Apache Junction is a small city in Greater Phoenix, best known for its proximity to the rugged Superstition Mountains.

Understand

• 1 Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce, 300 E Superstition Blvd, ☏ +1 480-982-3141. 

See

Goldfield Ghost Town

• 1 Superstition Mountain Museum, 4087 N Apache Trail (entrance on southeast side of Hwy 88, just north of N Mountain View Rd), ☏ +1 480-983-4888. Daily 9AM-4PM. This museum covers an area of 12.5 acres with a variety of exhibits illustrating the history of the area, from pre-Columbian times until the early 20th century. Onsite are reproductions of an old west town, as well as the reconstructed Elvis Memorial Chapel and the Audie Murphy Barn, which were moved here following a fire at their original locations. $5 (adults), $4 (seniors 55+), free (children under 17 w/paid adult). 

• 2 Goldfield Ghost Town, 4650 E Mammoth Mine Rd, ☏ +1 480-983-0333. Daily 10AM-5PM (town), 11AM-9PM (saloon). A former ghost town established in 1893, which has been completely renovated and turned into a tourist attraction, complete with staged gunfights. Onsite is a small historic museum ($1), as well as a narrow gauge railroad, livery stables, gold-panning exhibit, and reconstructed bordello. Free (town), entry fee for individual attractions. 

Do

The Superstition Mountains as seen from Lost Dutchman State Park

• 1 Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N Apache Trail, ☏ +1 480-982-4485. Named after the lost gold mine in the Superstition Mountains, the park is located at the base of the Superstition Mountains and is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. $7/vehicle (1-4 adults); $3/individual/bicycle. 

• 2 Superstition Wilderness (Superstition Mountains). Managed by the Tonto National Forest Service, this rugged wilderness area encompasses the Superstition Mountain range and offers a number of outstanding hiking trails, many also suitable for equestrians. Dispersed camping is permitted. A helpful trail map can be downloaded here, and a 17-page guide is available from the Mesa Ranger Station (5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, tel. +1 480-610-3300) and from the Tonto Basin Ranger Station (28079 N AZ Hwy 188, Roosevelt, tel. +1 928-467-3200) 

• 3 Arizona Renaissance Festival, 12601 E Hwy 60 (10 miles SE of Apache Junction), ☏ +1 520-463-2600, fax: +1 520-463-2026. February–March, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM. Held annually for a two-month period, this festival offers food and entertainment. Advance purchase at Fry's grocery stores: $20 (adults), $10 (children 5-12); tickets at the door cost $2 more. 

• 4 Lost Dutchman Days, 1590 E Lost Dutchman Blvd (intersection of Lost Dutchman Blvd and Tomahawk Rd), ☏ +1 480-982-3141, toll-free: +1 888-75RODEO (76336), info@lostdutchmandays.org. Held annually in February, this 3-day festival includes a rodeo, rodeo dance, parade, live music, and carnival rides. $2. 

Eat

• 1 Dirtwater Springs (Dirtwater), 586 W Apache Trail (north side of Apache Trail between Ironwood Dr and N Apache Trail/Idaho Rd/Old West Highway split), ☏ +1 480-983-3478. All you can eat fish-fry 3 days a week. 

• 2 Mining Camp Restaurant (Mining Camp Restaurant and Trading Post / The Dutchman's Hide Out), 6100 E Mining Camp St, ☏ +1 480-982-3181, miningcamp@hotmail.com. Mining Camp: M-F seating 11AM 1:30PM 4PM 6:30PM; Sa 11AM 1:30PM; Dutchman's Hide Out: daily 11AM to 8PM. Mining Camp has all-you-can-eat family-style meals, in a rustic western-style dining hall. Reservations are required for an evening seating, because of the live musical show starting at 4:30PM & 7PM. The Hide Out has private table and booth seating, where you can order western meals from a menu. ~$20 (adult) ~$10 (children). 

• 3 Superstition Restaurant & Saloon, 20909 E Apache Trail (AZ Hwy 88), ☏ +1 480-984-1776. While technically in Tortilla Flat, Arizona (pop. 6), Apache Junction is the closest recognizable town. 

Sleep

Camping

• 1 Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N Apache Trail, ☏ +1 520-586-2283 (reservations). Has sites for tents and full hookups for RVs; toilets, showers, and water available onsite. $15-17 (non-electric), $25-30 (electric); $5 non-refundable reservation fee. 

• 2 Mesa / Apache Junction KOA, 1540 S Tomahawk Rd, ☏ +1 480 982-4015, toll-free: +1 800-562-3404, mesaajkoa@gmail.com. RV hookup sites, tent sites, and cabins for rent. Wi-fi, pool, and showers. 

Connect

• 2 Apache Junction Public Library, 1177 N Idaho Rd, ☏ +1 480-474-8555. M W F Sa 9AM-5PM, T Th 9AM-8PM. Wi-fi and computers with internet access are available. Nonresidents can purchase a temporary user card for $1, valid for one week from the date of purchase (ID required). 

Go next

Routes through Apache Junction

Phoenix ← Mesa ←

W  E

→ Globe → Socorro