Apache Junction Arizona

June 18, 2008 by Carl Chapman
Filed under Apache Junction

Apache Junction is located at the junction of several highways, United States Highway 60 (Superstition Freeway), United States Highway 89, and State Highway 88 (historically known as the Apache Trail). The city is approximately 35 east of Phoenix. Apache Junction is situated saddling both the Pinal and Maricopa County lines, at the base of the Superstition Mountains. A higher elevation of 1,715 feet and open desert landscapes make temperatures in Apache Junction a bit cooler, compared to other Valley of the Sun communities.

Because Apache Junction is so far from Phoenix itself, combined with the fact that the city is technically not a part of Maricopa County, there are those who believe that Apache Junction is not part of the Valley of the Sun. However, due to the amazing growth that this area has been experiencing, along with the difficultly in deciding when one city or town ends and another one begins.

Apache Junction seems more a part of the Valley of the Sun, than not. The city has a great location. Apache Junction’s proximity to Highway 60 (Superstition Freeway) provides good accessibility to other parts of the Valley of the Sun. The area has several major retail and commercial business located nearby. There are also many small businesses, which create a warm community feeling that Apache Junction is known for sharing with visitors and residents.

The old west charm can found in Apache Junction and in the surrounding areas. Just north of the city, there is a community called Tortilla Flats, Arizona. This tiny development is nestled in the Superstition Mountain Wilderness Area and includes six residents. Visitors will have the opportunity to saddle up to the bar (which really means “to saddle up” by sitting on cowboy saddles perched on wooden barrels) and enjoy a meal or snack. Tortilla Flats was once a famous stagecoach stop and still holds tales of rugged western Arizona life. It is one of many friendly southwestern spots to spend some time when living in Apache Junction.

Apache Junction serves as the doorstep to a variety of unique areas in the state of Arizona. It is the gateway to the Tonto National Forest, the Superstition Wilderness, the famous Apache Trail, the historic Old West Highway, and the Salt River Chain of Lakes. Because this part of the Valley of the Sun is so spectacular, Apache Junction has also become popular. Several movies and television shows have been filmed in and around town. Apache Junction is the center of it all.

The city grew up at the western end of Apache Trail (the junction of U.S. Highway 60 and State Highway 88). Route 88, the historic Apache Trail, was created to aid in the construction of Roosevelt Dam. The historic Apache Trail was used for transporting supplies between Phoenix and Globe. The road is still one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. It is winding breathtaking road that takes travels northward out of Apache Junction up toward a series of Arizona lakes. The Superstition Mountains are the majestic guardians of the Apache Trail. It is said that once this area is seen, it will always be remembered.

Apache Junction Golf Courses

Get into the swing of things in Apache Junction. Play a round of golf!

You might be surprised to find out how many golf courses are available for players. The Valley of the Sun has lots of golf courses that can challenge any level of golfer.

With so many golf courses available for players to try out, it is time to take a moment to look through the list of courses located close to Apache Junction. You will be on the green in no time.

Apache Junction History

Apache Junction’s amazing history dating back to the Peralta family arrival in 1840. The Peralta Family developed a rich gold mine in the Superstition Mountains on the eastern edge of Apache Junction.

then in the 1870s Jacob Waltz, as known as “the Dutchman” located a descendant of the Peralta Family. From the information given to him by this relative, Waltz re-discovered the gold mine. According to the Dutchman, who upon entering the Peralta Family mine said that the gold was so rich that it could be cut away with a knife. As the legend continues, in 1891, Waltz died without revealing the exact location of the mine.

Today, the legend carries on with individuals searching for the Lost Dutchman’s Mine in the Superstition Mountains. The legendary Superstition Mountains are a sight that residents never tire of gazing.

Apache Junction is in Central Arizona . It lies partially in Maricopa County and mostly in Pinal County. The Superstition Mountains stretch along the eastern side of town. Superstition Peak reaches 5,057 feet. It is located at the juncture of U.S. Highway 60, U.S. Highway 89 and State Highway 88. The town is most easily accessible by State Highway 60 (Superstition Freeway) from Phoenix. It is just 25 miles east of downtown Phoenix in the East Valley.

Apache Junction continues to attract those who want to escape the cold winter months in other parts of the country. Today Apache Junction’s population is 22,000. The town sits at an elevation of 1,715. The southwest dry climate gives Apache Junction a summer high temperature of 104 degrees and winter low temperature of 35 degrees. Apache Junction caters mostly to recreation seekers and retirees.

One of the first groups to the area was the Peralta family. The Peralta family traveled up from Mexico in 1840. The family developed a rich gold mine in the Superstition Mountains on the eastern edge of Apache Junction.

Then in the 1870’s Jacob Waltz, known as “the Dutchman” found a descendant of the Peralta family. The Dutchman supposedly located the mine. The Dutchman claimed that the gold in the mine could be cut away with a knife it was so rich. Needless to say, the Dutchman died in 1891 without revealing the mine’s exact location. Today the legend continues, along with the search for the Lost Dutchman’s Mine in the Superstition Mountains.

Apache Junction received its name due to its location. The town is at the western end of the Apache Trail, at the junction of U.S. Highway 60 and State Highway 88. The Apache Trail was created in 1905 as a route from Phoenix and Globe to the construction site of the Roosevelt Dam. The route helped to transport needed supplies. This route also parallels the Apache Indian’s ancient path through the canyons. The Apache Trail has continued to be one to of the most scenic drives in Arizona .

