December 1, 2019 -Apache Junction, Arizona is a place that time forgot. Driving thru you can envision it thru the eyes of gold prospectors in the 1800s. With stunning mountains, windswept desert, and majestic saguaro cactus.
The Superstition Mountains hold many mysterious legends dating back to early times. Full of ancient cliff dwellings and caves with signs of former habitation. “Apache” came to be closely associated with the Superstitions, as the mountains became an Apache stronghold in the 1800s.
Our base camp was Lost Dutchman State Park. Named for Jacob Waltz, “the Dutchman” (but actually from Germany), was said to have located the rich gold mines developed by the Peralta family of Mexico in the 1840s. All but two of the Peraltas had been killed by the Apaches. Legend has it that Waltz, and his partner Jacob Weiser, located the mine with help from a Peralta descendant. They then, allegedly, hid one or more caches of gold in the Superstitions. Most stories place the gold in the vicinity of Weaver’s Needle, a well known landmark. Weiser was killed by Apaches, or according to some, by Waltz himself. Many versions of the “Lost Dutchman Mine” story exist, and several books and films have been done on the subject.
Some of the best hiking trails are located in this area. There are literally dozens of options for each skill set. Nearby is Usery Mountain Park which also offers camping, Lost Dutchman State Park, has some of the best views. Our favorite is a sunset hike on Treasure Loop trail. It is a moderate trail with a steady climb. The scenery changes with each season from wildflowers to snow capped boulders. Just outside the park heading east, is another fantastic hiking area. You will see a sign for N. 1st Water Road. Turn right. There are several trails in this area featuring sweep views, rock pools, even an abandoned cattle ranch.
Literally across the road from our campsite was Goldfield Ghost Town. The town of Goldfield at one point threatened to overtake Mesa, AZ as the gold mines thrived in the mid 1800s. Today, the tiny town on a hill is a fun place to experience what it might have been like then. Complete with gunfights, a train, and even gold panning. Shops are stocked with everything from fudge to cactus you can mail to friends. Starting to see a theme here? The Wild Wild West is alive and well in the eastern most part of the Phoenix, AZ Valley of the Sun.
Next we thought we would make a quick stop at the Superstition Mountain Museum to see the actual Wedding Chapel used for the Elvis Presley movie, Charro! The walls are lined with Movie Posters of films made in the area. And Elvis himself, well, a life size statue anyway, stands at the front. And, YOU CAN HAVE YOUR WEDDING HERE! It actually is a scenic location for such an important occasion, surrounded by the majestic Superstition Mountains. And our stop ended up being several hours. There was so much more to see at the museum. Definitely plan to visit. Everything outdoors is free. The museum building itself has a small fee, but really delves into the history of the area and Arizona.
The next day we drove thru the rolling hills filled with amazing 100 year old Saguaros to Canyon Lake. It is the smallest of the four Salt River Project lakes which bring fresh water to the populated cities in the Phoenix area. This lake, is one of the most majestic! But the only way to really feel the experience is to get your views from the water. Kayak, rent a boat, or kick back and enjoy the view by getting onboard the Dolly Steamboat. Steep cliffs of multiple coloring frame the lake, taming the lake waters and activity around it. You can spot Bald Eagles, Mountain Goats, and lots of other wildlife.
The tiny town of Tortilla Flat, was literally end of the trail. Our road thru the Wild Wild West was Apache Trail, AZ-88 no longer continues it’s winding path thru the mountains. Severe storms have recently washed the road out. But like everything in this desert area, the beauty of nature’s architecture has no competition.
