Turn right at Saguaro Parking Area split
- N33 27.551 W111 28.601 — 2.6 miles: Back at Saguaro Parking Area - End Trail
Worth Noting
- There's a $7 entrance fee to Lost Dutchman State Park - to avoid the fee, the Green Boulder Loop and Prospectors - Treasure Loop can both be started at the Crosscut Trailhead just north of Lost Dutchman State Park.
- The park is open 365 days a year and sees heavy visitation - arrive early to secure a parking space.
- The park's trails are hand groomed by park staff.
- There are restroom facilities at the trailhead.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Backcountry camping is not available in Lost Dutchman State Park - however, there is a large campground in the park with 70+ campsites, including walk-in campsites for hikers and bikers, as well as RV campsites.
The campground has 35 sites with electric (50/30/20 amp service) and water and 35 non-hookup sites on paved roads for tents or RVs. Every site has a picnic table, barbeque grill, and a fire pit. There are no size restrictions on RVs. Pets on leashes are welcome. Cigarette butts and animals waste must be picked up; no animals left unattended.
There are now 2 separate group camping areas available: The Main Group Camp Ramada and Roadrunner Ramada. Please call the park directly for Group Camp information (480) 982-4485. Either requires a non-refundable $5.00 reservation fee and a $25 facility use fee to reserve the area. All vehicles must pay a nightly camping fee. Groups are encouraged to look over the area for suitability prior to making a reservation.
Campground Amenities
• Shower • Dump station • Restrooms • Drinking fountains • Picnic Shelters
Campground Rules
• No Ground Fires or Wood Collecting in Park. • Damage or removal of natural rocks, vegetation, or public property is prohibited. • Keep Pets on a Leash. • Obey all firearm regulations. • Prevent loud nuisance noises. • Two vehicles per campsite, maximum of 12 people. • Camping permitted in designated sites only. • There is a 15 day stay limit for campground. • Checkout time is 2:00 p.m. • Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. • Generator hours 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fishing Information
There is no fishing in Lost Dutchman State Park.
Rules and Regulations
- Pack out all garbage.
- Keep all pets under control.
- Four your own safety stay on designated trails and stay out of old mine shafts.
- No shooting along trails.
- Be watchful for changing weather conditions and ALWAYS carry an adequate water supply.
- When hiking alone, leave a note on your vehicle or let someone know where you are going.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails.
- Report any problems to a park ranger.
Directions to Trailhead
Lost Dutchman State Park is located just east of Apache Junction, 7.1 miles north of Highway 60 on Highway 88.
From Highway 60, take the 88 / North Idaho Road exit. Continue 2.2 miles to a fork and bear right. Continue to Lost Dutchman State Park (7.1 miles) and turn right.
Pay the fee and follow signs (left) to the Saguaro Day Use and Parking Area
Contact Information
Lost Dutchman State Park
6109 N. Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
480.982.4485
Follow ProTrails®