This Utah state park is hands-down our favorite in the state. It’s so fun to explore with kids—and even dogs. I love that the Goblin Valley “hikes” are so open-ended: No signs to stay on trail because you get to wander freely!

My kids are still talking about our visit to Goblin Valley, Utah. (They still giggle about how our dog, Finn, was afraid of the weird hoodoos! That’s right: Goblin Valley is a dog-friendly destination.)

Read on for the best things to do in this Utah park, including hikes, sightseeing and even disc golf. Want to stay overnight? Scroll down to the Goblin Valley camping section, including details on yurts.

Then grab your sunglasses and your sense of adventure—and get ready to explore among the goblins!

Goblin Valley Hikes + Hoodoos

Here are directions to the best Goblin Valley hikes:

1. Drive to the Goblin Valley observation point. Park.
2. Walk down the stairs into Valley 1. (The stairs are not steep but may pose a challenge to people with mobility limitations.)
3. Hike.

Really, it’s that simple.

Also, this trail-less hike is one of the reasons I love love love Goblin Valley State Park. You get to wander, explore and adventure all over the place.

As you walk through Goblin Valley, you’ll weave in and out of rock structures called hoodoos. So what is a hoodoo? It’s a column of rock eroded by the elements to leave behind a bumpy pinnacle or spire. Visitors to this area thought the lumpy rock formations looked like hunched creatures—which is how Goblin Valley got its name.

Goblin Valley was one of the best highlights of my family’s spring break road trip. My kids climbed all over hoodoos, played hide and seek in the maze of rock structures and climbed the rocky hills surrounding the hoodoo-filled valleys. Their adventuring hearts were full to the brim—as was mine.

We also loved scaling the cliffs that surround the valleys. My sure-footed mountain goats—I mean kids—scrambled up and down the hills, giving me only a few heart attacks. But boy the view from up there is epic!

If you check out a Goblin Valley State Park map, you’ll notice that it’s divided into three valleys. This is a little deceiving because one runs into the other. There are no formal barriers between valleys. They are marked this way to help visitors learn about the geologic features, since the areas are slightly different.

My best advice: Head down into the valleys and explore. It’s such a treat to wander without a trail—take advantage!

Remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Leave this piece of wilderness just as you found it.

Other Goblin Valley Hikes

We didn’t hike these designated Goblin Valley hikes when we visited. We were having too much fun exploring and climbing!

If you’re curious, here are details for other trails in the state park.

Carmel Canyon Trail, 1.5 miles round-trip. This loop includes a viewpoint overlooking Molly’s Castle, a huge outcrop that looks like—you guessed it—a castle or fortress. This Goblin Valley hike also includes short sections of slot canyons.

Entrada Canyon Trail, 3 miles out and back. This hike links the Goblin Valley campground to the Observation Point. The moderate hike includes up-close views of unusual hoodoos.

Curtis Bench Trail, 3 miles out and back. This trail takes you to higher elevations, giving you impressive views of both the Goblin Valley as well as outcroppings and mountains on all sides.

Goblin Valley State Park Viewpoints

There’s a good reason the main destination within Goblin Valley State Park is named simply Observation Point: It’s the easiest spot to get a sweeping view of the hoodoo valleys.

To get there, simply follow the state park road until it ends in a parking lot. Stretch your legs as you walk around the observation area. You can check out the valley below from several areas, including an overlook next to the restroom.

The main viewpoint is next to a sheltered picnic area. You can see people exploring the valleys below and get great panoramic photos.

You can hike to other viewpoints, too. You can check out another perspective from the Molly’s Castle Overlook about halfway through the Carmel Canyon Trail loop. There’s also an observation point at the end of the Curtis Bench Trail. Note, though, that the Curtis Bench trailhead is next to the Goblin Valley campground—not at the Observation Point parking lot.

Observation Point accommodations:

• Picnic shelter: This shaded area, full of picnic tables, is a great spot to eat in the shade.
• Restrooms: Make sure to use the bathroom here. There are no restrooms or other facilities in the valleys.
• Drinking fountain: Fill up your water bottles before starting your Goblin Valley hikes. You burn through more water than usual when hiking in the desert. Your dog can also get a drink of water here.
• Trash cans: Make sure to pack out all garbage from the valleys. Dispose of trash properly to keep this beautiful landscape pristine.
• Note: There is no cafe, restaurant or store. You can buy limited snacks and bottled beverages at the visitor center at the park’s entrance; otherwise, bring all food and drinks with you.

Goblin Valley Camping, Utah

Want a stunning home base to explore the San Rafael Swell and this hoodoo-filled park? You can post up in the Goblin Valley campground.

Hot summers and cold winters make spring and fall the best time for camping here.

You’ll want to plan in advance, as the campground commonly fills up. (It’s a small campground, making spots at an even greater premium.) You can reserve a campsite or a yurt at Reserve America up to six months in advance.

Goblin Valley Campground

The Goblin Valley Campground includes 24 campsites, a dump site, restrooms and a group site. Hot showers and flush toilets are available.

Sites include 10 tent sites and 14 RV sites. One thing I love about the Goblin Valley campground: Sites include a small shelter. These permanent structures provide shade and cover a picnic table—extremely welcome for hot, sunny days!

Campsites are nestled among rock formations and sandstone hills. They’re near trailheads, an OHV staging area and the disc golf course.

Goblin Valley campsites cost $35/night.

Goblin Valley Yurts

The Goblin Valley campground also includes two yurts. As you can imagine, these all-weather structures are in high demand, so reserve your Goblin Valley yurt well in advance.

The yurts are standard for what you’ve seen in other state parks. The round structures include:

• a bunkbed
• a futon
• table and chairs
• electricity

Yurts do not include linens, blankets or cooking supplies.

One thing I think is cool about Goblin Valley yurts: They include a little porch. I’ve never seen this in other state park yurts. The deck is a perfect spot to sit at night and stargaze.

Goblin Valley yurts cost $100/night.

Goblin Valley Disc Golf

My husband is a huge fan of disc golf, so when he found out there’s an epic Goblin Valley disc golf course—well, you can imagine how stoked he was.

We actually dropped him off at hole 1 to play while the kids, dogs and I explored the hoodoo valleys.

Hubs shared that this disc golf course is challenging and not ideal for beginners. You’ll tackle quite a lot of elevation change, with some pins situated atop stone spires. He got a lot of exercise hiking across the course and barely crossed paths with anyone. For such a unique course, the Goblin Valley disc golf is practically unused.

