Fall in LOVE with The Superstition Mountains!

You probably wouldn’t associate this desert mountain range (in the middle of Arizona) with model trains, Elvis Presley, and lakeside camping. Truth be told, all three have very strong roots here, and if you ever frequent the Apache Junction area, be sure to stop into Superstition Mountain Museum to find out more. Our “short hike” that we thought we would be taking, turned into a two day exploration, and man oh man did we have a great time!

About Superstition Mountains

The Superstition Mountains are a range of mountains located east of Phoenix, Arizona, near the city of Mesa. The mountains are known for their rugged terrain, majestic peaks, and stunning desert landscape. They are also steeped in myth and legend, and are believed by many to be the site of the legendary Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The Superstition Mountains are home to a number of popular hiking trails, including the Peralta Trail, the Siphon Draw Trail, and the Lost Dutchman’s Trail. These trails offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the mountains up close, and to see a variety of wildlife and desert plants. In addition to hiking, the Superstition Mountains are a popular destination for rock climbing, camping, and horseback riding. The area is also home to a number of historic sites, including the old mining town of Goldfield and the ruins of an ancient Native American village. Despite their beauty and popularity, the Superstition Mountains can be a dangerous place. Visitors are advised to take precautions, including carrying plenty of water, dressing appropriately for the weather, and staying on designated trails.

Walking around, we began to notice how deep in history this place truly is. Many people have lost their lives in this area, due mainly to the terrain, but also to a plane crash and many mining expeditions. There was a lot to see, not just hike, and the more we explored, the more surprising this day got.

A Devastating Ending

On February 6, 2021, a small plane crashed in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona, killing all six people on board. The group had been flying from Scottsdale to Safford, Arizona, for a day trip to go camping and fishing. However, as they approached the Superstition Mountains, they encountered dense fog and low visibility. The plane, a Cessna 210, crashed into the mountainside at an elevation of approximately 5,800 feet. It took several hours for authorities to reach the wreckage, which was scattered across a large area. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent a team to investigate the cause of the crash and initial reports suggested that weather conditions may have played a role in the accident. Later, the NTSB released a preliminary report stating that the plane had crashed into terrain while attempting to climb over the mountains. The tragedy has deeply affected the families and friends of the victims, as well as the local community. The Superstition Mountains are known for their rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, making them a challenging area for flying. These pieces of plane are from the actual crash and serve as a reminder how dangerous and treacherous this terrain can be.

As we walked around, we saw samples of old mining equipment, an old mill, and even a small “Boot Hill” graveyard. We took lots of photos and really enjoyed our little self guided “tour” through the superstition desert. We didn’t even get a chance to hike up the mountain, when we turned a corner and saw the biggest and most elaborate outdoor model train set up we had ever seen. There were a few older men controlling it, and handing out pieces of paper with items to find on the train set as a treasure hunt. It was really fun to participate and see how this massive set up works.

But that surprise was NOT going to be the best surprise of the day!!!

The BEST Surprise Yet!

As we left the train set we walked over to a little gift shop to check out what was there and maybe buy myself a patch. I collect patches now that I am a fulltime RVer because they are small, lightweight, and I can sew them onto one blanket as a reminder of all the places we’ve been. What we found in that gift shop was so freaking good:

We found out that we were in the presence of an old Elvis movie set and within that gift shop was memoribelia from the movie. We were in awe with all the info that was in that shop. I didn’t take any photos inside, only a video, but we did see all kinds of cool stuff from the movie.

Fun Fact: It was the only movie that Elvis starred in that he did not sing. It was also the only time he was filmed with a full beard. If you’re wondering what movie this was, it was called “CHARRO”.

Exploring Beyond Apache Trail

The Apache Trail is a scenic driving route that runs through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, USA. The trail was originally a stagecoach route used in the late 1800s, but is now a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning desert landscapes and historical significance. The trail begins in Apache Junction and winds its way through rugged terrain, crossing the Salt River and passing by several historic sites, including the ghost town of Goldfield, the Lost Dutchman State Park, and the Roosevelt Dam. Along the way, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and scenic overlooks. Overall, the Apache Trail offers visitors a unique glimpse into Arizona’s natural beauty and rich history, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the state.

We ventured out the next day to see more of the Apache Trail. We didn’t really know what to expect, but the experience we were having in that area so far was so good, we craved more. We drove and drove until we couldn’t go any further. We discovered a lake called “Canyon Lake” and a really nice campground right on the water. It was a quiet place, a diamond in the rough if you will, right in the middle of nowhere.

We drove through Tortilla Flats, as far as we could go, until the road ended. We turned around and came back the same way, and had a really nice drive through the backroads of Apache Junction and the Superstition Mountain Area. If you ever find yourself in the Mesa Arizona area, make this a definite stop on your journey. There are many places to camp like the Lost Dutchman State Park and Canyon Lake Marina and Campground. If we ever go back, I will add more to this post because I know there is much more to see out there that we missed.