This Arizona State Park Has Unbeatable Hiking Trails & Stunning Night Skies For Stargazing

Arizona is a place of stunning natural beauty, drawing visitors from all over keen to soak up its many splendors. From this unsung canyon lake near Flagstaff to a hidden gem of a hike boasting breathtaking scenery, the Grand Canyon State has something for every nature lover. While some destinations are situated in remote corners, the good news is that there are plenty of outdoor attractions within striking range of some of Arizona's largest cities, like the Lost Dutchman State Park. 

Situated on the western flank of the Superstition Mountains just 40 miles from the bustle and buzz of Phoenix, this piece of rugged desert perfection offers cacti, coyotes, and the magnificent, sweeping vistas Arizona is famous for. It's also a terrific place to hit the trail and hike amidst a vivid, otherworldly landscape.

You can also camp in the park, where at night the sky transforms into a brilliant dome of shimmering stars and Milky Way wonder. As you gaze up toward the heavens, you may also catch glimpses of the ghosts said to inhabit the mysterious mountain landscape, including Jacob Waltz, the man the park is named for.

The legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine dates back to the 1870's, when German immigrant Walz (mistakenly called "the Dutchman") and his partner — Jacob Weiser — allegedly found an abandoned mine rich in gold in the Superstition Mountains. The duo is said to have hidden their treasure before Weiser was ambushed and killed by Apaches. Walz eventually escaped to Phoenix, where he died twenty years later, taking the location of the legendary mine — and its stashed booty — to his grave. 

While plenty have searched for the Lost Dutchman Mine over the years, many would agree that — rather than gold — the area's greatest treasure is its natural beauty. This is showcased throughout the 320 acres of the Lost Dutchman State Park, as well as the adjacent Superstition Wilderness, which occupies over 160,000 acres of raw desert country just begging for exploration.

The park features six separate hiking paths ranging from the flat, easy and informative Native Plant Trail (which, as the name suggests, features plenty of local flora), to the extremely strenuous (and technically difficult) Siphon Draw Trail. This 5.8-mile round-trip jaunt winds up a rugged canyon before climbing to the top of Flatiron, a rocky promontory near the summit of Superstition Mountain that offers unparalleled views of the area. You can also use the Lost Dutchman State Park as a launch pad for striking out into the Superstition Wilderness, which boasts 180 miles of trails suitable for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Just pack plenty of water and sunscreen, cover up, and avoid heading out during the scorching months of summer.

When it comes to camping, Lost Dutchman State Park has 135 reservation-only sites for both tents and RVs set before an idyllic desert backdrop. 68 of these feature electric and water hookups, and all sites are accessible via a smooth paved road. And no matter how worn out you are from hiking, make sure you don't go to bed too early, as the natural light show after the sun goes down is not to be missed. The Superstition Mountains enjoy very little light pollution, making the area perfect for stargazing.

It also pays to keep your eyes open during the day, as the area the park calls home is habitat for a host of desert creatures, including coyote, mule deer, roadrunner, desert cottontail, javelina (small wild boar), bobcat, and the elusive (and venomous) Gila monster. There are also plenty of rattlesnakes, so stay on established paths and carry a walking stick to avoid any unwanted encounters. Speaking of creepy-crawlies, if you're worried about scorpions scurrying around your campsite — try packing this one useful piece of gear.

A day of exploration in the sun may have you craving a good meal and a cold drink that only a taste of civilization can offer. For that, head into nearby Apache Junction. This cool little desert settlement sits just over five miles down the road and has Old West-style saloons, as well as a number of eateries guaranteed to match most any palate. For more of Arizona's desert wonder, check out this awe-inspiring national park that boasts fossils and colorful scenery.