When we met up after his round, he was dusty, sweaty—and smiling like a maniac. He couldn’t get over what an amazing disc golf course was set up in this one-of-a-kind landscape.

More Goblin Valley State Park Photos

Want even more Goblin Valley State Park photos to tide you over until your own visit? I got you!

As you can see, Goblin Valley is a strange and beautiful place. I can’t wait for you to check it out for yourself.

Is Goblin Valley State Park worth visiting?

If you haven’t gathered by now, I adore Goblin Valley State Park. If you like the outdoors, I think you’ll love Goblin Valley, too! So in short, YES: Goblin Valley State Park is 100% worth visiting.

To recap, a few reasons why Goblin Valley should be on your Utah itinerary:

• It’s unlike anyplace else. The rock formations are so weird!
• Goblin Valley is like an outdoor wonderland for kids (and adults!). You can climb hoodoos, scale rock walls and wander to your heart’s content.
• Dogs are allowed. Unlike national parks, this state park welcomes pets.
• The park is beautiful. This otherworldly desert scenery is just breathtaking.
• Goblin Valley State Park is a bit off the beaten path. It’s much, much less crowded than nearby national parks.

Still have questions? Check out these FAQs.

Not yet ready to explore Goblin Valley? Pin this post for later! And if you’re in the area, make sure to check out my post on our other fave Utah state park, Dead Horse Point State Park!

The post Goblin Valley State Park, Utah Guide: Hikes, hoodoos, camping + more appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

This outdoor park in Ogden, Utah is a dinosaur lover’s dream. The 8-acre Ogden Dinosaur Park is home to roughly 70 models, including a towering brachiosaurus, ferocious T-Rex and enormous triceratops.

Admission also gets you entry to the paleontology museum and small natural history museum on site.

Read on for all the details to visit the Ogden Dinosaur Park. My own dino-lovers wanted to stay forever, making a life alongside prehistoric playmates. (Preferably the herbivores.) I’m betting your kids won’t want to leave, either.

As soon as you step into the outdoor Ogden Dinosaur Park, you’re walking among dinosaurs. Get ready to get up-close and personal with sharp-toothed ceratosaurus, massive pentaceratops and gentle magyarosaurus.

Maxine and Edie dashed between dinosaurs, beyond excited to see lifesize versions of all the prehistoric creatures they’ve only read about. I could hardly keep up with them as they zipped from dino to dino. It was almost as if they’d stepped into an episode of Dino Dana!

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The two of them investigated each dinosaur up-close to guess if it would eat them or not. Seeing those sharp teeth and knife-like claws made me grateful we don’t live in the Cretaceous, Jurassic or Triassic!

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Back in Time at the Ogden Dinosaur Park

Within the Ogden Dinosaur Park, paths wind through dinosaur “habitats.” It was fun to see different species camouflaged among trees or grazing in the grass—just like they might have done between 245 and 66 million years ago.

Paved paths take you past dinosaurs, some as big as a bus, others the size of a house cat.

Maxine and Edie were also thrilled to find the playground. Kids zipped down a slide inside a tall “tree,” climbed atop an enormous triceratops skull and kicked the sky on the swings. Children can choose between several sections of the playground—one for small kids, one for older kids and one for all ages. Picnic tables and benches stand nearby for snack breaks.

Elsewhere in the Ogden Dinosaur Park, kids can dig for “fossils” in a quarry. A layer of sand conceals bones and even a nest of dino eggs! Maxine and Edie used brushes and small shovels to uncover fossils. Gradually, a skeleton emerged: a stegosaurus!

I loved hearing them talk as if they were real field scientists. The opportunity for imaginary play really brought the Ogden Dinosaur Park to life. My two mini paleontologists even recruited me to help with their monumental scientific discovery!

Maxine and Edie wanted to spend hours here. At the end of our trip , I had to explain that the dinosaur park was closing. And as much fun as we had, I didn’t look forward to camping beneath the belly of a Tyrannosaurus Rex!

Ogden Museums of Paleontology and Natural History

The Ogden Dinosaur Park is all outdoors. Inside this fun destination’s building, you’ll find a museum of paleontology and museum of natural history.

You walk past the gift shop and upstairs. (An elevator is available, too.) Animatronic dinosaurs sway and chew in a prehistoric scene. Note for kiddos who are sensitive to sound: This area plays dinosaur noises, so bring noise canceling headphones or walk quickly by if that will bother your kids.

The Ogden Museum of Natural History is an area on the second floor filled with minerals and stones. I could have spent longer admiring the geodes, amethysts and crystals, but Maxine and Edie were all about the other museum.

Step down a flight of stairs and you’ll find yourself among dinosaur bones! The Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Museum of Paleontology shows what would have been on the inside of all those dinosaurs in the Ogden Dinosaur Park. Maxine and Edie explored among the full skeletons and replicas of non-dino prehistoric animals such as mammoths and smilodons (aka saber tooth cats).

This Utah paleontology museum also takes visitors “underneath” the ground by exploring how fossils are unearthed. You can even look through windows at a real paleontology lab. There were no scientists working when we visited, but it was cool to see all their tools.

How to visit the George Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden, Utah

Whether you live in Ogden or are just passing through, make sure to check out this kid-friendly thing to do.

Address: 1544 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT

Hours: Monday to Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5 (may change seasonally)

Admission: $5-7; infants free. Buy tickets on-site; online tickets not available, advance reservations not required.

Utah for Kids who Love Dinosaurs

We visited the Ogden Dinosaur Park on our spring break road trip. We stayed overnight in Best Western High Country Inn in Ogden before continuing our trip to Green River and Moab, Utah.

The Ogden Dinosaur Park was a perfect activity for me and the kids. (Hubs stayed back at the hotel so he could watch our two dogs and finish a paper for his master’s program.) They got to stretch their legs and burn off energy built up from two days of driving.

It also helped that we had something epic to look forward to!

I absolutely recommend stopping at the George Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden. We can’t wait to go back. Make sure to pin this post for later so you don’t forget to go!

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Just a half-hour drive from the Strip, this easy hike is 100% doable in a half-day. So if you want to spend part of the day at the pool or exploring the kid-friendly casino attractions, you still have plenty of time to hike the Kraft Boulders and Kraft Mountain Loop.

You’ll want to visit this spot even more if you’re into rock climbing. It’s a popular bouldering location in Las Vegas. You’ll see many people hiking in with crash pads—the portable pad rock climbers place under themselves while bouldering.

Read on for great hiking near Las Vegas at the Kraft Boulders and Kraft Mountain!

