Wake-Up Wednesday - Lost Dutchman State Park

Today we are starting a new feature:  Wake-up Wednesdays.

We live in Mesa. Arizona.  Snowbirds know what they are doing when they move here for 7 months out of the year.  Our weather is beautiful, we have awesome hiking trails, lots of fun things to do outdoors, and many ways to stay active right here in sunny Arizona.  So, Wake-up Wednesdays is going to be a way to feature all that.

Kathryn's Wake-up Wednesday Pick of the Week:  Lost Dutchman State Park

This park is special to me.  This is where my husband asked me to marry him.  A few weeks ago, as part of his New Years resolution, my husband went in the wee morning hours to run the trail.  Last Friday, we spontaneously loaded our 4 girls up and headed to the desert for dinner.  We had the best views in Arizona - the Superstitions and a sunset.  We all loved it and we are sure to keep this one on the list of things to keep doing.  

(I think my little Annie was in awe of her view)

Then I discovered Lost Dutchman State Park has events just like Usery Pass does.  Enjoy an astronomy night on February 4th at 7:30 or every Wednesday in February, come out for a guided hike through the desert.  Check out all the upcoming events here.  You can even brush up on your Lost Dutchman history in order to share some great stories around the picnic table.    

The cost to get into the park is $7 per vehicle.  For those planning to make numerous trips to Lost Dutchman and all the other state parks this year (for a map of State Parks go here), you can purchase a state park year pass for $75 or $200.  The difference in price is that the $75 option does not allow weekend or holiday entrance into the river parks, all other parks are fine.  Go here for more information (don't let the wording confuse you though).  I think our family is going to take advantage of the $75 option, so look for more upcoming posts on state parks like the Arboretum, Picacho Peak, Tonto Natural Bridge...I'm excited!

To get to Lost Dutchman State Park, take US 60 to Idaho Rd.  Go left at S Idaho Rd, take a slight right at N. Apache Trail.  Keep going and you will see the park on your right.      

Upcoming Local Runs:

Love Walk

Saturday, January 22, 2011.  Come walk a 5K at the Phoenix Zoo while encouraging healthy habits and service in your family.  Enjoy the rest of the day at the zoo.  Register here.    

Lost Dutchman Run

We told you about this run early this month.  Just a reminder:  Sunday, February 20, 2011, Marathon/Half Marathon/10K/8K/ or 2 Mile Fun Run that starts around a campfire and takes in the beauty of the Arizona desert.  Go here to read the original post.  

Pat Tillman Run

Registration is now open for the 7th annual Pat Tillman run, on April 16, 2011.  Come run/walk 4.2 miles around ASU's campus in memory of Tillman's #42.  Finish your run on the 42 yard line.  Make it a family affair and bring the kids too.  Those 12 and under can run the .42 mile race.  Proceeds go to help support the Tillman Military Scholars Program.  Register here.  (I think I might just dust off my running shoes for this one.)

Warrior Dash

3.5 miles of mud, hay, sand, logs, fire....and many other obstacles.  April 30th, 2011 will be unique for sure.  Go here to read our original post.    

Other ways to keep yourself active this week:

Usery Pass - Yoga, bird watching, a New to Arizona walk, hikes for kids. 

Red Mountain Multigenerational Center - Rock wall,  Indoor track, group fitness classes.