EVENTS, HIKES, PROGRAMS AT LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK April and May 2015 azstateparks.com | FriendsofLostDutchman.org | adoptacactus.org Please join us for exciting interpretive ranger and volunteer naturalist guided hikes and family-oriented programs, weather permitting, at Lost Dutchman State Park. Fees for guided hikes and programs are included in the park entry fee of $7 per vehicle or with your annual pass. Reservations are not required unless specified in the program description. 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 480-982-4485. Wednesday, April 1: Around the Park Hike 8:30 a.m. Join us for an end of the season hike around the park. Starting at Saguraro Day Use, we will hike the Discovery Trail, turn up Siphon Draw to Jacob’s Cross Cut Trail. From Jacob’s Cross Cut take Prospector Trail to Treasure Loop then down to Saguaro Day Use. This 2.8 mi moderate hike covers a lot of territory of different vegetation and elevations. Hikers should wear hiking shoes and carry ample water. A great hike for the end of the season with Hiker Barb. Friday, April 3 AND Saturday, April 4: Full Moon Hikes, 7:30-9:30 p.m. There is a limit of 100 hikers, so please call in advance to reserve your space: 480 982-4485. Join us for a guided 2.5 mile hike on Jacob’s Crosscut Trail at the base of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Hikers should dress appropriately and wear trail shoes or boots. Please bring a flashlight in case of cloudy conditions. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven with occasional steep grades (elevation gain: 120’). Participants should be in good health with no walking or night vision difficulties. Trail is NOT suitable for strollers or walkers. After the hike gather round the campfire for a marshmallow roast (marshmallows and sticks provided). All ages welcome. No pets, please. Parking in Cholla Day Use Area. Wednesday, April 8: Sunset Hike, 5:30 p.m. Following the Treasure Loop trail to Jacobs Cross Cut and intersecting with Siphon Draw Trail will find hikers marveling at the mountain and the sky full of color, especially when there a few clouds. A photographer’s delight! Elevation change is 102 ft. on very well maintained trails. Easy, 2 hour hike. Bring a flashlight for return to parking lot. Meet at Saguaro Day Use area. Led by volunteer hiking leader Nancy. Friday, April 10: Star Talk, 7:30 p.m. Learn about the night sky, constellations and planets with local astronomer Bill Dellinges. Parking and seating at campground amphitheater. Saturday, April 11: 3rd Annual Picture Perfect Wine & Food Tasting Fundraiser - 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tasting and Entertainment 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. and the fantastic Dr. Sky astronomy show at 8:00 p.m. sponsored by Friends of Lost Dutchman State Park. Fees for event: $40/person or $75/couple. For more info and to purchase tickets go to pictureperfectpark.eventbrite.com Wednesday, April 15: Geology, History, Legends and Lore Hike, 8:30.a.m. Following the Treasure Loop Trail, Volunteer hiking leader Jim will discuss the geology, history, along with legends and lure of the gold in the Superstitions.. This 2.5+ mile round trip with an elevation change of approx 520’ is a moderate hike. Hikers should wear hiking shoes and carry ample water. Meet in the Cholla Day Use. Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19: Family Camp Out The Arizona Family Campout Program (FCP) designed for families that have little or no camping experience will be held at LDSP. Registration fee is $85 up to family of 4 (children 5 yrs and younger or pets cannot attend this program). Tents, sleeping mats, chairs, lanterns, lunch, dinner, breakfast and campfire treats provided. Activities include hikes, archery, mountain bike clinic, geocaching and campfire stories. Limited spaces. Register on line at AZStateParks.com/family Louie Juers, Camp Coordinator. Saturday, April 18: Star Party, 7:30-9:30 pm Members of the Superstition Astronomical League will provide telescopic views of the night sky and answer questions about astronomy and astronomical equipment. In short, this is an opportunity to see the moon, planets, star clusters, galaxies and other astronomical phenomena using a sophisticated telescope and also talk with very knowledgeable and experienced local astronomers! What will be in the sky tonight? Meet at Saguaro Day Use. May 2015 Saturday, May 16: Star Party, 7:30-9:30 pm Members of the Superstition Astronomical League will provide telescopic views of the night sky and answer questions about astronomy and astronomical equipment. In short, this is an opportunity to see the moon, planets, star clusters, galaxies and other astronomical phenomena using a sophisticated telescope and also talk with very knowledgeable and experienced local astronomers! What will be in the sky tonight? Meet at Saguaro Day Use. Saturday, May 23: Amazing Night Under the Skies, 8-9 p.m. Join Dr. Sky, a radio/TV journalist based in Phoenix, for An Amazing Night Under the Skies. What planets will we see in the dark desert sky? Dress warmly and be prepared to be amazed at the sightings. Palo Verde Day Use area (weather permitting). NEED MORE INFO? AZStateParks.com/parks/LODU or Call: (480) 982-4485 JOIN OUR PARKS NEWSLETTER Main Office: (602) 542-417 Reservations: (520) 586-2283