Superstition Mountains
Bull Pass via Dutchman's Trail
A challenging overnight to the high point of the Superstitions with panoramic desert views
Distance
15 mi RT
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation
3,000 ft
Best Season
Nov-Mar
Trail Overview
Bull Pass via Dutchman's Trail is the classic Superstition Mountains overnight. The route follows the historic Dutchman's Trail - the same path prospectors used when searching for the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine - to Bull Pass, a high saddle on the main crest of the Superstitions at 5,000 feet. From the pass, you get panoramic views across the entire range: Weaver's Needle to the south, Four Peaks to the north, and the vast Sonoran Desert stretching to the horizon.
The trail is rough and rugged, climbing through chaparral and desert scrub before reaching the volcanic high country. This is not a maintained park trail - it's a wild, rocky path through some of Arizona's most storied mountains. The reward at the top is worth every switchback.
Water is the primary concern. There are no reliable sources on this trail. You must carry everything you need.
Trail Milestones
| Mile | Elevation | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 2,200 ft | Lost Dutchman State Park trailhead |
| 2.0 | 3,000 ft | First major switchback - Siphon Draw visible |
| 4.5 | 4,000 ft | Treeline transition - volcanic rock dominates |
| 6.0 | 4,600 ft | Junction with Passover Trail |
| 7.5 | 5,000 ft | Bull Pass - summit views |
What It's Really Like
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from over 600 reviews, Bull Pass is the Superstitions' signature overnight trip. Reviewers consistently mention the incredible sunrise from the pass and the feeling of solitude in these ancient mountains.
The climb is relentless. The Dutchman's Trail gains 2,800 feet in 7.5 miles with no flat sections to recover. The first few miles are through low desert scrub - palo verde, ocotillo, cholla cactus. As you climb, the vegetation shifts to manzanita and mountain mahogany. Near the top, volcanic breccia and rhyolite dominate the landscape.
Insider tip: Camp at Bull Pass and wake for sunrise. The light hitting Weaver's Needle and the surrounding spires is unforgettable. Bring a warm sleeping bag - temperatures drop fast at 5,000 feet in the desert winter.
Water & Safety
Drinking Water: NO reliable water on this trail. Carry minimum 1 gallon (4 liters) per person per day. In warm weather, carry more. There are seasonal seeps near Mile 3, but they should not be relied upon.
Heat Danger: Summer temperatures exceed 110°F at the trailhead. Do not attempt this hike from May through September.
Trail Conditions: Dutchman's Trail is rough and rocky. Sections are barely maintained. Wear sturdy boots and watch for loose rock.
Emergency: No cell service on most of the trail. Lost Dutchman State Park has a ranger station near the trailhead.
Permits & Regulations
Day Use: Lost Dutchman State Park requires a day-use fee ($7/vehicle) or an Arizona State Parks pass.
Overnight Permits: Required for backpacking in the Superstition Wilderness. Self-service permits at the trailhead.
- Group size limited to 15 people
- Camp 200 feet from trails and water sources
- No campfires above 3,500 feet
History & Lore
The Dutchman's Trail is named for Jacob Waltz, the "Lost Dutchman," who supposedly discovered a rich gold mine in the Superstitions in the 1870s. The trail follows what prospectors believed was Waltz's route into the mountains. Despite over a century of searching, the mine has never been found, and at least a dozen people have died looking for it.
Bull Pass itself was a crossroads for prospectors and ranchers in the late 1800s. The pass connects the northern and southern drainages of the Superstitions, making it a natural travel corridor through the rugged range.
External Resources
- Lost Dutchman State Park - Park information and day-use fees
- USFS Bull Pass Information - Official trail details
- AllTrails Bull Pass - Reviews and GPS tracks
Return to: Arizona Backpacking Regions