The Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction can be regarded as both a paradise for hikers and treasure hunter’s alike, offering beautiful scenery as well as a chance to escape from the city.
The mountains, with a 160,000 acre range in east central Arizona, offer visitors a chance to explore the area and what it has to offer. The Superstition Wilderness Area is used by hikers, horseback riders, campers and even treasure hunters hoping to strike it rich.
The Superstition Mountain Museum, located in front of the actual mountain, houses different buildings to explore including a blacksmith shop and a barn; and it gives visitors a chance to learn about the surrounding area.
The Natural History Exhibit at the museum has displays of different local animals and reptiles that are frequently found in the mountains. Bobcats, Gila monsters and javelinas are famous for being seen by hikers on the mountain.
The museum in front of the mountain also has a Native American Exhibit. The exhibit has displays of Hohokam and Salado pottery and other artifacts as well as giving visitors a chance to learn about the Indians that once occupied the region.
The mountains also hold a secret that attracts hikers year round. The Lost Dutchman’s Mine is believed to be an area located somewhere in the mountain where gold is supposedly hidden. Jacob Waltz is rumored to have been the owner of the rich gold mine, but when he died in 1891, the location of the riches died along with him.
Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club is one of the sites in Apache Junction where the Superstition Mountains create a beautiful backdrop for visitors. The club has two golf courses, combined making it 36 holes of fun and challenging tee time. Visitors can also enjoy dinner at their exclusive restaurant as well as have the opportunity to stay at one of the club’s villas.
At the base of the Superstition Mountain, the Hieroglyphic Trail gives hikers the chance to see collections of Hohokam petroglyphs, and is considered a gentle trail for hikers of all levels. Hikers can then follow the steep trail up to Superstition Ridgeline, which gives the chance to see a view of the city from up above.
The Lost Dutchman State Park is an area with trails that lead from the camp to the Superstition Mountains. The park offers campsites, nature trails and a chance to experience native wildlife.
Come back in July; we’ll have more “Places to See” then!
