Apache Junction

About Apache Junction

Apache Junction Arizona is located in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, the most populous being in Pinal County. The city received its name due to the junction between the Apache Trail and US Highway 60. In the immediate area is the Superstition Mountain with its highest westernmost point close by. Apache trail began as an old stagecoach trail that passed all the way through the Superstition Mountains. When the Apache Indians crossed over the mountains using the old stagecoach trail it acquired the name Apache trail. Currently the trail connects Apache Junction with the edge of Phoenix to Theodore Roosevelt Lake and all the way through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. State Route 88 becomes part of Apache Trail east of Apache Junction. Most of Apache Trail has been paved and it becomes the main road going through Apache Junction, it then passes through Mesa and Tempe where it becomes Apache Boulevard where it ends at Mill Avenue. The trail is a very dangerous journey and larger vehicles are advised against taking it. There are forty miles of harsh, steep desert mountains with sheer drop offs without safety barriers. This part of the trail is not paved making it even more hazardous and there are unfathomably deep reservoir lakes such as Canyon Lake and Apache Lake. Weaver's Needle is a natural landmark where many visitors practice their rock climbing skills on this giant unique peak of volcanic ash fused together as a high column of seriously eroded remainder of the volcano. Many stories have been told of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine claiming that the Needles shadow points out the spot where the rich vein of gold can be found. The area surrounding Weavers Needle is riddled with holes, abandoned campsites, and various other items reflecting the number of treasure hunters who have unsuccessfully looked for that famous gold vein. Surrounding this magnificent milestone are mesquite bushes and the prominent Saguaro cactus. For those who are wanting to visit this area there are over 50 RV parks in Apache Junction. You can find lodging in many of the local areas as well if you do not want to visit in an RV. There are five Indian Reservations in the area. Two of them offer casino gambling for those with an interested in gambling.