Kraft Boulders Hike

One day on our most recent Las Vegas trip, Edie had a cold and was not feeling hiking. In fact, she wasn’t feeling anything but sick. But we basically forced her to come on the Kraft Boulders hike—and we’re all glad for it!

Edie perked up immediately. She and Maxine are pretty much obsessed with climbing anything and everything, so the Kraft Boulders were right up their alley.

From the parking lot, start out along the trail, marked by a black metal National Conservation Lands sign. Walk about a quarter-mile to reach the base of Kraft Mountain.

Here, huge hunks of rock fell from the mountain over the ages. Rocks create a jumble of climbing opportunities. Maxine and Edie wasted no time in scaling boulders and trekking up the mountain.

The hike to the Kraft Boulders can be as long or as short as you want. You can continue down the trail, adjacent to Kraft Mountain, to boulders farther along. Or you can pause and explore around the first, enormous boulder you’ll see: a red hunk of mountain several stories high.

As you hike, keep an eye out for horseback riders. One incredibly friendly rider stopped near us so Maxine and Edie could pet his horse. That was the cherry on top of our beautiful Kraft Boulders hike!

Kraft Mountain Loop

For a longer hike near Las Vegas, continue along the Kraft Mountain Loop. This 3.5 mile hike is on the harder side of moderate and takes you all around the pink mountain. The hike gains just over 600 feet in elevation altogether.

The hike includes several scrambles and a few steep sections. If you complete the loop, you’ll be rewarded with impressive views—including toward the nearby Red Rock Canyon.

Know that the Kraft Mountain Loop trail is not well marked. It can be even more confusing to do this hike because there are several options for routes. I recommend downloading a detailed map onto your phone, or printing one, because cell service is unreliable here.

Bouldering near Las Vegas

Whether you’re a pro or you’re wanting to learn bouldering near Las Vegas, the Kraft Boulders are a great destination.

With so many boulders and rock formations, you’ll always be able to find an open rock or route. The problems (climbing routes) range from beginner to advanced. Bouldering is a great way to begin rock climbing because you don’t need as much gear. Just remember to always climb with a spotter and a crash pad below!

Bouldering etiquette applies at the Kraft Boulders, of course. Don’t cut in, interfere with or distract other climbers. And as always, respect the outdoors: Pack out everything, as there is no trash service in this Las Vegas bouldering site.

Other hiking near Las Vegas

If you’re into the outdoors, you should definitely go hiking near Las Vegas. The desert landscape is gorgeous in a way that’s completely different than our home base in the Pacific Northwest.

Hiking near Las Vegas is also an excellent alternative to the more typical Sin City activities (cough, cough). Hitting the trails is also a super kid-friendly activity, especially considering that casinos aren’t exactly kid central.

Want more trails after you hit up the Kraft Boulders and Kraft Mountain Loop? Check out these nearby hikes.

Red Rock Canyon

Mere minutes from the Kraft Boulders, the Red Rock Canyon scenic route loops through epic landscapes. Wonderful hikes branch off from the scenic road. The only bad thing is that you’ll have to choose where to stop and hike: You won’t be able to trek all of them in a day.

My entire family loved Red Rock Canyon. It’s amazing how much the scenery changes in just a few miles. Look one direction to see bright red rocks and another for white cliffs sprinkled with snow.

I recommend either Calico I or Calico II as some of the most iconic Red Rock Canyon trails.

Valley of Fire

My other favorite hiking near Las Vegas is in Valley of Fire State Park. Just an hour drive from the city, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away. The stark landscape is crisscrossed with unforgettable hiking trails.

The Fire Wave Trail is #1 among our favorite Valley of Fire hikes. Most of the trails here are short and easy enough for kids and hikers without much experience. The incredible rock formations are unforgettable.

See my detailed post on Valley of Fire for more recommendations!

Directions from Las Vegas to Kraft Boulders

Here’s how to get from Las Vegas to the Kraft Boulders and Kraft Mountain Loop.

Drive west on US-95 N.

Take exit 81A onto Summerlin Parkway.

For 5.5 miles, continue along Summerlin Parkway / NV-613.

Take the 215-S exit onto the Bruce Woodbury Beltway.

Take exit 26 onto Charleston Blvd / NV-159.

Follow Charleston Blvd / NV-159 for 3.7 miles. Take a right on Calico Basin Blvd. (Calico Basin Blvd is the road after the turnoff for Red Rock Canyon Campground. If you see the entrance to Red Rock Canyon, you’ve gone too far.)

In this residential area, continue along Calico Basin Blvd. until it takes a sharp right at the Calico Basin Trailhead. Take a right here onto Calico Drive, then an immediate left to Sandstone Drive. Continue until the end of Sandstone. On the left, use the parking lot for the Kraft Boulders.

If the parking lot is full, you can park along the street—just pay attention to areas where this is allowed and where it is not.

Are you ready to check out this easy hiking trail near Las Vegas? Such a family-friendly trail is a great break from the lights and sights of Las Vegas. Pin this for later so you remember to check out the Kraft Boulders and Kraft Mountain Loop!

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Although the city’s reputation as Sin City might make you raise an eyebrow at me, taking kids to Las Vegas is actually a great idea. Here’s why.

1. Las Vegas is a budget-friendly destination. It is typically inexpensive to fly to Las Vegas. We flew there as a family of 4 for less than $500.
2. Las Vegas has great weather in the winter. We fly to Vegas when it’s cold, rainy and grey in our home base of Oregon. The vitamin D is 100% worth the trip.
3. There are so many awesome things for kids to do in Las Vegas!

In this post, I’m highlighting the family-friendly activities and attractions in Las Vegas that make my kids love visiting. (Nevermind that my kids pronounce the city as “Lost Vegas.”)

Read on for my recommendations for Las Vegas kids activities, including museums, hikes, kid-friendly casino attractions, parks and street art destinations!

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Map of things for kids to do in Las Vegas

I get it: When you’re planning a family trip in an unfamiliar place, a list of kid activities is helpful. But you know what’s better? A map!

That’s why I made this map of things for kids to do in Las Vegas.

At a glance, you can see where everything is. You can open up the map and pin the kid friendly hotel in Vegas where you’re staying. Then easily see where you are in relation to these fun things to do with kids.

You can even download the map onto your phone so you can reference it anytime.

1. Springs Preserve

When I planned our first family trip to Las Vegas, I was surprised to find a nature preserve in the city. Isn’t Las Vegas in the middle of a desert?

