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Apache Junction is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, also known as The Valley of the Sun. The town is located east of Phoenix in Pinal County. The population as of July, 2009 was 34,284. The town got its name because it is at the junction of the Apache Trail and the old US 60 highway, now known as the Old West Highway.

The town is nestled in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. The Superstitions got their name from the belief of the Apache Indians that the mountains concealed a passage to the underworld. Locals call the Superstions "the Supers", "the Battleship", "the Flat Iron" or simply "The Mountain". "The Mountain" is the second most painted, drawn or photographed landmark in Arizona - second only to the Grand Canyon. "The Mountain" even made a cameo appearance in the Clint Eastwood movie, "The Gauntlet".

Apache Junction has long been a popular stopping point for travelers, including President Theodore Roosevelt, who was the namesake of a dam and lake near Apache Junction. Apache Junction has more than 50 RV parks to accommodate visitors, and has a number of boarding stables, for those visitors who want to experience the beauty of the area from the back of their own horse. Another popular destination is Lost Dutchman State Park, named for the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine. Other local attractions include Goldfield Ghost Town and the Superstition Mountain Museum.

Popular activities in and around Apache Junction are hiking, rockhounding and prospecting, horseback riding and golf, as well as other outdoor activities. There are several galleries in Apache Junction, which support an active artist community. Festivals and celebrations in Apache Junction include the Arizona Renaissance Festival, Lost Dutchman Days, Festival of the West and Apacheland Days. The Lost Dutchman Marathon is an internationally recognized marathon; runners come from all over the world to participate.

Though called a city, Apache Junction retains its small town ambiance and treasures its Western heritage. Famous visitors to Apache Junction include Ronald Regan, Elvis Presley, Burt Reynolds, Audie Murphy, Chuck Connors, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, DickPowell, Steve McQueen, Stella Stevens, Linda Evans, Sarah Miles and many more. Apache Junction has had a long association with the movie and television industry, including films such as "Charro", "The Gambler II" "The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing" and "Point Last Seen" as well as TV shows including "Have Gun Will Travel", "Death Valley Days" and "Wagon Train".

There are many small businesses, specialty shops and restaurants in downtown Apache Junction. They range from clothing and jewelry stores, to antiques, health food, and other specialty stores. Part of the charm of visiting Apache Junction is the fact that you won't find many of the "big box" retail stores here. There's a fantastic view of "the Mountain" from just about anywhere in town as a bonus!