What's good in or around Apache Junction, Arizona?

October 30, 2022 9:12 PM

Two women in our early 60s will visit Apache Junction for a few days before Christmas. I lived there 25 years ago but haven't been back. We have a place to stay already. We plan to hit Goldfield Ghost Town and Boyce Canyon Arboretum. Is kayaking available in the area? Anything else we shouldn't miss? Anything special likely to be going on for the holidays?

The Apache Trail and strenuous hiking are out, but light hiking is possible. We live in New Mexico, so bog-standard Mexican food we can probably get at home.

posted by NotLost to Travel & Transportation around Apache Junction, AZ (3 answers total)

Response by poster: To clarify, we know the Apache Trail is a road, and we don't plan to drive it.
posted by NotLost at 9:14 PM on October 30, 2022

Best answer: Butcher Jones Recreation site at Saguaro Lake has non-strenuous hiking/walking with some really stellar views. You may also catch a glimpse of the Salt River Wild Horses at some point. Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake is quite nice. There is some really really nice hiking up at the end of Meridian Road. Just go north on Meridian until it ends. Park, and do some hiking - as easy or as difficult as you’d like. We’ve enjoyed taking a ride to Tortilla Flats and getting an ice cream cone. Kayaking - not sure about the levels of Salt River during that time, but I believe you can kayak around Saguaro Lake (and probably Canyon Lake). If you want Salt River kayaking, I’d check with Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch that has guided kayaking even if just to ask them what river levels are for that time of year. I don’t know of anything holiday specific for AJ (I’m sure there is plenty but I just am not that familiar with AJ happenings), but Mesa and surrounding areas have stuff like the temple lights in downtown Mesa, Zoo Lights, etc.
posted by Sassyfras at 8:27 AM on October 31, 2022

Response by poster: Thanks! We will hit the Dolly and the kayaking. Maybe hiking, too.
posted by NotLost at 9:34 PM on October 31, 2022