Apache Junction, Arizona Travel Guide
Apache Junction, Arizona Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Apache Junction?
This desert town sits about 35 miles east of Phoenix, right at the foot of the Superstition Mountains and the start of the historic Apache Trail. In one day, you can explore a rebuilt gold rush town, hike toward cliffs where legend says a lost gold mine still hides, look down on a canyon lake, and finish with lunch on a saddle at Tortilla Flat.
The best time to visit is November through April, when the desert is mild and the wildflowers can bloom after a wet winter.
Top Things to Do
1. Drive the Apache Trail—Follow State Route 88 from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat, past cliffs, viewpoints, and Canyon Lake.
2. Explore Goldfield Ghost Town—Walk the rebuilt streets of an 1890s gold town, then take a mine tour or ride the narrow-gauge railroad.
3. Visit the Superstition Mountain Museum—See Lost Dutchman exhibits and the chapel from Elvis Presley's film Charro!
4. Hike Lost Dutchman State Park—Take the Treasure Loop Trail, or climb the Siphon Draw Trail toward the Flatiron.
5. See Weaver's Needle—Walk the short path at Weaver's Needle Vista for a view of the most famous spire in the Superstitions.
6. Cruise Canyon Lake—Ride the Dolly Steamboat through the canyon and watch for bighorn sheep and bald eagles.
7. Stop in Tortilla Flat—Sit on a saddle bar stool at the Superstition Saloon and try the prickly pear gelato.
8. Hike the Peralta Trail—A 5.8-mile round trip to Fremont Saddle, with a close-up view of Weaver's Needle.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Apache Trail Scenic Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that follows about 14 miles of the Apache Trail, from the Superstition Mountain Museum to Tortilla Flat. Your guide, Greg, tells the stories of the Lost Dutchman's gold, the mountain man named Pauline, and the freight road built to reach Roosevelt Dam. The tour runs about an hour, and most visitors spend two to four hours with stops.
Free Things to Do
1. Goldfield Ghost Town—Walking the streets is free; attractions are priced separately.
2. Superstition Mountain Museum grounds—Walk the outdoor grounds and see the Apacheland buildings.
3. Weaver's Needle Vista—A short path to one of the best views in the Superstitions.
4. Apache Vista Point and Canyon Lake Vista—Roadside pull-offs with big canyon and lake views.
5. Tortilla Flat—Browse the shops and the little schoolhouse museum at no charge.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Superstition Mountain Museum—About $7 for adults; check the front desk for today's price.
2. Lost Dutchman State Park—$10 per vehicle with one person, $20 per vehicle with two to four people.
3. Goldfield attractions—The mine tour, narrow-gauge railroad, and zipline each charge separately.
4. Dolly Steamboat—Scenic cruises on Canyon Lake start at about $35 for adults; book ahead on busy days.
5. Canyon Lake recreation sites—Acacia and other day-use areas charge a Tonto National Forest day-use fee.
Food!
Mammoth Steakhouse & Saloon
A Wild West steakhouse inside Goldfield Ghost Town, known for big burgers and steaks.
The Handlebar Pub and Grill
A lively spot along the Apache Trail with craft beer on tap, burgers, and house-smoked brisket.
Superstition Restaurant & Saloon
Tortilla Flat's saddle-stool saloon, known for its chili and walls covered in dollar bills.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa—casita-style rooms and two golf courses at the foot of the Superstitions. Roughly 200-400/night.
Moderate
Best Western Gold Canyon Inn & Suites, Residence Inn Phoenix Mesa East—a short drive from the start of the Apache Trail. Roughly 130-230/night.
Budget
Best Western Apache Junction Inn, Motel 6 Apache Junction, or a campsite at Lost Dutchman State Park. Roughly 80-140/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Explore the Superstition Mountain Museum, then start the Apache Trail Scenic Driving Tour with stops at Goldfield Ghost Town and Lost Dutchman State Park.
Afternoon: Continue past Weaver's Needle Vista and Canyon Lake, then have lunch at Tortilla Flat.
Evening: Drive back to Apache Junction and catch sunset on the Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchman State Park.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Hike the Peralta Trail or the Siphon Draw Trail in the morning, then take a Dolly Steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake.
Extra Time: Visit in February or March for the Arizona Renaissance Festival in nearby Gold Canyon, or spend more time panning for gold in Goldfield.
FAQ's
1. What is Apache Junction best known for?
Apache Junction is known as the gateway to the Superstition Mountains, the Apache Trail, and the legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold.
2. How far is Apache Junction from Phoenix?
About 35 miles east of downtown Phoenix, roughly 45 minutes by car.
3. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Most stops sell tickets on site. Book the Dolly Steamboat ahead on weekends and holidays, and reserve Lost Dutchman State Park campsites early in winter.
4. Where do I park along the Apache Trail?
Goldfield has a large lot, Lost Dutchman State Park has parking inside the paid entrance, and the viewpoints have roadside pull-offs. Tortilla Flat's lot can fill up on busy weekends, so arrive early.
5. What should I bring?
Plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy shoes for hiking, and a full tank of gas from Apache Junction. Bring a camera with zoom for Weaver's Needle.
6. Is the Apache Trail paved?
Yes, from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat. Past Tortilla Flat, the road gets rough and unpaved, and floods have closed parts of it, so check road conditions before going farther.
7. What's the best time of year to visit?
November through April. Summer temperatures are extreme, so plan hikes for early morning if you visit in warmer months.
8. Is Apache Junction family-friendly?
Yes. Goldfield's train ride and gold panning, the steamboat cruise, and Tortilla Flat's gelato are all big hits with kids.
9. How much time should I plan?
One full day covers the museum, Goldfield, and the drive to Tortilla Flat. Two days lets you add a longer hike and a lake cruise.
10. What's the one thing people wish they'd known?
Start early. Morning light on the Superstitions is beautiful, the trails are cooler, and you'll beat the weekend crowds at Tortilla Flat.
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