Two AZ State Parks to visit before summer in the Valley

Before Phoenix Valley locals and visitors head north for their outdoor recreation to escape the Central Arizona heat, here are some State Park day trips (with park advisory information and pre-summer programming) to plan for ahead of the heat.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Named after the legendary lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is nestled at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, just 40 miles east of Phoenix. Numerous trails emanate from the park, leading into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and the adjacent Tonto National Forest. Wander leisurely along the Native Plant Trail or embark on the demanding Siphon Draw Trail, which ascends to the summit of the Flatiron.

Depending on the precipitation levels of the year, visitors may be greeted by a vibrant carpet of desert wildflowers during the spring season, although the park boasts stunning desert flora year-round. Here, recreationists can enjoy the uniquely Sonoran Desert experience with a weekend of camping and encounter indigenous wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, javelinas, and jackrabbits.

Advisories at Lost Dutchman

Campers, the park is currently enforcing a fire ban from May through September:

Wood, charcoal, and propane fires are prohibited. Gas/ propane stoves are allowed for cooking meals only. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited in the park and on trails. Smoking is allowed inside an enclosed vehicle/camper only.

Construction is taking place for park improvements:

Construction will be taking place around the park in several areas starting May 1 through September. Some campsites will be affected and some reservations will be moved from their current site to a site with the same amenities and of similar length. Campers with site changes will be notified. 

Planning your visit:

-Due to safety concerns, walk-in entry and hiker drop-off/pick-up is not permitted.

-The dump station and showers are closed to anyone not camping at the park.

Program: Guided Bird Walk at Lost Dutchman State Park

May 8, 2024 at 7 a.m.

This guided bird walk beneath the peaks of the Superstition Mountains covers the need-to-knows of bird watching and includes an interpretive walk on the trails in search of our feathered friends. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Picacho Peak State Park

Central Arizona’s on-the-way-to-Tucson state park, named for its monolithic 1,500-foot pinnacle, has served as a natural navigational landmark for as long as people have been around to see it. Recreationists at Picacho Peak State Park can take pleasure in the panoramic vistas looking out across the valley while trekking the trails that meander up to the summit. The vistas are especially popular in springtime when wildflowers are most abundant. In addition to the peak, the area preserved by this park is renowned for its distinctive geological significance, diverse desert vegetation, and historical relevance – and the park even has a visitor center to commemorate it all.

Visitors to Picacho Peak State Park have plenty to enjoy on a day trip including the trails, historical markers, picnic areas, and a campground especially enjoyed by stargazers.

Advisory at Picacho Peak

Always pack plenty of water:

The park is experiencing a water shortage. No filling will be allowed at the park.

Program: Stargazing at Picacho Peak

June 6, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. – Stargazers are to meet at the Jackrabbit East Group Area

This 45-minute program, offered November through June, gives park visitors an interpretive view of the night sky. A park ranger will show and tell you about constellations, their stories, and of their importance to peoples across time. You’ll get a look at planets and space phenomena throughout our solar system through a telescope and with the help of a stargazing expert.

Note: the stargazing session originally planned for May has been canceled.

Outdoor Safety in Arizona State Parks

Whether you’re headed for an adventurous hike or just want to spend time in the picnic area or visitor center, AZ State Parks reminds recreationists to prepare responsibly for their visit, especially as the warmer weather approaches.

Visit the Parks’ Hiking Safety page for fun and informative videos, and even a full podcast episode, about preparing for your visit to the State Parks.