Yes, of course, and Springs Preserve protects a portion of that desert—and much more.

As I learned, the 180-acre Springs Preserve is like a combination nature park / playground / natural history museum / hands-on museum. And admission gets you into everything.

My kids loved seeing desert animals such as snakes and scorpions—all in cages, don’t worry!—in the animal area of the museum. We walked along winding paths that took us through various desert habitats and past dry weather-loving plants.

That said, we all agreed that the butterfly house was by far the best part!

The enclosed butterfly habitat is open seasonally, in spring and fall. The winter weather is too cold for butterflies and summer temperatures too hot. We were lucky enough to visit Springs Preserve, Las Vegas on the last day the butterfly habitat was open!

Pro tip: Consider buying a membership to Springs Preserve, like we did, even if you don’t live in Las Vegas. That’s because membership here gets you benefits to more than 300 reciprocating organizations all across the country!

2. Walk the Strip

Las Vegas’s most famous landmark is the Strip, and for good reason. It is the perfect example of what makes Vegas the over-the-top city it is: lights, lights, and more lights!

(Oh, and people. Lots of people, too.)

Especially if it’s your first time checking out Las Vegas kids activities, put walking the Strip onto your things to do list. Your kids will be blown away by the sights and sounds.

Pro tip: If your kids have special sensory needs, plan ahead. They may want to wear noise-canceling headphones or skip this family activity in Las Vegas altogether.

As you walk, pause to take in the cool sights and attractions of each casino. We particularly like the Greek sculptures and fountain outside Caesar’s Palace and of course the Bellagio fountain.

Pro tip: Carry cash! I rarely pay with anything besides a card so had to borrow a few bucks from my mother-in-law to pay the performers who walk around the Strip and take photos with tourists. Thanks Mom!

3. Valley of Fire State Park

One of my all-time favorite things to do in Las Vegas with kids: Leave the city behind and explore Valley of Fire State Park!

This state park is home to the best family-friendly hikes near Las Vegas. The park lies just an hour east of the Strip, making it an easy day trip as long as you’ve rented a car (or driven your own).

Valley of Fire is also full of kid-friendly hikes. The trails don’t gain a lot of elevation, most are less than 3 miles long and they have incredible payoffs, such as the famous Fire Wall.

Within Valley of Fire State Park, you can also see petroglyphs left behind from thousands of years ago. Kids (and their grownups!) are also welcome to climb the enormous red boulders and stone formations. Beehives, directly next to the park’s west entrance, provides the best place for kids to practice their lemur skills.

Read my full post on Valley of Fire State Park for all the details.

4. Seven Magic Mountains

If you’re looking for giant, rainbow-hued installation art, Seven Magic Mountains is just for you. This permanent art piece is made up of brightly colored rocks stacked on top of each other. They make a surreal sight in the middle of the stark Mojave Desert.

You won’t need a whole lot of time at Seven Magic Mountains. Kids are welcome to run around, and you’ll definitely want to take photos.

Seven Magic Mountains are about a half-hour’s drive south of the Strip. They are on your way if you’re driving from California via Bakersfield or LA.

5. Explore inside the Casinos—it’s possible with kids!

If you’re going to Las Vegas with kids, you may be confused about the rules around children in casinos. Here’s the deal: Children cannot stop in casinos anywhere near gambling. So if you’re walking through a casino and want to drop a few bucks in a slot machine, no-can-do if you’re with anyone younger than 18.

That said, you can walk through casinos as a family! In fact, many of the casinos have sections that welcome children.

Keep in mind that people still smoke in casinos in Las Vegas. We limited the amount of time we spent in casinos at one time. Many areas that are focused on family friendly activities, such as the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, aren’t filled with smoke. You have to walk past the cigarette-heavy slot machines to get there, though.

The extravagance of casinos is next-level—and definitely worth a place on your list of things to do in Las Vegas with kids.

6. Fremont Street, Las Vegas

Casinos can be a lot for anyone—including kids. The lights, the crowds, the noise, the smoke… it can be overwhelming!

If you want to give your kids a smaller scale experience of casinos, try the Fremont Street area.

About a 10-minute drive from the strip, you’ll find casinos, shops, restaurants and more. An open-air plaza that spans several blocks connects the buildings so you can walk easily between attractions.

Basically, Fremont Street is a slightly scaled down version of the strip. You can walk two blocks to get a sense of it—then wrap it up.

7. Las Vegas Street Art

My family and I seek out street art wherever we go, and Las Vegas is no exception. We loved finding Las Vegas street art, making this one of the best kid-friendly activities we did in Vegas!

The Las Vegas Arts Distric is an excellent place to begin. Look for murals all along Main St: There’s hardly a building that doesn’t have art on its walls.

You can also find epic murals near the Art Hotel. You probably won’t be able to get inside this hotel, which has become the canvas for hundreds of artists, but you can explore the blocks around it. In fact, you can even book a Las Vegas Flytographer photo shoot like we did! The murals make for incredible backdrops. I’m still absolutely in love with our photos. (I paid in full for our shoot; we didn’t receive any discounts. I just genuinely loved our experience.)

8. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art: Free museum in Vegas

If you and your kids want to see a different kind of art, check out the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art. On the UNLV campus, this free museum in Las Vegas is small enough to see in one doable visit, and robust enough for the visit to be well worth the trip.

I love the museum’s dedication to making the experience of art more diverse and more welcoming to all people. Its collections focus on perspectives too often marginalized by art institutions, especially the voices of people of color and artists who are LGBTQIA+.

In addition, the art museum is open to all—regardless of how much money you have in your pocket. Admission is free, and the suggested donation for adults is $5—and totally optional.

If you need a break from the glitz of Las Vegas, take a breather in the free art museum on the UNLV campus.

9. Discovery Children’s Museum, Las Vegas

Maxine and Edie are obsessed with hands-on science museums. The Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas didn’t disappoint!

Like many other children’s museums, this Las Vegas kids museum is full of different areas and rooms focused on science, art and other themes. My kids adored the maker’s area, where they nailed and hot glued inventions and artwork.

Kids can also climb several stories up in a multi-tiered structure. Tunnels, ladders, steps and even hollow tubes where you can make music: You’ll find it all in the Discovery Children’s Museum central structure.

Don’t miss the water area, too! The Las Vegas kids museum provides ponchos so your kids don’t get drenched playing and splashing here.

10. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Another destination to add to your list of things for kids to do in Las Vegas: the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

From prehistoric fossils to live sharks, the natural history museum has it all. Kids will particularly love the dinosaur exhibits (models look incredibly realistic), the dioramas with lifesize animals and the Egyptian exhibit. The museum recently added this awesome model of a dilophasaurus, based on the largest specimen of the species!

When researchers aren’t in the field, they may be working in the museum. The Ditton Learning Lab is usually open to the public on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

A hands-on section of the museum, called the Cox Charities Young Scientist Center, encourages littles to experiment with fossil excavation, microscopes and more.

Pro tip: The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has free parking!

11. Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

Admittedly, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign is a semi-obligatory tourist trap. You may find yourself waiting a long time for your chance to take a photo in front of the iconic sign. So if that’s not your thing, feel free to skip this family friendly activity in Las Vegas!

That said, if you visit during off-peak times of year—like in the winter, when we visited—you may find the lines are minimal. I went one morning in November and waited maybe 10 minutes. Not bad!

You can also try to visit the Welcome to Las Vegas thing first thing in the morning. If your kids are early risers, hit it up before all the revelers have dragged themselves out of bed!

Pro tip: If you want a Las Vegas sign photo op but don’t want to deal with crowds, check out the Downtown Las Vegas Gateway. You’ll see a big Las Vegas sign, light-up showgirl signs and enormous dice. Find this Las Vegas landmark at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Main Street, at 1810 Las Vegas Boulevard.

You can also find a great Las Vegas mural in the Arts District. Find this mural off of Main Street!

12. Container Park, Las Vegas

If you’re looking to venture off the beaten path in Las Vegas, check out Container Park. This is a community-centric area where you can shop, grab a bite to eat and—have I mentioned?—let your kids run wild in an awesome playground.

The Container Park playground looks like a treehouse and industrial shipping container had a baby—then added a bunch of winding slides for good measure. It’s awesome.

We also like Container Park’s enormous metal praying mantis. It’s not that often you get to see a bug the size of a house!

The praying mantis lights up at night, too!

13. Red Rock Canyon

Las Vegas is known for its neon lights, but just outside the city, you’ll be blown away by another color: red. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just a half-hour drive off the Strip and 100% worth a visit.

A scenic drive winds through Red Rock Canyon passes deep red cliffs, umber rocks and white-and-pink-striped canyons. My goodness it’s gorgeous.

You can find lots of kid-friendly hikes in Red Rock Canyon, including the children’s discovery trail that takes you to a small petroglyph. Make sure you stop at the visitors center at the entrance to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, stamp your national parks book and get a Junior Ranger badge!

14. Kraft Boulders hike

Just a few minutes down the road from Red Rock, you’ll find an easy and family friendly hike. A mostly flat trail leads to the Kraft Boulders, hunks of Kraft Mountain that have tumbled down and made excellent bouldering sites for rock climbers.

(Maxine and Edie haven’t been trained as rock climbers, but it clearly comes naturally to them.)

Hiking to the Kraft Boulders is a great outdoor thing to do with kids in Vegas. What’s more, it’s the perfect antidote to neon overwhelm. Hike as far as you and your family likes, and let your kids embrace their inner mountain goat.

See my full post on hiking at the Kraft Boulders for all the details.

Is Las Vegas worth it for families?

Yes. I’m going to be straight-up here and say I don’t love Las Vegas as a city overall. I don’t drink much, gambling gives me the hives and whenever I stay up past 9:30 pm I marvel that I made it past my bedtime.

But Las Vegas is totally worth it for families.

I say that for a few reasons. Firstly, getting to and staying in Las Vegas is cheap, at least from where we live in Portland, Oregon. Las Vegas is consistently the cheapest place to fly from PDX. Both times we’ve flown to Las Vegas as a family, I got tickets for around $125 round-trip. Hotels are also less expensive than other parts of the country. You may even be able to get a suite or adjoining rooms for a similar price as a single, standard room elsewhere.

Secondly, this is a great destination because of alllllll the fun things for kids to do in Las Vegas. There are seriously so many great family-friendly activities and attractions.

I know the sign says, “Welcome to Las Vegas,” but I like to think it says, “Come back soon.” With so many family friendly things to do in Las Vegas, there’s a good chance we will!

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Las Vegas isn’t typically known for its outdoor adventures, and that’s too bad. Because just outside the city, you can find epic landscapes.

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet when you’re surrounded by vibrant rocks and jagged cliffs. Thankfully, you won’t need intergalactic transport; you just need a rental car to visit Valley of Fire State Park.

Drive just an hour from the center of Las Vegas to these Valley of Fire hikes. You won’t regret it for a second.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is one of the most beautiful destinations near Las Vegas, Nevada, you can hope to see. This park covers a stark area of the Mojave Desert. Its distinctive red, pink and striped rocks will take your breath away.

This Las Vegas state park isn’t actually in Las Vegas but is close enough for an easy day trip from the Strip. I think of it as the perfect antidote to the excesses of Las Vegas.

With the many Valley of Fire hikes, petroglyphs, rock formations and many other things to do, it’s like a breath of fresh air—literally.

Valley of Fire Hikes

There’s a lot to love about Valley of Fire State Park. First is its beauty. Second is the ease of getting to Valley of Fire from Las Vegas. (Yay convenience!) The third is that the park is full of hikes suitable for most visitors.

You see, many famous parks are crisscrossed by trails that are extremely challenging. That means that you have to dedicate hours (plus a lot of sweat and effort) to reach the most memorable areas. That’s not really feasible for a lot of visitors—especially kids.

Valley of Fire hikes, on the other hand, are mostly easy to moderate. You won’t be climbing a ton of elevation, and several are under 2 miles. (That’s a great length for my kids!)

Want to plan some breathtaking Valley of Fire hiking? Read on for descriptions of the best trails in this Nevada state park—and the best Las Vegas hikes you’ll find.

Fire Wave Trail

The Fire Wave trail is one of the most iconic Valley of Fire hikes. Don’t miss this trail!

You’ll hike over stone as well as a sandy trail. Along the route, see brilliant orange, red and striped sandstone. Follow yellow markers (and the rest of the hikers) to reach the famous Fire Wave.

Here are the must-know details for the Fire Wave Trail, impressive Valley of Fire hiking:

• 1.5 miles out and back
• Some elevation
• Easy to moderate trail
• Kid-friendly for children who have some stamina
• Sun exposure: Avoid hiking at midday

Rocks here are layered with iron and manganese, which account for the different colors of stripes. Wind, water and erosion create otherworldly shapes in the sandstone. The swirls look a bit like a chocolate-vanilla ice cream cone, twisted together. (The hot environment makes me want soft serve, I guess!)

