There are affiliate links in here.  I get a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

In January, about a month before we left, we had to go down to Phoenix for something and wanted to do at least one hike while we were there. I had a few picked out and we ended up at neither of them, but that’s ok!

Instead, we drove the Apache Trail then went to the Lost Dutchman State Park and hiked the Treasure Loop Trail at the foot of the Superstition Mountains.

But first, the Apache Trail. I had no idea what to expect of this scenic drive and I liked it but we couldn’t do the whole thing. It was also really windy so it wasn’t the best for doing anything.

We stopped at an overlook along Apache Lake, which was pretty cool. There were some people out boating but not many. Shortly after that we came to a weird little town called Tortilla Flat.

I was so not expecting a place like this but it was cute and surprisingly busy! They have a restaurant, some shops, a post office, and are right by the lake.

We didn’t stop here, just kept going to the end of the road, which turns to dirt not long after Tortilla Flat. There was a short trail at the end to a canyon overlook which was really cool.

From there, we headed back down and decided, as long as it wasn’t too windy, we would do some hiking at the Lost Dutchman State Park. Thankfully it was perfect so we hit the trail.

The Treasure Loop Trail was our choice because it wan’t too short, not too easy, not too long, not too difficult. It was perfect for a little afternoon hike.

The trail is really straightforward. The trail is wide and easy to follow but is wide open so there is no shade. It wasn’t that hot when we were there but it was definitely too warm for a sweatshirt.

I feel like we stopped every five minutes on our way up. The trail has a stem then a loop section and at the fork for the loop, we went to the right. I want to say I hiked a lot over the winter, and I did compared to normal, but it was all at once then a while without it.

So we stopped a lot to rest and enjoy the views. Eventually we made to to the top and hung out behind the giant boulder for a bit, listening to a bunch of bees buzzing around. We also enjoyed a little bit of shade up here before heading down the other side of the loop.

The way down was much easier but I enjoyed the views and got to see the biggest cholla cactus I’ve ever seen. I loved it. I love giant plants. The trek down went a lot faster than the way up.

Overall, I loved the trail and would definitely recommend it. It’s not my number one trail, but for only doing one hike around Phoenix, I’m glad it was this one.

This is a popular state park so if you’re looking for something really off the beaten path, this probably isn’t the trail for you but if you don’t mind something a little busier (but not too busy) this is a good one. Plus, I still got to see saguaro cactus here, which I will always love.

Where is the Treasure Loop Trail?

The Treasure Loop Trail is at the foot of the Superstition Mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park on the edge of Phoenix. It’s really outside of Apache Junction which is outside of Phoenix. You could easily visit the park on your way to or from the Apache Trail scenic drive.

How much is the Lost Dutchman State park?

It is $7 for a weekday visit and $10 for a weekend. There are a few other trails you can do while you’re in the park, too. This is a good hike to cover a couple of hours but you could definitely spend a whole day here.

How long is the Treasure Loop Trail?

The Treasure Loop Trail is 2.3 miles round-trip and has 534 feet of elevation gain. The trail isn’t paved but it is wide and easy to follow.

Is the Treasure Loop Trail hard?

Not really but I was still huffing and puffing on the way up. It’s a great loop trail so only half of it is uphill. If you’re used to hiking and do it a lot, it’s not bad. If not, just take some breaks. We stopped a lot on our way up.

I would not do this, or any, hike in the summer. We did this in January and even then it was pretty hot. I cannot imagine doing this in anything over 90 degrees but I don’t like hiking when it’s horribly hot. Be sure to bring and drink a lot of water on this hike, especially if it’s hot.

Is the Treasure Loop Trail worth it?

Yes! I really enjoyed this trail and it wasn’t too tough but not too easy. If you want a good easy-moderate hike in Phoenix, this is a great option. Plus, there are plenty of other hikes in the park you can do, too.

What is the best time to hike the Treasure Loop Trail

October to May is the best time to hike the Treasure Loop Trail. I would avoid summer and I would even think October and May would be pushing it with the heat, unless you go early in the morning. Winter is definitely the best though.

What to bring on the Treasure Loop Trail

Hiking poles – These will be helpful on longer hikes that are on the steeper side.  They’ll be good if you have bad knees for when you’re going downhill and will give you something to lean on going up the hills.

Water bottle – It’ll be hot and you’ll need to stay hydrated.  Even if it’s not hot you need to stay hydrated.  A Hydro Flask will keep your water ice cold all day long.

Sunscreen – If you plan on being outside, you’ll want sunscreen.  I like the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch a lot AND it’s reef safe! If you’re sensitive to fragrance though, it’s not a good choice. I also like the same one but specifically for your face.

Hat – You’ll want some kind of hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, or a visor.  A baseball hat should be fine but I like my giant sun hat, too.

Sunglasses – This is a must no matter where you are.

Light Jacket – Because you just never know.  Weather can change quickly depending on where you are, time of day, and season.  I usually use my rain jacket for this.

Headlamp – I tend to carry my headlamp around all the time when we’re hiking, just in case. 

Have you been to the Lost Dutchman State Park? What did you do there? What did you think of it? Do you want to go?