Apache Junction - city in Pinal and Maricopa counties in Arizona, United States

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

Understand

• Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce, 300 E Superstition Blvd, 33.423884°, -111.542801°, +1 480-982-3141.

Get in

Get around

See

• Superstition Mountain Museum, 4087 N Apache Trail (entrance on southeast side of Hwy 88, just north of N Mountain View Rd), 33.447241°, -111.501586°, +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)
• Goldfield Ghost Town, 4650 E Mammoth Mine Rd, 33.456598°, -111.492103°, +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), a narrow gauge railroad, livery stables, gold-panning exhibit, and reconstructed bordello. Free (town), entry fee for individual attractions

Do

• Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N Apache Trail, 33.467168°, -111.479185°, +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
• Superstition Wilderness (Superstition Mountains), 33.436312°, -111.441736°. 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 Mes Ranger Station in Mesa (5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, tel. +1 480-610-3300) and from the Tonto Basin Ranger Station in Roosevelt (28079 N AZ Hwy 188, Roosevelt, tel. +1 928-467-3200)
• Arizona Renaissance Festival, 12601 E Hwy 60, Gold Canyon (10 miles SE of Apache Junction), 33.320775°, -111.430993°, +1 520-463-2600. 2nd weekend in Feb - March, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM. Held annually for a two-month period, this festival offers food and entertainment. Jousting, juggling, music, mirth, mayhem, turkey legs, cinnamon almonds, falconry, acrobatics, beer, onsite ATMs, and indoor plumbing! Advance purchase at Fry's grocery stores: $20 (adults), $10 (children 5-12); tickets at the door cost $2 more 2016-09-14
• Lost Dutchman Days, 1590 E Lost Dutchman Blvd (intersection of Lost Dutchman Blvd and Tomahawk Rd), 33.437995°, -111.530589°, +1 480-982-3141, info@lostdutchmandays.org. Held annually in February, this 3-day festival includes a rodeo, rodeo dance, parade, live music, and carnival rides. $2

Buy

Eat

• 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), 33.415493°, -111.552382°, +1 480-983-3478. All you can eat fish-fry 3 days a week.
• Superstition Restaurant & Saloon (Tortilla Flat Saloon), 20909 E Apache Trail (AZ Hwy 88), 33.526225°, -111.390124°, +1 480-984-1776. Although it's actually in Tortilla Flat, Arizona (pop. 6), Apache Junction is the closest recognizable town.

Drink

Sleep

Camping

• Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N Apache Trail, 33.45461°, -111.481068°, +1 480-982-4485 (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
• Mesa / Apache Junction KOA, 1540 S Tomahawk Rd, 33.401419°, -111.530307°, +1 480-982-4015, mesaajkoa@gmail.com. RV hookup sites, tent sites, and cabins for rent. Wi-fi, pool, and showers.

Connect

• Apache Junction Public Library, 1177 N Idaho Rd, 33.425691°, -111.545413°, +1 480-474-8555. M W F Sa 9AM-5PM, Tu 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).

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