Lost Dutchman State Park & Saguaro Cactus

@jakoblr

Arizona

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Lost Dutchman State Park

According to legend, there is a rich gold mine near the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction. There are many stories about the gold mines in Arizona—many people have searched for them, and some even died on the way. Lost Dutchman State Park, just outside of Phoenix, gets its name from one of those stories. Its Western scenery has made it to many films, such as Lara Croft, Tomb Raider and is a perfect place to photograph the Saguaro cactus.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

$7 ($10) per vehicle on weekdays (weekends)

Pack

Wide-angle lens (30mm)
Hiking boots (protection from cacti)

How to get there

N33° 27' 32.7492"W111° 28' 25.6116"

This location of the Saguaro cactus was taken from an unmarked trail (an offshoot from the Siphon Draw Trail) in the Lost Dutchman State Park. The state park is around 50 minutes from Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona. If you're coming from there, take I-10 to get out of the city and then continue on Highway 60 towards Apache Junction. Then, leave Highway 60 to turn left towards Highway 88. Park at the Siphon Draw Trailhead. Once you make your way onto the trail, navigate east towards the GPS pin. Once you arrive, face west for this view.