Lost Dutchman State Park Beginner to Advanced Camping/Hiking

[Kathleen Pearl]

Friday November 5th through the 7th

The park is right at the base of the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction. (Right in our own backyard)

It offers spectacular views, clean facilities, flushing toilets, and hot showers. It has a private entrance for our group only. Plus its close to home if you decide to "chicken out"! Most of the regular campsite is closed for construction so we have the place practically to ourselves!

We will be hosting a beginner hike on Friday evening towards the Siphon Draw trail. Intermediate and expert hikers can continue to Siphon Draw or feel brave and climb to Flat Iron, however we will repeat the hike on Sunday for those who would rather spend time around the campfire. Then head back to camp for dinner. I will host the camp cooking, and dutch oven cooking to anyone interested.

Food can be shared by dividing the receipts by members wanting to share our meals. This is easiest, and the most affordable means of cooking outdoors to those interested. Please message me several days prior to the trip so I can buy the right amount of supplies.

Saturday we can start the day with a hike based off of your skill level, or send you into Gold Field Ghost Town across the street to tour the stores, take a picture with a cowboy, rent horses, or order a steak from their steak house. Be sure to stop off at the candy store or homemade ice cream parlor, but don't tell me about it because I gain weight from such stories....no really! ;)

Saturday afternoon we will drive to Canyon Lake, and wade in the water, fish off one of the docks, take a ride on the Dolly Steamboat, or bring your own vessel. ( Jet ski's Kayak, Boat) They have boat docks and launches all over the lake. You will have to purchase a Tonto Park Pass for each day you plan on being at the lake, and a trailer pass if you plan on bringing a craft. I believe they are only $ 5.00 each, and can be purchased at any Big 5 or the local bait shop just south of the camp site.

Pack a lunch or eat on the Dolly Steamboat, or the restaurant next to it. Drive a little further and pay a visit to Tortilla Flats. (Did I mention they have an ice cream parlor too?)

Saturday The friends of Lost Dutchman State Park is hosting a fair right in our campsite from 2 to 5 pm. They will be discussing local lore, facts about the area, astronomy, and safety. Our group can attend free. Just be back to the site between those hours. Later in the evening we will share a camp fire, stories, jokes, and smores till we drop. BYOB if you chose to drink please.

Sunday we will finish up with a true camp style breakfast, then pack up and drive to the Siphon Draw/Flat Iron trail head located in the park to hike off all the darn good food!

Cost is $15.00 per vehicle per night. We can meet at the Walmart parking lot on Ironwood, and pile as much into several cars and cut cost if possible. I am known for being frugal but I believe it shouldn't cost a fortune to have a great time!

RV's, Boats, Pets, Kids, Friends, and Significant others welcome.

Location
Lost Dutchman
1590 E. Lost Dutchman Blvd
Apache Junction, AZ 85219
480-982-4485

Take I 60 West from Mesa to Idaho exit. Turn north and continue on Hwy 88 turning west on Lost Dutchman Blvd. The campground is 1 mile almost exactly beyond Gold Field Ghost Town. Lost Dutchman State Park is located on the right hand side.

[lross]

wow. I just got on this site tonight...this trip sounds truly wonderful! I would definitely be in for chipping in for food! Only issue is this trip sure is coming up fast! what are the numbers and are most people tent camping? Let me know more please thanks.
Leslie

[Kathleen Pearl]

Hello Leslie,

Right now we are at approximately 20 people signed up as Yes, and 9 as Maybe. The group site can accommodate about 100 people and has about 40 individual sites, over 100 parking spaces, and plenty of room for pop up's RVs and trailers.

I am happy you would like to go in on the food with us, as Marsha and I love to cook! We are a friendly care free group, and are looking forward to meeting other outdoor people like ourselves.

Email me at kathleen_pearl@hotmail.com if you need anymore information on this upcoming event.

Kathleen