If you live in the Phoenix or Mesa area and you’re looking for an easy hike that actually feels like an adventure, the Treasure Loop Trail at Lost Dutchman State Park keeps making it back onto our list. We’ve done this one in multiple seasons now, and it holds up every single time. The Superstition Mountains looming overhead, towering saguaro cacti lining the path, and a trail that’s manageable even for little legs. It’s the kind of hike where everyone finishes happy.
The Treasure Loop (Trail #56) is a 2.4-mile loop with a modest elevation gain, well-marked the entire way, and doable for young kids. Our little ones have hiked this without complaining, which is really saying something.
If you’re looking for other hikes in the area, we’ve rounded up our favorite easy hikes near Mesa.
About the Treasure Loop Trail at Lost Dutchman State Park
The Treasure Loop is a 2.4-mile loop trail inside Lost Dutchman State Park, just outside Apache Junction on the edge of the Superstition Mountains. The trail runs through classic Sonoran Desert terrain, through thick clusters of saguaro cacti, past palo verde and cholla, and delivers some genuinely jaw-dropping views of the Superstitions along the way. It’s named after the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, which is said to be hidden somewhere in those mountains. You likely won’t find any gold, but you’ll get a pretty great hike out of the attempt.
The loop connects with other trails in the park, but on its own it’s a comfortable out-and-back that most families can wrap up in an hour to an hour and a half (depending on your pace and how much pictures you take). You can download the official park trail map before you go so you know where you’re headed.
Trail Details at a Glance
- Distance: 2.4 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail type: Loop
- Location: Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction, AZ
- Best seasons: Late fall through early spring (October through April)
- Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
What the Hike Is Actually Like
The trail starts near the main parking and visitor area and loops out into open desert before swinging back. The footing is pretty typical Arizona desert trail. It’s packed dirt and rock, nothing technical, but you’ll want closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals.
You can find my posts here on my favorite hiking shoes and hiking sandals.
The views are the reason people keep coming back. The Superstition Mountains dominate the horizon the whole time, and depending on the light and the time of day, they look completely different. We’ve hiked this in the golden hour before sunset a handful of times and the light on those mountains is something else. Everything turns warm and orange and the cacti cast long shadows across the trail. If you can swing a late afternoon hike in the cooler months, do it.
The saguaro cacti along this trail are impressive. Some of them are absolutely massive, and kids who haven’t spent a lot of time in the desert always stop and look up at them like they’re meeting a celebrity. It’s a great reminder that the desert is anything but boring.
The trail itself is easy to follow. There are cairns and markers along the way and we’ve never felt uncertain about where to go. That said, grab the park map before you head out. There are other trails that branch off, and it’s helpful to have a sense of the overall layout.
The Junior Ranger Program
One thing that makes this hike especially great for families with younger kids is the Junior Ranger program at Lost Dutchman. You can pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet at the visitor center before your hike and kids fill it out as they walk the trail. It gives them something to focus on along the way, and they learn about desert plants, wildlife, and the park’s history while they hike. At the end, rangers sign off on the booklet and kids get a badge and poster. Our kids loved it. It’s one of those things that turns a regular hike into an actual experience.
If you’re visiting with kids, don’t skip the visitor center. Take five minutes before hitting the trail.
When to Go (And When Not To)
We’ve done this hike in late fall, winter, and early spring, and all of those windows are genuinely lovely. The desert comes alive in a different way depending on the season. Spring wildflowers can make the whole trail look like a different place.
Summer is a different story. This is open desert with very little shade, and Arizona summers are no joke. If you’re visiting between May and September, you can still hike it, but you need to be out there early. Like, sunrise early. Once the sun is up and climbing, the heat builds fast. Carry way more water than you think you need, and if you have young kids with you, be conservative about conditions.
Our general rule: check the forecast before you go, aim for morning if there’s any doubt about temps, and always bring more water than you think you’ll need. The late afternoon golden hour hikes in fall and winter are a treat, but only when the temperatures have dropped enough to make it comfortable.
Parking and Park Entrance Fees
A heads up on the entrance fee because it caught us a little off guard the last time we visited. Lost Dutchman State Park charges per vehicle based on how many people are in the car.
- 1 person per vehicle: $10.00
- 2 to 4 people per vehicle: $20.00
For a family of four it’s $20 to get in, which is on the higher end for a state park day use fee. We don’t think it’s a dealbreaker since the park is well-maintained and the experience is worth it, but it’s good to know going in so you’re not caught off guard at the entrance kiosk.
If you have an Arizona State Parks Annual Pass, it covers your admission and is worth looking into if you’re planning more than a couple state park visits.
What to Bring
This is a short hike but desert hikes have their own requirements. Here’s what we always bring for a family day at Lost Dutchman.
- Water: More than you think. A liter per person at minimum, more in warmer months.
- Sunscreen: The desert sun is intense even in winter.
- Hats and sun protection: Especially for kids.
- Closed-toe shoes: The terrain has rocks and cholla can get onto sandals.
- Snacks: Always. Non-negotiable with kids.
- The trail map: Grab it at the visitor center or download it in advance here.
- Junior Ranger booklet: Pick up at the visitor center if you’re hiking with kids.
Getting There
Lost Dutchman State Park is located about 40 miles east of downtown Phoenix and roughly 30 minutes from downtown Mesa. The drive out is easy and the park entrance is clearly marked.
FAQ: Treasure Loop Trail at Lost Dutchman State Park
Is the Treasure Loop Trail good for young kids?
Yes. It’s one of the most family-friendly trails in the Phoenix metro area. The 2.4-mile distance is manageable for kids of various ages, the terrain is non-technical, and the trail is well-marked. Young kids may need rest breaks, but the loop is short enough that it’s not overwhelming.
How long does the Treasure Loop hike take?
Most families complete it in about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you stop a lot for photos or rest breaks (and you should, the views earn it), budget up to 2 hours.
Can you hike Treasure Loop in summer?
Technically yes, but you need to start at or before sunrise and bring plenty of water. Summer heat in the Arizona desert is genuinely dangerous. Late fall through early spring is a much better window for most families.
Is Lost Dutchman State Park worth the entrance fee?
We think so, though the $20 fee for a family vehicle is on the higher end for a day hike. The park is clean, well-maintained, and the trails are excellent. If you’re planning multiple Arizona state park visits, an annual pass pays for itself quickly.
Are dogs allowed on the Treasure Loop Trail?
Yes, dogs are welcome on a leash. Just remember that desert terrain and heat can be tough on paw pads, so bring water for your dog too and be mindful of the temperature.
What is the legend of the Lost Dutchman?
The park is named after the legend of a gold mine hidden somewhere in the Superstition Mountains by a prospector named Jacob Waltz in the 19th century. The mine was never found and remains one of the most famous lost treasure legends in American history. It’s a fun story to tell kids on the trail.