Apache Junction, Arizona

Catch a Sunset at Goldfield Ranch

Originally added by Jared Blitz

The draw of Goldfield Ranch is, in my opinion, its proximity to the Superstition Mountains. With that said, it's a great place to get a taste of the Wild West and for taking photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Although a tourist trap, Goldfield Ghost Town is a place any visitor might like stopping for a little food and a drink if they're hiking in the Superstition Mountains at the nearby Lost Dutchman State Park. It's certainly a place that has plentiful opportunities for some photography.

While there you can tour the old Mammoth Gold Mine, visit the Goldfield Museum, have a drink at the saloon, pay a visit to the bordello, and shop at little merchant stores. They have a handful of activities for children, as well, such as panning for fool's gold, a zipline, a small train, reptile exhibit, shooting gallery, mystery shack, and of course a good ol' fashioned fake gun fight.

Here's a website that gives more detail into the experience you can have at Goldfield: http://goldfieldghosttown.com/?page_id=9

Personally, I like arriving before sunrise when it is quiet to get some terrific shots of the ghost town and surrounding desert or at sunset when everything is closing up. Both times of day offer a different experience for photographers.

Entrance is free. Everything else costs money.