Apache Junction, Arizona

Apache Junction sits at the point where the Apache Trail and US Highway 60 meet. This is near Superstition Mountain, at the western end of the Superstition Mountains. Apache Junction actually straddles the county line between Pinal and Maricopa Counties but most of the folks live in Pinal County. Besides being in a baetiful location, Apache Junction's big claim to fame is the proximity of the Superstition Mountains and the famous Lost Dutchman Gold Mine legend. Supposedly, Jacob Waltz (the Dutchman) found a fabulously rich vein of gold ore in the Superstitions and then died, taking his secret with him. People are still combing the Superstition Mountain Wilderness looking for that mine... To see and learn the most about the legend, you should probably check out the Superstition Mountain Museum, about 3.5 miles northeast of Apache Junction at 4087 North Apache Trail. 7 miles east of Apache Junction on US 60 is the location of the Arizona Renaissance Festival (usually runs from early February to late March).

With 51 RV parks, Apache Junction must be a favorite among the snow bird set. As far as population growth goes, between 1970 and 2000, the population grew from about 2,400 to about 31,800.