The beginning of the trail is the most sandy section. Footing gets easier as you progress. You’ll need to walk over uneven stone, though, as you’re hiking over rock rather than a manicured trail.

After that, look for posts with a yellow flash on them to mark the trail. You can roam over the red stone and climb boulders, like my kids loved to do.

The Fire Wave is unmistakable. This incredible rock formation, which looks like striped taffy left to harden in a twisted mound, marks the end of the Fire Wave Trail.

Rainbow Vista Valley of Fire

To enjoy this Valley of Fire hike, park in the paved lot. Follow the well-used, sandy trail to the Fire Canyon overlook, which gives you impressive views of red sandstone rock formations. Take your time, as hiking through sand is more tiring than walking along pavement.

To reach the Rainbow Vista trail, turn off the Valley of Fire Highway onto Mouse’s Tank Road. Continue past the visitor center. Park in the lot on the right-hand (east) side of the road. There is a bathroom here; use the facilities before you hike because there is no toilet along the hike.

Here are the must-know details for the Rainbow Vista, a Valley of Fire hike:

• 1.2 miles out and back
• Flat and kid-friendly
• Sun exposure: Avoid hiking at midday

White Domes Valley of Fire Trail

To hike the White Domes Trail, turn off the Valley of Fire Highway onto Mouse’s Tank Road. Continue past the visitor center. Drive all the way to the end of White Domes Road, where you’ll park in a day use lot.

Some of the trail is sandy, which requires a bit more effort to walk across. The extra work is well worth it! You’ll hike past impressive red sandstone formations, some jutting up like mini-mountains and others stretching across the landscape.

About a third of a mile into the trail, you’ll come across “ruins.” These aren’t remains of prehistoric communities; they’re leftovers from a film set!

The White Domes trail leads you through a (very short) slot canyon in Valley of Fire. The narrows here wind you through a section of the trail where you can reach out and touch both sides of the canyon.

Here are the must-know details for the White Domes Trail, a Valley of Fire hike:

• 1.1 mile loop
• Flat and kid-friendly
• Sun exposure: Avoid hiking at midday

Valley of Fire Hikes: Safety Tips

Valley of Fire hikes are generally safe: Most have little elevation gain, and most trails are well marked. That said, you should still take precautions: Always know where you’re going (download maps or check at the visitor center).

In addition, whenever you’re trekking on Valley of Fire hikes, bring more water than you think you’ll need. Standard recommendations point to drinking about a liter an hour when you’re in the desert.

The dry desert air leaches water out of your body, and hiking in the desert will work up a sweat. You might not realize how much you’re sweating, though, because it may evaporate off your skin before you realize it. So pay close attention to your thirst and err on the side of drinking more than you think you need.

Take precautions against the sun, too. Lather up frequently with a high SPF sunblock, even in the winter. (We like this SPF 50, reef-friendly, delicious-smelling sunscreen. Even the kids like it better than most!) Wear a hat that covers your face and ears. And wear UPF clothing (like this super-light zip-up jacket with UPF 50, which comes in a ton of colors).

Nevada Petroglyphs: Atlatl Rock and Petroglyph Canyon Trail

Valley of Fire petroglyphs can be found near the park’s west entrance, at Atlatl Rock. You can see these 4,000-year-old Nevada petroglyphs up-close by climbing the stairs in the site.

Experts don’t know what the petroglyphs mean, but my kids loved guessing at what the symbols could represent. The big horn sheep are pretty clear!

Unfortunately, you’ll see vandalism alongside the petroglyphs. The insensitivity and disregard of vandals blows my mind. To preserve the petroglyphs, do not touch them or the surrounding rocks, and report any vandalism you see.

Atlatl Rock and the petroglyphs are just a short distance from the Valley of Fire campgrounds. Make sure you visit this ancient art!

You can see even more petroglyphs along a short hike called Petroglyph Canyon Trail. As its name suggests, the hike takes you through towering sandstone rocks that Native Americans etched with their art. This hike is just .75 miles—an easy hike with big payoff.

Watch for blackened areas on the rocks. These weren’t burned but rather have a patina, or layer, of stone where the iron minerals oxidized. Scraping away this top black layer shows the red and orange beneath. This is how the artists left their mark, literally, on the landscape.

Petroglyph Canyon Trail also takes you to Mouse’s Tank. This is where the rocks form a natural trough that holds water—quite the feat in the Valley of Fire desert! Do not drink from it—the water is definitely not potable. Mouse’s Tank is a neat feature along this trail, though.

Elephant Rock, Valley of Fire

Near the east Valley of Fire park entrance—the opposite end from Las Vegas—you’ll find Elephant Rock. This unusual rock formation is one of the most famous features of the state park.

You can’t park alongside the road right at Elephant Rock. To get there, park in the east entrance parking lot. Then walk .2 miles to the elephant-shaped rock. You’ll walk back the same way you came, so this kid-friendly Valley of Fire hike is easy.

Beehives Rock Formations

One of the first things you’ll see in Valley of Fire State Park is the rock formations known as the Beehives. They got the name from the holes in the boulders left by erosion.

The Beehives is my kids’ favorite place within the state park. Can you guess why??

That’s right: My mountain goats kids love scampering up the red rocks (and generally giving all the adults heart attacks). The ridges in the rocks make great hand holds and ledges for climbing several stories up.

Camping in Valley of Fire

Here’s the most important piece of info you need about camping in Valley of Fire: There are no reservations for either of the two campgrounds. There are 72 first come, first served campsites between two campgrounds.

Here’s the exception: If you bike in, the park will not turn you away, even if campgrounds are full. Park rangers will accommodate bicyclists regardless!

Visitors can stay at the Atlatl Rock Campground and Arch Rock Campground. Both campgrounds are surrounded by the red rocks that make this Las Vegas state park famous.

Valley of Fire campgrounds include these amenities:

• Dump station for RVs
• Potable water
• Showers
• Flush toilets in restrooms
• Grills
• Picnic tables
• Shaded areas
• Fire rings (obey any fire bans or restrictions that are in effect)

Camping in Valley of Fire is not free. Per-night fees depend on several factors:

• $20/night per car for Nevada residents
• $25/night per car for out-of-state visitors
• $30/night per RV site with hookups for Nevada residents
• $35/night per RV site with hookups for out-of-state visitors

When to visit this Las Vegas state park

To be completely honest, anytime is good to visit Valley of Fire because it’s just so beautiful. In short, Valley of Fire is worth it!

