Exploring Apache Junction: Top Spots to Visit with Your Rental Car
Apache Junction sits right at the edge of the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. It's about 40 minutes east of Phoenix, and it's one of those places where the Old West still feels alive. Having a rental car here changes everything. The best spots are spread out across the desert, and you need wheels to reach them. Public transportation barely exists.
But with your own car, you can explore hidden ghost towns, drive mountain roads that'll take your breath away, and stop wherever you want.
Let's talk about the best places you can visit when you've got a rental car in Apache Junction and a full tank of gas.
1. The Apache Trail Scenic Drive - Arizona's Most Beautiful Road
This drive is the main reason most people come to Apache Junction. The Apache Trail scenic drive starts right in town and winds through 40 miles of desert mountains, blue lakes, and canyons that look like movie sets. Theodore Roosevelt drove this road over 100 years ago and called it one of the most amazing sights in the world. He wasn't exaggerating. The first half is paved and easy.
Your rental car will handle it without any problems. You'll pass Canyon Lake, where the water looks impossibly blue against the red rocks. Saguaro cacti line the road like giant sentries. After a little town called Tortilla Flat, the road turns to dirt. This is where it gets excellent. The road gets narrower and hugs the side of the cliffs. You'll look down and see steep drops that make your stomach flip. But it's safe if you drive slowly and pay attention.
Getting There and What to Expect
Finding the Apache Trail scenic drive directions is super simple. From Apache Junction, take State Route 88 heading northeast. That's it. The road is literally called Apache Trail, so you can't miss it.
Plan on spending half a day on the Apache Trail, an Arizona scenic drive. Bring water, snacks, and a full tank of gas. There are no gas stations once you leave town. Start early if you're visiting in summer. The desert gets brutally hot by afternoon. Morning light is also better for photos. The whole drive takes about three hours if you don't stop. But you will stop. Trust me on that. Budget more time so you're not rushing.
2. Goldfield Ghost Town - Your First Stop
Right at the beginning of the Apache Trail scenic drive in Arizona, you'll see Goldfield Ghost Town on your left. This reconstructed mining town from the 1890s is like walking onto a Western movie set. Park your car and wander through the wooden buildings. There's a saloon, a general store, a blacksmith shop, and even a museum about the Old West. Arriving in a breathtaking convertible, especially a McLaren 720S Spyder, adds another layer of cinematic magic — and the desert wind and mountain scenery with supercar performance amplify it even more.
It is an educational spot and a great place to take travel photos or create content. Kids love the narrow-gauge train that circles the town. Adults usually end up loving it too. The 20-minute ride gives you good views of the Superstition Mountains. Before you leave, try the prickly pear fudge at the candy shop. It's made from cactus fruit and tastes like nothing you've had before.
3. Lost Dutchman State Park - Where Legends Begin
The Lost Dutchman legend is Arizona's most famous treasure story. A German guy supposedly found a massive gold deposit in these mountains back in the 1800s. He died before telling anyone where it was. People are still looking for it today. Lost Dutchman State Park sits right at the base of Superstition Mountain. Even without the gold legend, this park is gorgeous. The hiking here ranges from easy walks to serious climbs. The Treasure Loop Trail is about 2.4 miles and shows you classic desert scenery.
You'll see all kinds of cacti and maybe some wildlife like roadrunners or rabbits. For something shorter, try the Discovery Trail. It's only half a mile and mostly flat. More experienced hikers should check out the Siphon Draw Trail. It's steep and rugged, but it climbs up into the mountains where the views go on forever. The park also has camping if you want to sleep under the stars. Watching the sunset hit these mountains is something special.
4. Canyon Lake - Blue Water in the Desert
About 15 miles into your drive, Canyon Lake appears like a mirage. The bright blue water surrounded by desert cliffs is one of those views that stops you cold. The lake was created in 1925 when they built a dam. Now it's a popular spot for boating and fishing. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or pontoon boats to get out on the water. Fishing is good here, too - bass, catfish, and trout. You'll need an Arizona fishing license, though.
The Dolly Steamboat does 90-minute narrated cruises if you don't want to drive a boat yourself. The captain points out interesting rock formations and shares local history. There's a marina restaurant where you can grab lunch with a lake view. The food is decent, nothing fancy, but eating outside overlooking the water feels right.
5. Tortilla Flat - Population 6
This might be the smallest town you'll ever visit. Tortilla Flat officially has six residents. The entire town is basically a restaurant, a gift shop, and that's about it. But it's become a legendary stop on the Apache Trail. The walls and ceiling inside are covered with dollar bills signed by visitors. Thousands of them, layered over decades. The Superstition Saloon serves burgers and its famous chili. After driving those mountain curves, it hits the spot.