During 1922 a traveling salesman named George Cleveland Curtis decided to make this area his home. He chose this spot to sell sandwiches and water to those traveling along the highway outside of Phoenix. One year after arrival, Curtis filed a homestead claim and built the Apache Junction Inn.

By the 1950’s others arrived in town and began living in RV parks and small houses. There were enough residents at this time to form a town. They wanted to call it Superstition City. However, the name could not be changed because it was noted as a historical site. Thus, the name Apache Junction has stayed.

In 1978, Apache Junction was incorporated. Since then, the town has structured its growth and encouraged new businesses and homebuilders to come to the area. Apache Junction has long been a popular destination of winter visitors because of its mild winter climate. The town has attracted as many as 300,000 winter visitors a year.

Outdoor Recreation

Apache Junction is the perfect town to live, especially when it comes time to experiencing outdoor fun. Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Lake are all located within the Salt River Canyon which runs just to the north of town. This close distance to so many lakes gives residents many opportunities for water fun. Apache Junction is a paradise for outdoor recreational lovers.

Recreational enthusiasts find that living in Apache Junction provides many opportunities. The close proximity to Arizona lakes and forests allow for lots of choices. Waterskiing, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rock hunting (rock hounding), and much more are all within short driving distances from Apache Junction.

The Tonto National Forest contains spectacular scenery, ranging from the rugged desert to the tall cool pines. It is an ideal place for campers and hikers. The 5,055 foot tall Superstition Peak within the Superstition Mountains gives visitors hiking, horseback riding trails, and picnic areas.

The residents of Apache Junction are a blended group. Those who love water sports head up to nearby Canyon Lake to boat and fish, hikers and equestrian riders spend time on the trails in the Superstition Mountains, and those who want to relax and experience the gorgeous desert scenery each day spend time on their patios. Apache Junction has something for everyone.

There are several attractions in and around Apache Junction. The Goldfield Ghost Town was a gold mine boomtown in the 1890’s . Today the Mammoth Mine has been reconstructed, so that visitors can see what life was like back then. Visitors will see mining pieces, antique shops, an underground mine and railroad equipment. The town has exhibits you can tour, along with carriage rides, a railroad train tour and gold panning. The Apache Greyhound Park ‘N Swap is great place to shop for bargains in the morning and enjoy dog races in the afternoon. It is a day of fun.

Apache Junction’s location is ideal for outdoor activities. The famous Apache Trail is a winding road that takes drivers north out of town up to a series of lakes. This drive is one of the more breathtaking drives in the state.

The Lost Dutchman State Park is a 320-acre site with many activities available to its visitors. The Superstition Mountains offer hiking and the quest for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold. Legend has it that the gold is hidden somewhere in the mountains. There is a visitor’s center, camping, picnicking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails at the park.

Home in Apache Junction

Today, Apache Junction caters to recreation seekers and retirees. Many young dual income families with children have selected Apache Junction to be their home. Apache Junction residents make up a mixed age group, creating a great place to call home. There are a wide range of properties available in Apache Junction. Depending on an owners lifestyle, there is a home for everyone. From rural acreage properties to urban neighborhoods with single family homes, all of these and more are found in town. Apache Junction offers more.

From its small beginnings as a sandwich and water stopover, Apache Junction has grown. Many retirees have selected Apache Junction for it adult only communities. Several large neighborhood developments have been created in town to serve the many retires. Relocating to Apache Junction to escape the cold winter months in other parts of the country is a popular method of living. Apache Junction is the right place for retirees.

Another special community that has grown up near the city of Apache Junction is Gold Canyon. This development is approximately seven miles southeast of Apache Junction. Amazing views, golf, and quiet living are what have brought many residents to Gold Canyon.

Apache Junction Arizona Homes For Sale

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 246. See more city of Apache Junction real estate.
(all data current as of 3/13/2010)

$995,000 : 5438 E Cody Street, Apache Junction

5 beds, 4 full baths

Size: 4,654 sq ft

Lot size: 9.90 ac
$895,000 : 6658 E Superstition View Drive, Apache Junction

4 beds, 2 full baths

Size: 3,591 sq ft

Lot size: 1.90 ac
$850,000 : 1605 N Prospector Road, Apache Junction

3 beds, 3 full baths

Size: 2,861 sq ft

Lot size: 1.90 ac
$799,900 : 77 S Arroya Road, Apache Junction

3 beds, 2 full baths

Size: 2,414 sq ft

Lot size: 4.90 ac
$799,900 : 6357 E 14th Avenue, Apache Junction

5 beds, 3 full baths

Size: 3,100 sq ft

Lot size: 1.90 ac
$789,900 : 6694 E Superstition View Drive, Apache Junction

3 beds, 3 full baths

Size: 3,137 sq ft

Lot size: 1.90 ac
$739,000 : 7112 E Grand View Lane, Apache Junction

4 beds, 2 full baths

Size: 3,686 sq ft

Lot size: 1.90 ac
$679,000 : 4236 S Camino De Vida --, Apache Junction

3 beds, 3 full baths

Size: 3,146 sq ft

Lot size: 15,000 sq ft
$674,900 : 6899 E Grand View Lane, Apache Junction

3 beds, 2 full baths

Size: 3,900 sq ft

Lot size: 1.90 ac
$649,000 : 3855 E Safari Place, Apache Junction

6 beds, 7 full baths

Size: 6,025 sq ft

Lot size: 4.90 ac