Treasure Loop Trail (Lost Dutchman State Park)

Are you visiting Phoenix? Make sure to check out Arizona’s Lost Dutchman State Park and the Treasure Loop Trail! This short trail has amazing views of the Superstition Wilderness!

By Corrin Smith

Do you want to go for a hike to see some of the beautiful scenery that Arizona has to offer, but don’t want to go on a taxing journey that takes up half the day and leaves you in a sweat?

If that is the case, then the Treasure Loop Trail (Trail #56) in the Lost Dutchman State Park near Phoenix is the hike for you!

Looking for more Arizona trails? Check out the Siphon Draw Trail, Hieroglyphic Trail, and Silly Mountain Trails in Apache Junction or Camelback Mountain in nearby downtown Phoenix.

Getting to Lost Dutchman State Park

The entrance to the Lost Dutchman State Park is right off of North Apache Trail in Apache Junction, Arizona.

There is no entrance fee, but there is a $10 parking fee.

In the parking area, you’ll see signs for Cholla Day Use (left) and Saguaro Day Use (right), the beginning and the end of the trail respectively.

The great thing about loop trails is that you end the trail exactly where you’ve started!

Instead of turning around and walking back the way you came, you get different views and perspective every literal step of the way. 

Treasure Loop Trail Information

This moderately difficult hike is 2.4 miles with an elevation change of about 500 feet.

If you start your hike from the Cholla parking lot, you will encounter more of the steep incline from the elevation change.

This trail is family-friendly. The parking lot by the entrance to the trailhead has clean bathrooms, including soap and water, and a spout for drinking water before you begin.

Do I Need Any Special Hiking Equipment?

No special equipment is needed for this trail.

All you need is a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothing, plus make sure to bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated.

Editor’s note: Here at Champagne Tastes, we love taking along our Kelty trekking poles and Rupumpack daypack (and water bladder!) for short trails like this!

Hiking the Treasure Loop Trail

This is a “trail loop,” meaning you can walk full circle and still get back to where you started.

But, depending on which side you start on, you can still decide to turn back without finishing the loop. It has a little path that cuts through the loop, allowing you to easily turn around.

Because of the little shortcut through the loop, this trail is perfect for those who want a casual walk with small children or older relatives.

It provides you a view of many surrounding mountains, cacti, and sky, while still giving you the opportunity to turn back after a brief stroll on flatter and easier terrain.

The whole family can get out and experience nature within 30 minutes! 

On the trail there are two resting areas: a little bench up the Cholla side and a bench near the top of the Saguaro end.

Both sitting areas come after you’ve ascended quite a bit of the elevation, letting you pause and reflect on the gorgeous landscape that decorates the park. 

At the rounding point of the loop and highest elevation point, you will be rewarded by a little perch where you can stand near the edge and feel, even with miles more of mountains behind you, that you are on top of the world.

Treasure Loop Trail leaves no room for disappointment.

It is a lovely hike that is mostly moderate with a little strain on the ascent. It is a good choice if you’re getting back into hiking or just have a few hours as it only takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish. 

Upon completion of the Treasure Loop Trail you’ll be feeling accomplished, appreciative, in awe of the breathtaking beauty, and inspired to hike again!