RV Roddy

Nov 2024
Meridian RV Resort
Apache Junction, AZ

I spent 14 nights at Meridian RV Resort in Apache Junction AZ as part of my Thousand Trails membership at no cost. The amenities here are first rate but I was disappointed with the sites. Most of the 258 sites, including mine, have a 4-foot wide concrete entrance area to the RV between the tow vehicle and the RV. This is not enough room for any usable patio area so I never took any of my patio supplies out of the truck for my 2 weeks. The Resort has a great dog park we visited twice per day and although I registered with a dog, my site was as far as possible from the dog park yet the area around the dog park was almost empty. There is one central building in the center with a very nice pool, hot tub, putting green, billiards room, laundry room, and more. I was crowded into one rear corner of the Resort with others packed with vehicles. The sites are 90 degrees to the street, no angled sites, so with the crowded corner my site was extremely hard to back in. The resort is less than 2 miles from the Superstition Gateway shopping area in Mesa with everything you might need. There is also an Apache Junction Walmart with other shopping less than 2 miles away.
Meridian RV Site Map

Meridian RV Resort

Nov 2024
Goldfield Ghost Town

Just northeast of the Apache Junction city limits at the foot of the Superstition Mountains is The Goldfield Ghost Town. This is an authentic recreation of the mining town and really is like stepping into a 19th-century Old West gold rush town complete with wood plank sidewalks. Many of the buildings in the town are retail sellers with antiques, western memorabilia, handcrafted jewelry, and other unique souvenirs to satisfy your tourist trap needs. The Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon offers cowboy-inspired food and seemed like a neat place but my short time there didn't include a meal. You can wonder around the town for free but there are a couple of paid main attractions. The Goldfield Mine Tour takes approximately 25 minutes and cost $12 for adults and $8 for kids. The Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 1.5 mile track that circles the town lasting about 20 minutes. Same fees, $12 for adults and $8 for kids. There are other activities available listed at the Official Goldfield Website. Neat place to spend a little time and can be explored for free.

Goldfield Ghost Town

Nov 2024
Superstition Mountain Museum
Apache Junction, AZ

The Superstition Mountains Museum, also known as The Lost Dutchman Museum, is at the foot of the Superstition Mountains just outside the Apache Junction city limits on Highway 88 very near The Goldfield Ghost Town. The museum focuses on the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, Apache culture, and the pioneer history of the Arizona Desert. Some of the exhibits, including the Elvis Chapel, come from the Apacheland Movie Ranch which was the filming location for numerous Western movies and TV shows in the mid-20th century. Walking around the outdoor exhibits is free. Inside the gift shop there is a very interesting small museum with a $7 per adult fee. It is small and there is plenty to see for free but I found the indoor museum worth the small fee. The gift shop is packed with all your tourist trap needs. The museum has pottery, jewelry, and tools used by the Apache people, some of which date back centuries. I particularly enjoyed all of the old photographs and the personal belongings of early settlers including clothing, tools, and guns. There are also plenty of antique mining tools on display. An interesting place to visit that doesn't require all day.
Superstition Mountains Museum Website.

Superstition Mountain Museum
Superstition Mountain

Superstition Mountain Museum

Nov 2024
Tortilla Flat &
Canyon Lake

The drive to Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake takes you along the Apache Trail, modern day State Route 88, which is a winding road with sharp curves and switchbacks. Although the route demands your attention, the views of the Superstition Mountains and surrounding desert are stunning. Just a couple of miles before arriving in Tortilla Flat is the reservoir known as Canyon Lake surrounded by rocky cliffs. There is a marina here with a surprising number of boats in storage. The Dolly Steamboat offers 90-minute sightseeing tours where you can spot bighorn sheep and bald eagles. A couple of miles down from the lake is Tortilla Flat, a tiny historic town with a population of 6 which is the last surviving stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail. There is not much here but there are a couple of souvenir shops for unique gifts sure to satisfy your tourist trap needs. The Superstition Saloon is a Western-themed saloon decorated with dollar bills covering the walls and offers all your favorite bar food. This entire trip is only about 12 miles past the Goldfield Ghost Town so it's well worth your time. Just remember, the slow road there and back will take a while but the views are well worth it.

Tortilla Flat

Tortilla Flat
Canyon Lake