Try their prickly pear ice cream for dessert - it's bright pink and tastes like watermelon mixed with strawberry. Tortilla Flat marks where the pavement ends. Past here, the road turns to dirt. You'll need to decide if you want to continue or turn back.
6. Superstition Mountain Museum - The Whole Story
Start the drive to Superstition Mountain, one of the most spectacular vistas in Arizona. The exciting roads to the trailheads are a blast to enjoy in a performance sports car such as the Porsche GT3 for precision handling and smoothness. This museum sits on 14 acres and tells you everything about this area's wild history. It's a good stop before or after your drive. Inside, you'll find artifacts from mining days, Native American exhibits, and tons of stuff about the Lost Dutchman legend and all the treasure hunters over the years.
Outside is even better. The Elvis Chapel is a small white chapel that was built for a movie ranch. Elvis filmed scenes here for his 1968 movie Charro! There's also a massive model railroad showing Apache Junction's history in miniature. The detail is incredible - tiny buildings, trains, people, everything. Most of the outdoor exhibits are free. You only pay if you want to go inside the main museum building.
7. Apache Lake - For the Adventurous
If you keep driving past Tortilla Flat on that dirt road, you'll eventually reach Apache Lake. This is the most remote lake on the trail. Getting there means navigating narrow one-lane road sections with steep drops on one side. It's an adventure for sure. But if you're comfortable with that kind of driving, the reward is enormous.
Apache Lake stretches 17 miles through narrow canyons. The water is deep blue, the cliffs are dramatic, and you'll probably have the place mostly to yourself. There's a marina with boat rentals and a small restaurant. The fishing is excellent if you're into that. Some people camp here to really escape civilization for a while.
8. Theodore Roosevelt Dam - Historic Engineering
At the end of the Apache Trail sits Roosevelt Dam. When it was finished in 1911, it was the world's largest masonry dam. The dam created Roosevelt Lake, which is Arizona's largest lake. It supplies water to Phoenix and the surrounding areas. You can walk across the top and look down at the lake on one side and the spillway on the other. Information signs explain how it was built and why it mattered for Arizona's growth.
From here, you can turn around and drive back, or continue east to the town of Globe for a loop route. If you want to explore the best nearby areas, check out the scenic routes near Fountain Hills and enjoy must-see attractions by rental car.
When to Visit
Timing matters in the desert. Apache Junction is beautiful all year, but some months are definitely better than others. Winter through early spring (November to April) is perfect. Temperatures are comfortable for driving with your windows down and hiking. March and April bring wildflowers after winter rains.
Summer is scorching hot - over 100 degrees regularly. If you visit then, start your day at sunrise. By noon, you'll want to be back in your air-conditioned car. Fall is lovely too, especially October and November, when the intense heat has passed. Weekends get busy on the Apache Trail. Weekdays are better if you want fewer crowds.
Important Tips
Bring way more water than you think you need. The desert is dry, and dehydration sneaks up on you. Keep extra bottles in your car. Fill up your gas tank in Apache Junction before leaving. There are no gas stations until you reach Roosevelt Dam or beyond. Check your rental car agreement first. Some companies don't allow driving on unpaved roads. The dirt section of Apache Trail might violate your contract. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
The sun is intense even in winter. You'll be outside more than you expect. Your phone probably won't have service in remote areas. Download offline maps before you go or bring a paper map. Pack snacks and drinks in a cooler. There are very few places to buy food along the way. Take your time. This isn't a race. Pull over often, take photos, and enjoy what you're seeing.
Why a Rental Car Makes All the Difference
Having your own rental car in Apache Junction gives you complete freedom. You're not stuck on tour bus schedules or limited to places that buses can reach. Want to stop and take photos? Do it. Want to spend extra time at the ghost town? No problem. Feeling tired? Take a break whenever you need one.
You can also carry whatever you need. A cooler with cold drinks. Extra clothing for temperature changes. Hiking gear if you want to do trails. Most importantly, you explore on your own schedule. Some people rush through everything in half a day. Others take two full days. With your own wheels, you decide what works for you.
Your Desert Adventure Starts Here
Apache Junction offers something you won't find in many places - an authentic Old West atmosphere mixed with jaw-dropping natural beauty. The Superstition Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to everything you'll see. These jagged peaks have witnessed centuries of history. Ancient Native Americans lived here. Gold miners searched these canyons. Now modern adventurers like you come to explore.
With a rental car from Premier Luxury Club, you have the keys to unlock it all. Drive the scenic routes, visit the attractions, hike the trails, and make memories that stick with you. The desert surprises people. Many expect it to be dull and empty. Instead, they find it's full of color, life, and beauty that takes their breath away. So gas up your car, grab your camera, and hit the road. Apache Junction is waiting, and with your rental car, you're ready to discover what makes this place special. The only question is - where will you go first?