The park’s red rocks are prettiest in the morning and late afternoon. This is the time when the light best brings out the vibrant colors of the stone and rock formations. Don’t forget your camera!!

You’ll be more comfortable—and able to enjoy the red rocks and scenery—during certain times of the year. Continue reading for more on Valley of Fire weather and how to plan your visit.

Valley of Fire Weather

Since this Las Vegas state park is located in the desert, you’re right to assume the weather is overall dry and sunny. That said, weather fluctuates in this area—especially the swing from high to low temperatures.

Pay attention to weather forecasts when you visit this impressive landmark near Las Vegas. Here are the averages for Valley of Fire weather.

Spring temperatures in Valley of Fire State Park tend to be mild. In addition, this is when desert wildflowers bloom. If you visit in the spring, watch for blooming indigo bush, desert mallow and desert marigold. It’s an amazing sight to see flowers in the dry desert!

Summer is, as you can guess, very hot. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to pass 100 degrees in the summer, so plan your visit accordingly. You should hike in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak temperatures. The sun is also incredibly strong during these months, so wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.

Fall is another wonderful time to visit. Temperatures are comfortable, and you still have plenty of sunlight during the day. (Remember, the park closes at sunset, and if you’re caught in the park after dark you could be fined.)

We have visited Valley of Fire in the winter two times. Temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit in the winter. It’s really important to wear layers! In the morning, we all bundled up in fleeces. By our afternoon Valley of Fire hiking adventures, we were in tank tops! One good thing about Valley of Fire hiking in the winter: You don’t need to worry as much about avoiding hikes in the middle of the afternoon. With the temperatures lower, you can explore all day long, rather than skipping hikes around noon.

Your Questions: Answered

Directions: Valley of Fire from Las Vegas

One of the best parts of visiting this amazing destination is how close it is to Las Vegas! At only an hour from the Strip, Valley of Fire is one of the best day trips from Las Vegas.

If you’re renting a car, this is easy peasy. (I do not recommend paying for a Lyft or Uber to take you. Not only will that be insanely expensive, but you will also be stranded in the park with no return ride.)

Directions to Valley of Fire from Las Vegas are straightforward.

1. Travel north on I-15N / US 93N toward Salt Lake City for a half-hour
2. Take exit 75 toward Valley of Fire / Lake Mead, onto Valley of Fire Highway
3. Travel approximately 15 minutes along Valley of Fire Highway. You will arrive at the west park entrance, where you will pay entry fees.

The last step for directions to Valley of Fire: Hit the road and go! Seriously, you won’t regret it. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll look back on these photos as one of the best things to do in Las Vegas!

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When my family traveled to Arizona a few months ago, I couldn’t wait for the sun and the 80-degree forecast. I wasn’t prepared, though, for how deeply I fell in love with the Grand Canyon State. The Superstition Mountains near Mesa, AZ are a huge part of my new obsession with the Southwest desert. Here, you’ll read why.

You see, I’m a Pacific Northwest girl at heart. I grew up in Oregon and, after trying out life on both coasts and even overseas, made my way back to the Beaver State. I even have a Douglas fir forest tattooed on my forearm.

Don’t tell those trees how much I adore cacti. (Sometimes I even impersonate them.)

Whether you’re a longtime Arizona-lover or a new convert like me, make your way to Lost Dutchman State Park and explore the Superstition Mountains. Hiking through the desert landscape here was one of my favorite things to do near Mesa, AZ. 

Read on to learn about Superstition Mountain trails, how to enjoy Lost Dutchman State Park, and even fun trivia about the legend of the Superstition Mountains. (Spoiler: It involves still-buried treasure!)

Superstition Mountains, Arizona: The details

When we visited, we accessed the Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchman State Park, near Mesa, AZ. The park entrance is just outside Apache Junction, about a half-hour east of Mesa and 40 minutes from Phoenix. 

The Superstition Mountains are big—naturally!—and so you can access trails from other points, too. (Look for other Superstition Mountain hikes near Globe and Gold Canyon.) This post focuses on trails within Lost Dutchman State Park because we spent three days there!

As in all deserts within the Southwest US, you’ll need to take safety precautions. Avoid the hottest part of the day by hiking in the morning. Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Pack snacks (making sure to pack out any trash, of course). Stay on the trail. And of course don’t touch the cacti!

As for the best time to visit the Superstition Mountains, this area is famous for wildflowers that grow in March and April. They bloom after winter rains and don’t last long. It’s no wonder this is the most popular time to see the Superstition Mountains. 

When we visited in February, we got lucky and saw plenty of wildflowers. I hear that the hills around this area are blanketed in multicolored blossoms at the peak of wildflower season. I want to go back for that!

Read on for details on four Superstition Mountain hikes accessible from Lost Dutchman State Park.

Superstition Mountain hiking: Treasure Loop Trail

The Treasure Loop is the most popular trail in Lost Dutchman State Park for a good reason. The moderate 2.4-mile loop gains 500 feet—enough to give you a sweeping view of the desert but moderate enough for inexperienced hikers and even kids. Also, my mother-in-law has had two knee replacements and she handled this trail fine. 

The first part of the trail takes you past towering saguaro cacti, cholla and mesquite trees. As the trail climbs, the vegetation changes from cacti to small bushes.

If you hike first-thing in the morning, walk quietly and keep a keen eye out for wildlife. We saw Gambel’s quail, woodpeckers and other birds, rabbits and lizards. 

The trail winds past gigantic boulders that fell from the mountains’ cliffs ages ago. Maxine wanted to climb every last one of them!

At the highest point of the hike (2,580 feet), you’ll take in expansive views of the saguaro desert below. You can either continue the Treasure Loop back down toward the Lost Dutchman day use area or take the Prospector’s View Trail to extend your hike (see below). 

Superstition Mountain hike: Prospector’s View Trail

This popular hike near Mesa connects Jacob’s Crosscut to the peak of the Treasure Loop. The trail is less than a mile long, and it’s most commonly used to lengthen hiking routes within Lost Dutchman State Park. You can hike it on the way down from Green Boulder (the peak of the Treasure Loop), combine it with Jacob’s Crosscut, or use it as a route to get from the Treasure Loop to the Siphon Draw trail. 

For example, one morning, Hubs and I hiked up one part of the Treasure Loop and back down on Prospector’s View Trail. Then we cut back across on Jacob’s Crosscut to return to our car in the Cholla Day Use Area. 

