Gold Canyon is an unincorporated upscale community just east of Apache Junction with a median age of 55 years of age. Although the median age is higher than its nearby neighbor, it is far from stodgy--rather it is a very polished southwestern community that has no real equivalent.
The captivating sense of awe that overwhelms the onlooker when taking in a sunrise, as the mountain glows a fiery red, is the single reason most often cited when residents are asked why they chose to live in Gold Canyon. Those stunning views have been the design inspiration for residential homebuilders and resort developers in Gold Canyon since its inception.
William W. Creighton was so inspired by the area, when he arrived in Apache Junction in the late fifties, that he built Apacheland Movie Ranch on Kings Ranch Rd. Will Rodgers attended the groundbreaking ceremony and the very first set constructed was for Death Valley Days starring Ronald Reagan and Robert Taylor.
That was just the beginning, as other Hollywood heavy hitters would follow in the ensuing years to film some of our favorite westerns, including Audie Murphy, John Wayne, Steve McQueen, Jason Robards, Kenny Rodgers, Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The only building to remain after two devastating fires is the little white church from Charro, the western classic starring Elvis Presley. It is now a museum that holds last remnants of artifacts from the studio.
The Gold Canyon Golf Resort offers “
An Extraordinary Escape from the Ordinary”, it is the perfect place to drink in the magnificence of the Superstitions. Playing 18 holes on the Dinosaur Golf Course, Arizona’s Number one public course, provides a panoramic view from every tee box, and is a challenge for even the most experienced golfer. The resort's spa offers a full line of products and services designed to cater to its guests’ body, mind, and soul. Kokpelli’s is not only frequented by resort guest, but locals who rave about their Pork Osso Bucco.
The resort is not the only attraction in Gold Canyon that brings visitors to Gold Canyon.
The Don Donnelly D Spur Ranch and Stables, an actual working cattle ranch, offering a view of the breath taking scenery of Gold Canyon from the trails and from a cowboy’s perspective, has been bringing folks to the area since 1980. Those who knew Don Donnelly, said he was a mountain of a man with a true heart of gold, who loved and appreciated this community and the surrounding high desert area with its storied history. In true western fashion he guided riders on tours of the area, masterfully spinning tales from the past, that are said to have completely enthralled his “friends” riding the trail with him. Whether you knew Don, five minutes or five years, he called you friend and he meant it. That same genuine love of people, the area and it's history are still what visitors are treated to when they set out on the trails with the stables guides today.
Gold Canyon is a small community but its thoughtful planning has made it a wonderful place to live. Should you choose to become a part of this community you can find a wonderful home in a master-planned community or more exclusive luxury custom home on the fringes of the community, bordered by state lands ensuring you will always enjoy unobstructed view of the surrounding beauty.
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