I was reading the newspaper this morning, and on the "front" page, there was an aricle with bright yellow poppies displayed in the very center of the page. Because of our rain this winter season, we have wildflowers everywhere. On the side of the freeways, in the foothills, and yes, at Lost Dutchman State Park. The paper warned that if we want to see these wildflowers, we had better do it earlier rather than later this weekend because of a low-pressure system coming our way today and Saturday. We decided to go for it. We were among many along the slopes of beautiful desert plants, the beautiful mountain, flowers with a breeze cooling us off as we climbed.
Did you know? At least in Arizona, picking the wildflowers is illegal!!!
The Mexican Gold Poppy -- shown on the left side here is an annual that blooms from mid February through May and has a beautiful orange, four petal, cup-like flower. Abundant winter rains trigger large area blooms, turning desert landscapes into "fields of gold."
The poppies only are "awake" during full sunlight. As we enterted the Lost Dutchman State Park, we could see the yellow patches on the southwest slope of the Superstition mountain. We took the trail which was approximately .5 mile from where we parked our car and headed out.
See those patches of yellow waaaaaaaaay up there and that trail waaaay up there? We took the Jacob's Crosscut Trail which runs about .8 miles along the base of Superstition Mountain - rated easy. It was worth every step. I've shared a few of the photos of our hike as well as some history of the area.
The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine (also known by many similar names) is reportedly a very rich gold mine hidden in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, Arizona, east of Phoenix, Arizona in the United States. The land is a designated Wilderness Area, and mining is now prohibited there.
The mine is named after German immigrant Jacob Waltz ("Dutchman" was a common, though inaccurate, American slang term for "German," derived from the German-language word for "German" -- "Deutsch"). It is perhaps the most famous lost mine in American history: Arizona place-name expert Byrd Granger notes that, as of 1977, the Lost Dutchman story was printed or cited at least six times more often than two other fairly well-known tales, the story of Captain Kidd's lost treasure, and the story of the Lost Pegleg Mine in California. Robert Blair notes that people have been seeking the Lost Dutchman mine since at least 1892 (Blair, 12), while Granger writes that according to one estimate, 8,000 people annually made some effort to locate the Lost Dutchman's mine. (Granger, 99). Former Arizona attorney general Bob Corbin is among those who have looked for the mine. Others have argued the mine has little or no basis in fact and is a legend, though as noted below, Blair argues that all the main components of the story have at least some basis in fact.
According to many versions of the tale, the mine is either cursed, or protected by enigmatic guardians who wish to keep the mine's location a secret.
This view is from the top area looking back down. Aren't the Saguaro cacti stunning? The are scattered everywhere throughout the area.
Now, I'll show you some of my special flower photos!
I enjoy seeing our beautiful landscape that is magical to the eye. We sat on a bench and just listened to the peace and the quiet up on the hillside. It quiets the soul and helps us realize how very tiny we are in this large, large world. It also helps us get out of ourselves and see and appreciate what is out there for us to enjoy.
If you have an opportunity to drive out to the Lost Dutchman State Park and take a small hike, you will be glad you did!
Just 15 minutes from East Mesa on the outside edge of Apache Junction. A delightful day spending time with nature and with my husband!
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.382-8711 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit my website: HomesAzRE.com, or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice and AzLadyInRed!
AJ, picking the poppy in California is illegal 'cause it's the state flower as I recall. I am glad you enjoyed the photos. I will be sharing more.
Julie, I'll have to check out the Localism posts you mention. I've been out taking photos. When you enter the state park, they give you a flyer telling you about the flowers/plants, etc. AND not to pick the wildflowers. Actually said to save them for your grandchildren. I thought that was very cool. Thanks, you have a great one as well.
Your photos are incredible and you are a wealth of information....you really make me want to visit your beautiful state.
Cynthia, come on over! ;-) I'll show you around!! Promise! Thanks. ;-)
Teri--Beautiful photos and scenery as usually. I have only heard of one flower in MN that is illegal to pick, the Showy Lady Slipper as it is the state flower. I always wondered as a kid who would show up and arrest you if you picked one in the park and was afraid to even touch them.
Teri, that is funny! As a child, we really take things literally don't we? Remember those famous tags on pillows and on chairs - under penalty of??? do not remove? It took me YEARS to think that was okay. ;-)
Your state flower is beautiful. Doubt if it would thrive in our desert climate! ;-)
Marlene, I only know the name of the poppies 'cause I looked the name up! ;-)
Katerina, I'm a photo nut. I really want a telescope lens so I can really get up close and personal. Yup, they are illegal to pick in California since they are the state flower. Thanks for the compliment. I think we get a real appreciation when were taking photos of what we see. ;-)
Hi Teri,
Maybe you should mention that not only is it illegal to pick the flowers--it is illegal to dig up an cactus. Nice Post. I have property by Meadview, Arizona--it is in the middle of a Joshua Tree Forest.
Leslie, yep, you're right. The saguaro blossom is Arizona's state flower. Meadview? It must be overlooking Lake Mead! I've driven through the Joshua Tree Forest, and there are other areas where there are lots of Joshua Trees, one of which is near Joshua Tree, California. Have you been there? Do you live in Meadville part of the year, or???
Thanks for visiting.
Picking all wildflowers is illegal on state property in California, picking poppies is fine with permission on private property, but they don't last at all, they wilt and the petals fall off quickly -- not much use.
Mary, thanks for the info. Wasn't sure but thought that was the case.