Overview
Apache Junction is a small city in Greater Phoenix, best known for its proximity to the rugged Superstition Mountains.
2 sights · 5 things to do · 2 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Apache Junction
Lost Dutchman State Park
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.
Superstition Wilderness
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 campin…
Arizona Renaissance Festival
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!
Superstition Mountain Museum
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 th…
Goldfield Ghost Town
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 s…
Lost Dutchman Days
Held annually in February, this 3-day festival includes a rodeo, rodeo dance, parade, live music, and carnival rides.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 107°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Casa Grande Ruins National Monument)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 10 mi away. Directions
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix — 26 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $5–$15 a night (typical $15), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$50, mid-range ~$90, comfortable ~$180.
Options are grouped as Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Superstition Mountain Museum, Goldfield Ghost Town, Lost Dutchman State Park
- Lunch Dirtwater Springs
- Afternoon Lost Dutchman Days, Wave and Ridge
- Dinner Superstition Restaurant & Saloon
Day 2
- Morning Superstition Wilderness
- Afternoon Arizona Renaissance Festival
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
See
See Superstition Mountain Museum
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.
See Goldfield Ghost Town
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.
Do
Do 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 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)
Do Wave and Ridge
Premium jet skis, surf boats, pontoons, and side-by-sides available for rental. Located in Apache Junction just 5 minutes from Bulldog Canyon trails; delivery available to Scottsdale and surrounding areas. Perfect for lake days, off-road adventures, group outings, and event weekends. Booking rates vary by vehicle type and season. Reserve online or call for availability and same-day options.
Eat
Eat Dirtwater Springs (Dirtwater)
All you can eat fish-fry 3 days a week.
Eat Superstition Restaurant & Saloon (Tortilla Flat Saloon)
Although it's actually in Tortilla Flat, Arizona (pop. 6), Apache Junction is the closest recognizable town.
Sleep
Camping
Nearby
Queen Creek
City / town · 13 listings · 12 mi away
Gilbert
City / town · 33 listings · 15 mi away
Mesa
City / town · 62 listings · 16 mi away
Fountain Hills
City / town · 2 listings · 17 mi away
Chandler
City / town · 16 listings · 18 mi away
Tempe
City / town · 64 listings · 21 mi away
Scottsdale
City / town · 63 listings · 23 mi away
Guadalupe
City / town · 24 mi away
My experience
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