No matter the route you take, spend some time at the trail’s highest point. The Green Boulder provides a gorgeous view over the saguaro-dotted desert. You can climb out a ways on the enormous rock or take a rest on the bench here. Usually, there is at least one other hiker hanging out at this point so you can ask them to take your picture! (Selfies are great, but sometimes it’s nice to have your whole self in the picture.)

Superstition Mountain hiking: Siphon Draw Trail

As the most strenuous hike within Lost Dutchman State Park, the Siphon Draw Trail is gorgeous—and difficult.

You’ll find the Siphon Draw trailhead within the park (marked by a sign). You can also join this trail from where it meets Jacob’s Crosscut Trail. (This is what I did and is a prettier route.)

This hike is 6 miles long out and back. Its length will vary if you start on the Treasure Loop, join Jacob’s Crosscut and then meet up with Siphon Draw, as I did. 

Trails in the first part of the Siphon Draw hike are wide and well maintained,e similar to the trails in the rest of Lost Dutchman State Park. After you pass the sign marking the entrance to Tonto National Forest, though, the trail becomes primitive. You’ll need to scramble and climb over rocks. At some points, the trail becomes so steep that you’ll need to use your hands, too, and scoot on your bottom on the way down.

The first part of the primitive trail takes you through the basin, or “draw,” of this part of the Superstition Mountains. Rocks have tumbled from the mountainsides and were carried by water to collect in this part of the trail, which is the low part of a V. The trail isn’t well marked, but just stick to the basin—the lowest part of the draw—and you’ll stay on track.

I hiked this trail at dawn, so much of the rock was in shadow. The colors are sometimes a brilliant red!

About a mile past the Tonto National Forest sign, the trail becomes very steep and difficult. It gains 2,000 feet here, and you’ll need to climb up some sections using your hands. Many people turn around at this point and don’t make the steep climb up.

This trail leads to the Flatiron, an uneven plateau with incredible views. Up here, you can walk out on rock that looks more like water ripples, take a seat and admire the Sonoran desert from above.

Your hike down is as strenuous as the climb up. The muscles right above my knees were shaking with the strain of keeping me stable on the way down. I was proud that I slipped only once.

A note on safety: Wear sturdy shoes, bring more water than you think you’ll need and go only as far as you’re comfortable going. As with any hike, make sure people know where you’re going before you hit the trail.

Superstition Mountain hiking: Jacob’s Crosscut Trail

Jacob’s Crosscut Trail runs crosswise at the base of the Superstition Mountains, connecting the Treasure Loop, Prospector’s View and Siphon Draw Trails.

This Lost Dutchman State Park hike is mostly flat, making it a great choice for kids and people with mobility or knee challenges.

The trail runs 2 miles out and back. Yes, it’s an easy trail, but it also cuts through gorgeous desert country. You’ll see the native plants the Mesa, AZ area is famous for: saguaros, prickly pear and cholla cacti.

You can also use Jacob’s Crosscut Trail to make your own loop out of several of the trails. One day I hiked the Siphon Draw Trail, then walked back to my car along Jacob’s Crosscut. Another day I made a loop from Treasure Loop to Prospector’s View and back again along Jacob’s Crosscut.

This trail is also open to horses, so watch for road apples!

Lost Dutchman : Native Plant Trail

This super-quick nature trail is a great way to start your visit to Lost Dutchman State Park. Along the flat trail, you’ll see labeled native plants so you can learn to tell your teddy bear cholla from chain fruit cholla.

One of my favorite parts of this easy hike: A pole next to a saguaro measures its growth every year so you can see how much (or how little) these desert cacti grow.

I love learning about native plants, so walking this .25 mile, easy hike near Mesa, AZ was the perfect add-on for my more strenuous hikes.

It’s also a perfect length for young kids. Toddlers can easily handle this loop, leaving them sufficiently worn out to ride in a backpack if you’re tackling more ambitious trails later.

Park at the Lost Dutchman entrance, where you pay the entry fee. The native plant trail will take you about 15 minutes to walk.

Amenities at Lost Dutchman State Park

Had I known I was going to return to Lost Dutchman State Park three times in the week we stayed in Mesa, AZ, I would have bought an Arizona State Park Pass! I didn’t mind paying the $7 – $10 day use fee each day, though, because I like supporting these amazing resources. (Day passes are more expensive on weekends than week days.)

The state park’s amenities are extremely well maintained. Flush toilets and running water make the bathrooms nice—and even acceptable for Maxine when she was in a mood. Look for potable water at the Palo Verde day use area, Saguaro day use area and the Siphon Draw trailhead. You’ll want to fill your water bottle before you set out on your hike.

A little ranger station sits at the entrance of Lost Dutchman State Park. This is where you pay when you enter. (If you arrive before the park rangers, as I did one day, there’s a self-pay station.) The store inside sells snacks, drinks and books about Arizona. Stop in to get pamphlets on native plants and birds so you can identify them as you hike.

Lost Dutchman SP also offers camping near the Superstition Mountains.

We were staying in an AirBnB in Mesa, AZ so didn’t camp at Lost Dutchman State Park. While I can’t speak for the campgrounds and cabins, everything else we saw at the park looked wonderful.

Legend of the Superstition Mountains

Finally, I want to share with you the legend of the Superstition Mountains!

First, the backstory: Miners successfully found gold in the Superstition Mountains for decades in the 1800s. One mine in particular was said to be shockingly rich—but the people who discovered it were all killed.

In the 1870s, along comes a fellow named Jacob Waltz—the legendary Dutchman (though he was actually German). He claimed to have found this gold-filled mine. Legend says that they stashed their riches throughout the Superstition Mountains, though no one has found these caches. (At least no one has talked about their find!)

On his deathbed, Waltz described the mine’s location to a neighbor. The vague directions inspired this neighbor, and generations of other treasure-seekers, to search for the lost mine. No one has ever found it, but people continue to hunt. In fact, the History Channel made a TV show called Legend of the Superstition Mountains!

I of course told Max and Edie about the legend. (What kids don’t like a good treasure hunt?!) While we visited Lost Dutchman State Park, they kept looking for caves in the mountains. “I see the treasure cave!” they’d shout, pointing at the peaks. 

Alas, we never did find the Lost Dutchman’s gold mine. Maybe next time!

Gold or no gold, the Superstition Mountains are a treasure in their own right. If you’re looking for things to do near Mesa or Phoenix, AZ, add visiting this gorgeous area to your list. You can’t go wrong with Superstition Mountain hiking. 

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