Arizona - Lost Dutchman Presents Star Party, Hikes, Events

Star Party, Feb. 14, 7-10pm

The Superstition Mountain Astronomical League will provide various models of telescopes and share the Valentine nighttime sky with visitors. What will be in the sky to share with your Valentine? Meet at the Palo Verde Ramada (weather permitting).

Ranger-Led Hike, Feb. 16, 9am

Ranger Diana leads a guided hike on Prospector's View and part of Jacob's Crosscut, 2.7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 500 feet. Rated moderate, the hike will last approximately 2 hours. Along the way you will learn about desert plants and animals and legends of the Superstition Mountains. Meet at the Saguaro Day Use Area.

Dr. Sky: An Amazing Night Under The Skies, Feb. 16, 7-9pm

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 Parking (weather permitting).

Birding Walk, Feb. 20, 9am

Beginning at Cholla Day Use, birders will learn how to tell one bird from another and where one might look to find a particular bird (like a woodpecker). Many birds can be located at the Cholla Day Use area. Then, birders will walk up to Jacob's Crosscut Trail and eventually back to the parking area. Bring binoculars, water to drink and protective footwear. Walk will last approximately 90 minutes. This is an easy, 1-hour hike. No dogs, please. Led by birder Babs.

Moonlight And Music, Feb. 23, 5:30-6:45pm

Russ Marsh will be performing at the Lost Dutchman State Park on Saturday, February 23 in the Moonlight and Music Series. Russ played the guitar and sang whenever he could as he was growing up and also while in the Marine Corps. He has shared the spotlight with Marty Robbins, Mel Tillis, Tex Williams and the Smothers Brothers. A down-home kind of guy, making Americans proud of America is foremost in Russ' thoughts. He writes and sings of love of neighbors, God, and country. Join us at the Palo Verde Ramada at 5:30pm for some down home country as well as classical music as the Snow Moon Rises.

Ranger-Led Moonlight Hikes, Feb. 23 And 24, 7-9pm

Due to popular demand, we are now offering two moonlight hikes per month. There is a limit of 100 hikers per night, so please call in advance to reserve your space: (480) 982-4485. This is 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 feet). 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 the Cholla Day Use Area.

Walk In The Park, Feb. 27, 9am

"Everything you ever wanted to know about this area but were afraid to ask." This hike will begin at the Saguaro Day Use area. Hiking leaders will answer your questions on geology, gold lore and history. This is a 3.2 mile, moderate, 3-hour hike with about 500 foot elevation gain. Meet at Saguaro Day use. Led by volunteer hiking leader Jim and joined by other volunteer hiking leaders.

The Park Entrance Fee is $7 per vehicle (up to four adults). Primitive to full hookup camping sites are available at a fee of $15 to $25 depending on the type of camping site needed. Lost Dutchman State Park is located off of Highway 88 (Apache Trail North) just outside of Apache Junction, Ariz.