Lost Dutchman State Park borders the Superstition Wilderness east of Phoenix, Arizona. The park is named for the legendary gold cache claimed to have been found by a Dutch prospector who died before revealing its whereabouts. In reality, recent geological evidence makes it unlikely that any large deposit of precious minerals are near the surface. Treasure hunters remain undaunted and continue to search for the lost gold of the Dutchman. The Treaure Loop Trail is a short, steep and enjoyable hike up to Green Boulder (2580') at the base of the Superstition Mountains.

Lost Dutchman State Park is bordered by the Superstition WIlderness, created during several volcanic periods over millions of years

Cholla, Palo Verde and Saguaro cacti flourish along the Treasure Loop Trail

Near the crest of Treasure Loop - the Superstition Mountains are composed of welded tuff, breccia, granite, dacite, basalt, and conglomerate

25 million years ago, 2,500 cubic miles of ash and lava were ejected from this area - spreading as far south and northeast as present day Florence and Roosevelt Lake

Spring rains create an improbable landscape - resembling a manicured garden rather than natural setting

Chain-fruit cholla can reach 6 - 8 feet in height and reproduce by dropping their fruit

A hiker descends the Treasure Loop Trail - the trails in Lost Dutchman are groomed by hand and in excellent condition

Praying Hands rock formation (left) at the base of the Superstition Mountains

The Superstitions are what is left of a giant volcanic caldera which existed during a period of intense volcanic activity