Apache Junction

Apache Junction sits at the far eastern edge of the Phoenix metro, right where the suburbs end and the Superstition Mountains rise in a dramatic wall of rock. The town takes its name from the junction of old highways and has long served as the gateway to the Superstitions and the rugged country beyond. It has a frontier, outdoorsy character shaped by its desert setting and its proximity to some of Arizona's most famous wilderness. The jagged silhouette of the Superstitions dominates nearly every view in town.

The mountains are wrapped in legend, most famously the tale of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, a supposedly fabulous lost mine that has lured prospectors and adventurers for well over a century. That legend is woven into the town's identity, from the name of Lost Dutchman State Park to annual events that celebrate the mining and pioneer past. The story may be folklore, but it gives the area a romance that draws hikers, history buffs, and treasure-hunters alike. Locals embrace the lore as part of the town's brand.

Just outside town, Goldfield Ghost Town recreates an 1890s mining settlement with a main street of shops, a narrow-gauge train, mine tours, and staged gunfights, making it a popular family stop. From there, the historic Apache Trail winds northeast into the mountains toward Canyon Lake and beyond, a scenic and partly unpaved route past reservoirs and saguaro-studded canyons. Lost Dutchman State Park, at the base of the Superstitions, offers some of the best desert hiking in the metro, including the well-known trails toward the Flatiron. Together they make Apache Junction a launchpad for desert adventure.

Summers are very hot and dry, with highs often above 105 degrees, so serious hiking in the Superstitions is best saved for the cooler months and early mornings. The prime season runs October through April, when desert trails, the ghost town, and the Apache Trail are all comfortable, and spring wildflowers can be spectacular after a wet winter. A full day here might combine a sunrise hike at Lost Dutchman State Park, a midday visit to Goldfield Ghost Town, and a scenic drive along the start of the Apache Trail. The mountains and the legends are the reasons to come.