★★★★☆ Moderate / Phoenix Area

This short, family-friendly loop winds around the huge rock formations at the base of the Superstition Mountains. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail heads up a scenic foothill. At the top, there are ginormous boulders to explore and excellent valley views.

TRAILHEAD: 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction  •  DIFFICULTY: moderate  •  DISTANCE: 2.4 mile loop •  APPROX. TIME: 1.5-2 HOURS •  ELEVATION GAIN: 500 feet  •  APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 360 – 410 •  BEST TIME OF YEAR: Sept.–may •  PETS: YES  •  KID FRIENDLY: Yes  •  FACILITIES: YES  •  FEES: $7 Day use (or Annual $75 Arizona state parks pass)

Hikers; Couple; Treasure Trail Hiking Loop; Cliffs; Rock Formations. Brush; Saguaros; Lost Dutchman State Park; Superstition Mountains; Arizona; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park. Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. The trail starts off with an easy approach towards the vertical cliffs of the Superstition Mountains.

Hikers; Fathe and Son; Treasure Trail Hiking Loop; At base of Praying Hands Rock Formation; Lost Dutchman State Park; Superstition Mountains; Arizona; Cliffs; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.As the Treasure Loop ascends the foothill, well-placed logs and stone slabs form an easy-to-navigate, moderately-steep pathway.

Hikers; Treasure Trail Hiking Loop; At base of Praying Hands Rock Formation; Lost Dutchman State Park; Superstition Mountains; Arizona; Cliffs; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.Near the top of the trail, immense rock formations jut skywards. A short side trail leads towards the base of the Praying Hands rock formation.

View from top of Treasure Trail Hiking Loop; Lost Dutchman State Park; Superstition Mountains; Arizona; Cliffs; Rock Formations; Views of Usary Park and Goldfield Mountains; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.Excellent views over the valley and the impressively-large Green Boulder, that the trail winds around, span out below. In the distance, the yellow cliffs of Usery Park and jagged pinnacles of Four Peaks Mountain frame the horizon.

Hikers; Treasure Trail Hiking Loop; Lost Dutchman State Park; Superstition Mountains; Arizona; Cliffs; Rock Formations; Brush and Saguaros; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.After passing the trail’s uppermost park bench, the Treasure Loop Trail circles back down the foothill.

Family of Hikers; Treasure Trail Hiking Loop; Lost Dutchman State Park; Superstition Mountains; Arizona; Cliffs; Rock Formations; Brush and Saguaros; Copyright azutopia.com. No use without permission.From the base there are fantastic views of the Superstition’s westernmost cliffs, including Flat Iron mesa.This section of Lost Dutchman State Park is often overflowing with wildflowers in Spring.

Total Nerdery The Treasure Loop Trail is named after the rich gold mine rumored to have been found, and then lost, somewhere in the Superstition Mountains.

Resources Click here to download a trail map.

Directions From the intersection of I-17 and AZ-10 (in Phoenix), drive east on AZ-10 for 11.9 miles to exit 154/US-60 E. Merge onto US-60 E (towards Mesa/Globe) and continue 24.6 miles to exit 196/AZ-88, Idaho Road. Turn left/east on AZ-88/Idaho Road (which becomes Apache Trail Road) and drive 7.2 miles to the entry for Lost Dutchman State Park, on the right. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is accessible from either the Cholla or Saguaro parking areas.